| ||||||||||||||
Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Special Features
- Murderball Special featuring Johnny Knoxville and Steve-O from MTV's Jackass and Mark Zupan
- CNN Larry King Live Exclusive Interview
- Featurette: Murderball: Behind the Game
- Joe Soares Interview Update
- Deleted Scenes
- Filmmaker Commentary (Featuring Dana Adam Shapiro, Henry-Alex Rubin and Jeff Mandel)
- Player Commentary (Featuring Mark Zupan, Scott Hoggsett and Andy Cohn)
- NYC Premiere - Keith Gets His Chair
- THINK MTV Outreach Page
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
More than merely a sports documentary or an inspirational profile of triumph over adversity, Murderball offers a refreshing and progressive attitude toward disability while telling unforgettable stories about uniquely admirable people. It's ostensibly a film about quadriplegic rugby (or "Murderball," as it was formerly known), in which players with at least some loss of physical function in all four limbs navigate modified wheelchairs in a hardcore, full-contact sport that takes them all the way to the Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece, in 2004. But as we get to know paralyzed or amputee players on Team USA like Andy Cohn, Scott Hogsett, Bob Lujano and charismatic team spokesman Mark Zupan, we come to understand that quad rugby is a saving grace for these determined competitors, who battle Team Canada coach (and former Team USA superstar) Joe Soares en route to the climactic contest in Athens. Simply put, Murderball is the best film to date about living with a severe disability, but codirectors Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro avoid the sappy, inspirational sentiment that hampers nearly all mainstream films involving disability. By the time this blazing 85-minute film reaches its emotional conclusion, the issue of disability is almost irrelevant; these guys are as normal as anyone, and their life stories led to Murderball becoming the most critically acclaimed documentary of 2005. --Jeff Shannon
Product Description
More than merely a sports documentary or an inspirational profile of triumph over adversity, "Murderball" offers a refreshing and progressive attitude toward disability while telling unforgettable stories about uniquely admirable people. It's ostensibly a film about quadriplegic rugby (or "Murderball," as it was formerly known), in which players with at least "some" loss of physical function in all four limbs navigate modified wheelchairs in a hardcore, full-contact sport that takes them all the way to the Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece, in 2004. But as we get to know paralyzed or amputee players on Team USA like Andy Cohn, Scott Hogsett, Bob Lujano and charismatic team spokesman Mark Zupan, we come to understand that quad rugby is a saving grace for these determined competitors, who battle Team Canada coach (and former Team USA superstar) Joe Soares en route to the climactic contest in Athens. Simply put, "Murderball" is the best film to date about living with a severe disability, but codirectors Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro avoid the sappy, inspirational sentiment that hampers nearly all mainstream films involving disability. By the time this blazing 85-minute film reaches its emotional conclusion, the issue of disability is almost irrelevant; these guys are as normal as anyone, and their life stories led to "Murderball" becoming the most critically acclaimed documentary of 2005. "--Jeff Shannon"
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
54 of 56 people found the following review helpful
I've seen my share of documentaries, and I've seen a few that have dealt with disability. "Murderball" easily eclipses them all.
Too often people with disabilites get thrust into the role of flawless inspirations, this principle has held true across both fictional and non-fictional films alike. It was because of this trend that I approached "Murderball" with cautious optimism.
It was very surprising indeed when "Murderball" was in fact a genuinely uplifting and inspiring film,a film that dared to really show its subjects complete with flaws. Two other disability-related documentaries I've seen are "Rolling" and "King Gimp" Both are probably extremely inspiring to an able-bodied audience, but speaking as someone who is in a wheelchair, some of the moments in those films were downright horrifying and depressing. For example in "Rolling", a woman falls out of bed while dressing herself and videotapes her barely censored nude rescue by an able-bodied friend and her husband. Able-bodied audences would say, "what grit and determination" I sat there and prayed that would never happen to me. "King Gimp" profiles a supremely talented artist and parts of his story are inspiring especially to someone like myself who wants to have a career in the arts. Yet, it too depressed me because much of the film concerns the subject's unrequited love for a female caregiver. He laments that he will never find anyone.
