Flying

A 1986 Canadian drama film directed by Paul Lynch. The story follows a teenage girl named Robin (Olivia d'Abo) who, after a car accident that killed her father and left her with a leg injury, is forced to stop her gymnastics pursuits. Her mother, Marge (Samantha Langevin), marries Jack (Sean McCann), who mistreats Robin. Despite prohibitions, Robin secretly continues training in an abandoned warehouse with the support of her friends—bus driver Roy (Eugene Clark) and security guard Fred (Denis Simpson). Enrolling in a new school in Buffalo, New York, Robin catches the attention of classmate Tommy (Keanu Reeves), who repeatedly attempts to ask her out but fails, as Robin is infatuated with Mark (Anthony Kramreither Jr.), the boyfriend of Leah (Renee Murphy), one of the leaders of the school's gymnastics team, the "Buffalo Flyers." Within the team, Robin faces bullying from Leah and her friend Stacy (Samantha Logan) but finds an ally in fellow gymnast Carly (Jessica Steen). Through relentless training, Robin regains her form and earns a spot on the team. However, Leah and Stacy play a cruel prank on her, leading her to believe that Mark has romantic feelings for her. Disheartened, Robin turns her attention to Tommy, who by then has started interacting with other girls. Shortly before a significant regional gymnastics competition in Niagara Falls, Robin is selected to compete. During this period, her mother passes away, prompting Robin to leave her stepfather's house. Her relationship with Tommy deepens, and they become a couple. With his support and Carly's assistance, Robin continues her rigorous training. At the competition, Robin stands in second place behind Leah before the final balance beam routine. Jack's unexpected arrival leads to a confrontation where he assaults Robin, but Roy and Fred intervene to protect her. Summoning all her determination, Robin delivers a flawless routine, earning a perfect score of 10 and securing victory in the competition. The film delves into themes of overcoming adversity, self-belief, and the pursuit of dreams, showcasing the resilience of a young girl striving for success despite numerous challenges.