Every sport has its rebels--those who change the way the sport is looked at and respected. In the mid-’70s, those rebels in surfing were a group of six men from Australia and South Africa, and they paved the way for a new era of surfing. Audiences get a glimpse of their story in the documentary Bustin’ Down the Door, directed by Jeremy Gosch and narrated by Edward Norton; it’s a story of creating a surfing revolution even when it wasn’t welcomed.

Surfing in the ’70s was a lot like everything else in the ’70s: all about being free and just living to do what you love. The place to surf and live freely was in Hawaii, but a few men were about to rush onto the scene and rile everyone up. This group of men included Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew, Peter Townend, Mark Richards, Ian Cairns and Shaun and Michael Tomson, who had all grown up surfing in their own way and knew that they were good at it.

Bustin’ Down the Door brings viewers the story of these men’s initial hardships, trying to get recognized as talented surfers in Hawaii. They knew that if they could make it there then they would live up to their belief that they were truly the best. Mark, the humble surfer of the group, got his recognition first. Being allowed into one of Hawaii’s major competitions, he represented his five other friends. Along the way, viewers get to know ‘Rabbit,’ the cocky surfer who could easily back up his claims; Shaun, the most successful surfer from South Africa; Ian, who was often considered one of the best during this time; and Peter, who quietly made his own way. While surfing in Hawaii was considered a quiet and laid-back activity, these men stormed in riding every wave they could in any way imaginable.

While these men were out making names for themselves, they were also just trying to get by and create a way to make a living off of surfing. Audiences hear about how they had to be loud and make a scene in order to get noticed and gain some surfing respect. Needless to say, this didn’t rub everyone the right way, as making surfing an organized sport sort of went against the grain of what it’s always meant to people. Viewers then get the views of “Fast Eddie” Rothman, a native Hawaiian who might or might not have been involved in trying to keep these men out of Hawaii and away from their waves.

Most of the movie shows audiences a group of young, fun-loving, determined men who simply seemed to have rubbed some of the Hawaiians the wrong way. But while Bustin’ Down the Door is positive for the first three-quarters or so, viewers do get to see a more negative side. Since these men didn’t play along with Hawaiian rules, they ended up paying the price. This is possibly the only part of the film that seems a little biased. Audiences quickly feel sympathy towards these men, when it could be easy to look at the other side of the story. Surfing has always come across as a sport where those who participate in it undoubtedly respect all others involved; however, these men made it known from the start that they felt they were the best in the sport. They rebelled against Hawaiian culture, and audiences are made to feel for them when it could be quite easy to feel for the Hawaiian surfers who just wanted surfing to be a free and personal experience. Unfortunately, viewers never get that chance.

What this documentary does bring viewers, though, is a closer look at a life that is harder than one would have thought--and more amazing, too. The footage is simply incredible and gives audiences a chance to see some of the best in the sport at their prime. Even for those walking into the theater who have no idea how these men changed the ways of surfing, it is easy to see why they are so respected and why what they have done has had such a huge influence on other surfers by the time the credits roll.

Bustin’ Down the Door is a documentary viewers will enjoy and one that’s sure to leave audiences wanting more. And by its conclusion, it’s easy to see that these six men still have what it takes to be the best.

Bustin’ Down the Door is now playing in limited release.

For more information, visit bustindownthedoor.com.