"Murderball" on the other hand avoids those pitfalls and showcases some of the nastiest, (...)ever to hit the screen and even though I most certainly do not fit into that category and wouldn't be caught dead playing the titular sport I enjoyed every minute of it.... Read more ›
Too often people with disabilites get thrust into the role of flawless inspirations, this principle has held true across both fictional and non-fictional films alike. It was because of this trend that I approached "Murderball" with cautious optimism.
It was very surprising indeed when "Murderball" was in fact a genuinely uplifting and inspiring film,a film that dared to really show its subjects complete with flaws. Two other disability-related documentaries I've seen are "Rolling" and "King Gimp" Both are probably extremely inspiring to an able-bodied audience, but speaking as someone who is in a wheelchair, some of the moments in those films were downright horrifying and depressing. For example in "Rolling", a woman falls out of bed while dressing herself and videotapes her barely censored nude rescue by an able-bodied friend and her husband. Able-bodied audences would say, "what grit and determination" I sat there and prayed that would never happen to me. "King Gimp" profiles a supremely talented artist and parts of his story are inspiring especially to someone like myself who wants to have a career in the arts. Yet, it too depressed me because much of the film concerns the subject's unrequited love for a female caregiver. He laments that he will never find anyone.
"Murderball" on the other hand avoids those pitfalls and showcases some of the nastiest, (...)ever to hit the screen and even though I most certainly do not fit into that category and wouldn't be caught dead playing the titular sport I enjoyed every minute of it.... Read more ›
29 of 34 people found the following review helpful
"Murderball" is ostensibly about quadriplegic wheelchair rugby and there are some truly thrilling scenes of play between archrivals the USA and Canada...to be sure.
But what "Murderball" is really about is the undeniable, unstoppable, fire-in-the-belly will to live and more specifically the drive to overcome adversity: both of spirit and of body.
Athletes Mark Zupan, Joe Soares, etc. all exhibit, really inhabit such a positive, go-for-broke take on life and living that you cannot help but be embarrassed when you start to think of your piddly problems.
One of the things a Documentary should do is enlighten and inform and "Murderball" has those two topics covered---no problem. But "Murderball" also gives you Hope and that is a quality to which most other films can only aspire.
But what "Murderball" is really about is the undeniable, unstoppable, fire-in-the-belly will to live and more specifically the drive to overcome adversity: both of spirit and of body.
Athletes Mark Zupan, Joe Soares, etc. all exhibit, really inhabit such a positive, go-for-broke take on life and living that you cannot help but be embarrassed when you start to think of your piddly problems.
One of the things a Documentary should do is enlighten and inform and "Murderball" has those two topics covered---no problem. But "Murderball" also gives you Hope and that is a quality to which most other films can only aspire.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This powerful documentary should serve as an antidote to anyone who ever felt uncomfortable around a person in a wheelchair. The individuals profiled, all participants in the full-contact sport of wheelchair rugby, are independent and demand to be regarded without pity. They are fierce competitors in a grueling sport, going for the gold in the Paralympics in a 12-country competition.
Although several people are featured, the central figures are Marc Zupan and Joe Soares. Marc is currently among the top players in the sport, a charismatic man whose zest for life will not be diminished. Joe, a former superstar, is at first bitter about the way age has robbed him of his skills; a dramatic and unexpected development midway through the film seems to transform the way he looks at life and his relationship with his son.
Like the best documentaries, "Murderball" offers a glimpse into the lives of people that have much to teach us. Recommended.
Although several people are featured, the central figures are Marc Zupan and Joe Soares. Marc is currently among the top players in the sport, a charismatic man whose zest for life will not be diminished. Joe, a former superstar, is at first bitter about the way age has robbed him of his skills; a dramatic and unexpected development midway through the film seems to transform the way he looks at life and his relationship with his son.
