EPTLike warriors wielding peripherals from their sponsors instead of the traditional swords and shields, progamers seemed untouchable. At MLGs, at Dreamhacks, they glowed with an aura (not to be confused with the much-talked-about ambient body odor), the power of hundreds of thousands of nerds compelling them.
Even when I see some give awkward interviews, I’d chalk it up as a quirk. “The brain only has so much space to fill, and it’s filled with delicious nerd power,” I’d think to myself, “There is no room for social sensibilities.”
I, like so many others, very much looked forward to the release of ‘Liquid Rising’. It seems camera crews from various productions have been following people around forever - Star Nation, EG, Tastosis and, of course, Team Liquid. The anticipation has been fervent.
I wanted a fly-on-the-wall view of dreams being realised or crushed.
I wanted tears, tantrums, laughter.
I wanted exclusive access to after-parties.
I wanted the TLO topless shot in the trailer not to be the pinnacle of smut, but only a taste of what was to come.
I didn’t get those things.
Probably for the best.
However, in return for my shiny Australian dollars, I got so much more than I expected.
‘Liquid Rising’ is not quite for people new to competitive Starcraft 2, and not quite for people who are well-versed in esports or Team Liquid specifically. It treads a sometimes disappointing line in that respect, and I have heard that in the documentary’s criticisms. Slightly extended player profiles, it seemed, with an insight into Liquid’s principles. Informative, yes, but perhaps not what was expected. It didn’t quite offer enough information for people new to the scene, nor did it offer much new information to those of us who are already here.
We humans love storytelling and ‘Liquid Rising’ lacked it. There was no solid narrative from beginning to end, and that clearly disappointed some. When the story of HuK leaving Liquid is briefly touched on towards the end, we feel as though we were pulled away too soon.
But if we step back from our fickle expectations (as well we should - as the first released SC2 esports documentary, we should allow ‘Liquid Rising’ a bit of breathing space), and keep our little nerd eyes and ears and minds open, we spot the flickers of humanity.
Sheth sharing the story behind his name, matter-of-fact, almost stoic - you watch his face, his eyes, waiting for the emotion to come, and you are shown nothing, except for a small lump in his throat, from which you are quickly whisked away.
Ret discussing his lack of results - “Having talent is nice. But when they say talent, what I think is ‘unused potential’...talent doesn’t really get you anything.”
The long shot of HerO losing to HuK, watching him slowly fall into disappointment before crashing at the bottom, juxtaposed with him being overwhelmed with emotion after winning Dreamhack.
TLO’s story of when he first met Nazgul, Nony discussing his depression, HerO’s lack of belief in himself...
These are just a few examples. The little windows into the players’ realities are unexpected, and something that could only be achieved through a film like this.
‘Liquid Rising’, in small bursts, brings its players down from their pedestals, but in doing so, lifts them to reality, therefore making what they achieve, despite their obstacles, all the more admirable.
We may not have our stories, our revelations, our strong narrative, our Team Liquid topless dance party, (...just me? Oh, OK), but what we do have is Nazgul’s humble passion, his belief unwavering, his goals set, and the deeply flawed yet hardworking, talented players who believe in the direction he is taking them.
‘Liquid Rising’ may not have been what you wanted it to be.
But it was a well-produced, well-thought-out, professional documentary,
that just so happened to make men out of gods.
Note to self: Stop fucking posting writing at 5am, you silly hipster bitch, get some sleep. Tomorrow Self is very disappointed in your Now Self. VERY DISAPPOINTED.
