Continuing a recent trend with documentaries, Mary and I sat down last night and watched Murderball. Murderball tells the story of men from the United States quadraplegic rugby team as they make their way towards the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004. It is a hard hitting, rough, in your face documentary that echoes the ferocity of the sport. The movie chronicles the lives of several different men from the United States team as well as Joe Soares, an American cut from the US team due to age, who seeks his revenge by becoming the coach of the Canadian team.
Make no mistake, these guys are athletes in the truest and purest sense of the word. Watching Murderball now, during Olympic season, fires the fuel of patriotism even more as you watch these competing nations duke it out for gold. The documentary goes far beyond the action on the court, however, and reveals an intimate portrait of men whose lives were forever changed by a wide variety of horrific accidents and illnesses. There are some truly touching stories here and the men that the documentary focuses on are all personable, charismatic, rough and tumble guys that you can’t help but like as you watch their stories unfold.
The men of Murderball have all been quadraplegic for years and have learned to thrive despite any initial setbacks. To get a different perspective the film makers chronicle time in a young man’s life, Keith Cavill, starting 4 months after a motorcross accident leaves him paralyzed. It gives a very real look into what early life was like for the rugby players and the film makers interconnect these two stories in a very cool and touching manner.
Murderball is not a movie to watch with the kids on your lap…unless of course you want your kids to perfect their skill at using expletives. It is a very real movie that meets these guys where they are. It also tackles the question that the guys insist is on everyone’s mind: can you still have sex? Though funny and sometimes graphic this issue is addressed maturely in Murderball.
I cannot really say much more without ruining the film. What I will say is that even if you are not a particularly avid sports fan Murderball is a great film that has something for everyone. Family relationships, friendship, romance, team work, individual accomplishment, triumph, pain, pride and spirit all find their way into this film. Murderball is an entertaining film from start to finish and I highly recommend a viewing. And after you watch the film I suggest watching both the follow up with Joe Soares Q and A and the Jackass Murderball short in the extras section. Yes, the Jackass feature is exactly what you would expect but it is a fun watch just the same.
To view the trailer click here to go to the main Murderball site.
I was dying to see this documentary, and have missed it for some reason (or maybe it was never released in France).
When I was in Sydney, I was lucky enough to work with the French wheelchair basketball team. That sport is truly exceptional, so I can only imagine what wheelchair rugby is like.
I remember that this got quite a bit of coverage, but don’t think it actually made it to my local cinema, which was disappointing as I really want to watch it.
Must watch out for it on dvd now.
I saw this at the theater (Screenland) last year. It is an excellent film.
Any praise it has gotten is well deserved because it is a great film.
Sounds like a fun job in Sydney, Anne!
I heard about this film when it came out last year and I have been waiting for it to come out on DVD. I had forgotten about though so thanks for reminding me Carl.
I also have a question for mosker. How was the Screenland theater in comparison to the giant AMC theatres in screen size and sound quality? I have read about it the paper but don’t know anyone that has gone to it yet to ask there opinion. Just curious.
I love Screenland.
They serve drinks, so no kids. (No offense to all the families out there. I just get to the movies so rarely, it is good to know it won’t be interrupted by misbehaving children.) When you buy your ticket they ask what you’ll be drinking.
They have a large screen. I hadn’t thought about the screen size as compared to a chain theater, but I never thought it was undersized. The sound system is also good.
Seating: There is one row of red leather recliners. You have to arrive early to get them because everyone wants to sit there. It’s worth the early arrival. However, if you miss out on the recliners, the “standard” seating is quite comfortable…on the higher end of movie theater seating.
I’ve been there twice and would absolutely go again.
Sounds great Nick!
I thought it was a very good film. A good friend of mine is wheel-chair bound and training for the Olympics also, in archery, so we watched it together and both of us were stirred.
One thing it for sure did was make me want to watch the summer para-Olympics in 2008.
Thanks for the Screenland review. Sounds great. I will definitely check it out sometime.
It really does sound like a fun place. Adult date night anyone?
Yes, to Screenland!
I really enjoyed Murderball. It is a wonderful documentary which presents this great sport with players who have human failings and great spirits! They are very competitive and work many hours to be top rugby players.
This is on my to see list.
Thanks for the great review…
As I always do Shannin I encourage you and everyone who sees this and other films I post about to come back and post your thoughts after you see it.
I just watched this movie last weekend. It was riveting to see how hard they work – not only to overcome their injuries, but to become good enough at rugby for the olympics. It was a great film. I have a feeling it will probably beat out March of the Penguins, another great documentary, at the Oscars.
You may be correct there Pat, both were great docs though.
My wife and I watched this film tonight and both loved it. I also would give it the nod over March of the Penguins in the Oscars but just barely. I also really enjoyed the MotP but I think Murderball’s message of “overcoming the odds” struck at my heart a little more than the “survival” storyline of MotP in my opinion. Both films are deserving though and I enjoyed them just as much as last year’s Oscar winner -Spellbound.
Hooray!!! I’m back on the winning track with my movie recommendations to you guys! LOL!!!
Glad you enjoyed it, it is a very entertaining and inspiring film. I too think it deserves the win over March but both were great films so I won’t ultimately be disappointed if one or the other wins.