Film Review - Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story
Images courtesy of Roadshow Films.
When discussing women in tennis, big names like Serena Williams or Billie Jean King are usually the first to come up in conversation. However, despite never reaching world No. 1, Australia’s Jelena Dokic should clearly be hailed as one of the greats. While Dokic was a skilled and exciting tennis prodigy, it is her harrowing and courageous fight off the court that truly solidifies her legacy as a player. This is the subject of the documentary Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story, an eye-opening tale of triumph and survival.
The film chronicles Dokic’s rise from refugee to one of tennis’s biggest stars. Born in Croatia, Dokic and her family fled to Sydney to escape war when she was just eleven-years-old. She soon burst onto the scene as one of tennis’s brightest and most accomplished newcomers, competing in Grand Slams around the world and reaching the coveted spot of world No. 4. Despite her success, however, it was a very different story behind the scenes. Dokic suffered unimaginable physical and mental abuse at the hands of her violent and domineering father Damir Dokic, who controlled her throughout her career. As a teenager, Dokic faced negative attention and scrutiny from the public thanks to Damir’s aggressive behaviour, and tabloids overshadowed her own game. Damir was unhinged and ruthless, but as the title of this film suggests, young Dokic was indeed unbreakable.
With the abuse being the dramatic focus of this documentary, Dokic is completely vulnerable and transparent, opening up about her trauma and experiences. Viewers may have previously heard tidbits about Dokic’s tumultuous upbringing, but they were likely unaware of the full extent of Damir’s brutality towards his daughter. Dokic bravely reveals the verbal and psychological degradation she faced, as well as the fact that she was beaten by Damir to the point of unconsciousness. It’s difficult to watch and a shock to hear, making one question how he could have possibly gotten away with this cycle of abuse for so long.
Remarkably, however, Dokic was still able to thrive as an athlete. Despite everything she was going through at home, Dokic always gave a knockout performance on the court and proved just how gifted she was. Sadly, it makes one wonder how much further she could have gone in her career had she been supported and loved by her family. It is Dokic’s strength and willpower that truly radiates throughout this documentary. How she was able to come back from such a horrific situation and turn her life around is nothing short of remarkable. By telling her story, Dokic is able to reclaim her voice after years of being told what to say and do by her father.
Unbreakable is a celebration of Dokic as both a player and a person, cementing herself as one of the greatest names in tennis and a true role model. The film also advocates the importance of greater protection for young people, especially women, in sport and the public eye. Dokic’s story will undoubtedly encourage others in similar situations to speak up and break free from the turmoil they face.
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Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story is screening in cinemas now. For tickets and more info, click here.