Andy Irons: Kissed by God

2018 • 100 minutes

About this movie

Three-time world champion surfer Andy Irons quietly battled with bipolar disorder and opioid addiction throughout his life - demons that millions of people worldwide combat daily. Born and raised on Kauai with his brother Bruce, Andy was an incredible presence on the world surfing stage. Revered around the world for his blue-collar rise to fame and success, he became known as the “People’s Champion” and the pride of Hawaii. At the same time, many of his friends and most of his fans were unaware of his internal struggle that ultimately led to his untimely demise. As the opioid crisis rises to a national emergency in the United States, the untold story of Andy’s life serves to tear down the myths associated with these two ferocious diseases. Executive Produced by Chris Hemsworth and featuring in-depth interviews with Andy’s family, his wife Lyndie Irons, as well as friends and competitors Kelly Slater, Nathan Fletcher, Joel Parkinson, Sunny Garcia, and more.

Ratings and reviews

A sad documentary about a man's talent being ravaged by self-doubt and mental illness. Most of the people interviewed in the film don't come out of it very well, as there's the real sense of people standing by and watching someone's life visibly hit freefall and doing nothing to help. The overriding feeling as an audience member is of wanting to reach out and help the guy but being powerless to do so.

Beautiful documentary. There wasn't a dry eye in our house. Thank you so much for sharing Andy's life and love story. The heartbreaking effects Bi-Polar Disorder and Addiction have on families and our children. This is truly an educational tool that can be used to help raise awareness to those who struggle with addiction, mental health disorders and families all over the world. My heart goes out to Lyndie, Axel, Bruce and the Irons family. Always.

Great Documentary... A.I. Forever. Life is full of chances and consequences... just got to know your limits... not everyone is alike and how we handle the outcome of our decisions is all up to the individual. Some are stronger and some are weaker. Amen God Bless You Andy Irons