The CNN/HBO Documentary film does not hesitate to revere Reeve for the extraordinary way he lived his life after his accident. (At one point, the movie even juxtaposes real-life footage of Reeve moving the 1996 Democratic National Convention to tears, with footage of Reeve, in character, speaking before the United Nations in Superman IV.)

But one of the things that makes Super/Man stand out is its unwillingness to turn Reeve into an over-simplified beacon of bravery and hope. It strikes a balance between giving Reeve the respect he deserves without once glossing over the depth of his hardships. Robin Williams’ support and friendship, incidentally, was one of the things that lifted his spirits during his lowest moments. (The footage of Williams’ eulogy at Reeve’s funeral is nothing less than devastating.)

A photo by Herb Ritts, taken of Christopher Reeve after the accident that paralyzed him. (Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)

Adding to an already tragic story, Reeve’s beloved wife Dana died just 18 months after her husband, struck down by an aggressive form of lung cancer, despite never having smoked. Their son Will was just 13 at the time. (“I’ve been alone since then,” he somberly states here.) Will and his half-siblings Alexander and Matthew — both from Reeve’s previous relationship with Gae Exton — have continued working with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation ever since.

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‘Super/Man’ Is a Portrait of Perseverance in the Face of Unfathomable Tragedy