018 - Murderball

Director: Henry Alex Rubin
Year: 2005

Murderball is the name given to quadriplegic rugby. In the sport, quadriplegics of varying degrees of severity play a form of full-contact rugby from their wheelchairs.

The film follows the US rugby team from the 2002 games in Sweden to the 2004 games in Athens. While following the team, the documentary takes time to focus on some of the players, their families and of course the story behind the wheelchair. We get to meet a good few of the players as well as learn about the sport itself. On top of that we meet a former team member who quits the team to coach the Canadian team against the US.

Yes, the film is a heartwarming documentary depicting men who don't let their wheelchairs bring them down, but the best part of this film is how serious the sport is to the players. This is not a Special Olympics as one player states and in the words of another player; the team is not going for a hug. We're going for a fucking gold medal. Parts of you want to feel sympathy for the men playing in wheelchairs but then you realize that some of these guys would just as easily kick your ass. The film gives viewers a look into the gritty world of quad rugby and is a great sport documentary. Rent it, Netflix it, just go find it.

Henry Alex Rubin's MURDERBALL (2005)