Having now watched all four episodes, I realize how much this band meant to me and also an entire nation. While some of us in the U.S. followed the Hip and understood, Canada embraced them as a national treasure.
Generations of Canadians bought their albums, went to their shows, shared the experience with their kids and created their legacy as a family. People sang their songs at parties, campfires and reunions. They became a fixture in Canadian culture. Ultimately, a nation mourned over their shared sorrow in first losing Gord Downie as a person and then knowing that the Hip was no longer a functioning unit.
Nothing lasts forever, but the memories are quick to return. Being able to resurrect the feelings of wonder and excitement through this film has been a true pleasure.
A reminder that this is no dress rehearsal - this is our life.
