Bull run

The Last Dance unravels the legend of Michael Jordan and his Chicago Bulls

469161197 Getty Images

The 1990s Chicago Bulls basketball team that stormed its way to six NBA championships in eight years was more than just a team of supreme athletes. "They were a fascinating assortment of personalities," says an interviewee in the The Last Dance, a 10-part documentary series that chronicles their final hurrah. Central to it is the story of an enigma named Michael Jordan.

In the 20th century sporting world, many greats stand out. But in terms of global image and brand equity, Jordan was second to none. He could sell a hundred different products from buttons to Chevrolets with the same ease that he stunned opponents and audiences with his dunks, jump shots, steals and midair acrobatics. And yet, since he hung up those Air Jordans, the world has seen or heard very little of Jordan.

But, when he started to feel that his image of an all-time great was under threat— thanks to LeBron James hitting peak form in 2016—he finally agreed to part with never-before-seen inside footage of that final 1997-98 Bulls season. Prior to the season, the Bulls gave a film crew unprecedented access to film them for the entire year, and Jordan was given full control over it. But, for nearly two decades, multiple producers approached the legend with proposals, but none of them got close to the reels. Producer Mike Tollin eventually presented an irresistible proposal, and Jordan let him in.

The series depicts how a middling team that was barely able to fill its stands rode high on the Jordan revolution. And how it went from being a one-trick pony after Jordan's arrival in the 1980s to a near-invincible stallion in the following decade, thanks to a team built around him.

Given Jordan's daunting presence and the absence of any such work on him, one cannot blame Tollin and director Jason Hehir for making it as much a documentary about Jordan as it is about the Bulls. Ironically, it also emphasises that the multiple title-winning Bulls team was more than just Jordan. In a non-linear storytelling format, it carefully weaves in the backstories of key members of the group and how the dynasty was built. The interviews with players and coaches of both the Bulls and their opponents give fresh insights to many iconic moments.

At some points, it does seem like they tried to fit too many themes into the series. But it is worth the build-up to that successful yet chaotic season that eventually ended with the disbandment of the core team. Available on Netflix, it is a series made purely for the sports fanatic. It was scheduled for a June release, but was brought forward to target the millions stuck at home craving sporting action. Another business decision that Jordan would be proud of.