Like the best documentaries, "Murderball" offers a glimpse into the lives of people that have much to teach us. Recommended.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
There are several ways that a film about the disabled can fly off coure. One is to make every disabled person a paragon of virtue and an exemplar of courage and persistence. The other is to pretend that their physical afflictions are ultimately inconsequential, and that they can be treated just like anyone else. Another is to portray the disabled as objects for pity. "Murderball" avoids these pitfalls, delivering a film that is frank, moving and informative.
On its surface, "Murderball" is about the US and Canadian wheelchair rugby teams in their run-up to the 2004 Paralympic games in Athens. But the film is also about the difficulties these men experience, trying to make their way from crippling accidents and illnesses that robbed them of the use of their limbs. By turns profane, angry, proud, aggressive and loving, the men are chronicled undergoing the real-life frustrations and fulfillments of participating in a sport that is as recklessly dangerous as the accidents that literally broke their backs.
These are not men to be pitied. Some are annoying and (as their friends tell us) were so before their accidents. Some are insanely driven. Some have unresolved issues about those responsible for their injuries. Some are narcissistic, putting their own needs above their family's. Yet some have devoted girlfriends and wives, and many have extremely supportive families. Above all, these men are athletes, with the same swagger and aggressiveness as their un-chairbound counterparts. But the capacity of these men is not be overestimated. The first scene, in which US team member Mark Zupan painstakingly changes into his rugby shorts, makes it clear that while these men have normalized their lives to a great degree, their day-to-day existence is nowhere near as easy as it had been.... Read more ›
On its surface, "Murderball" is about the US and Canadian wheelchair rugby teams in their run-up to the 2004 Paralympic games in Athens. But the film is also about the difficulties these men experience, trying to make their way from crippling accidents and illnesses that robbed them of the use of their limbs. By turns profane, angry, proud, aggressive and loving, the men are chronicled undergoing the real-life frustrations and fulfillments of participating in a sport that is as recklessly dangerous as the accidents that literally broke their backs.
These are not men to be pitied. Some are annoying and (as their friends tell us) were so before their accidents. Some are insanely driven. Some have unresolved issues about those responsible for their injuries. Some are narcissistic, putting their own needs above their family's. Yet some have devoted girlfriends and wives, and many have extremely supportive families. Above all, these men are athletes, with the same swagger and aggressiveness as their un-chairbound counterparts. But the capacity of these men is not be overestimated. The first scene, in which US team member Mark Zupan painstakingly changes into his rugby shorts, makes it clear that while these men have normalized their lives to a great degree, their day-to-day existence is nowhere near as easy as it had been.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great documentary!
Really enjoyed this documentary, going into rehab medicine, great to see what people are capable of after life changing injuries.
Published 5 months ago by Atma
5.0 out of 5 stars
great movie
i ordered murderball because im in a wheelchair and have always loved watching quad rugby but never sseen this movie. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Steve Rogers
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fast-paced documentary
Murderball shows vividly that athleticism and competition cannot be defeated by physical limitations. I learned a lot from this film (e.g. Read more
Published 7 months ago by bowtieprof
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exceptional documentary on "American Rugby"
Documentary is brilliant but this Reviewer would have appreciated more "live action"...this is a "new" sport and the "sport" aspect could have been mined deeper. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Phil S.
5.0 out of 5 stars
LOVE This Movie!
Now "Murderball" is called "Wheelchair Rugby". They had to "tone down" the name for sponsors. I still like "Murderball" though. Read more
Published 9 months ago by G. Hearn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very enjoyable documentary
I had to watch this movie for class and was pleasantly surprised that it was quite humerous and lighthearted while still going into the serious parts of life. Read more
Published 15 months ago by kwilla
5.0 out of 5 stars
Compelling story of an exciting sport
I found this to be an interesting look into the day-to-day world of quad rugby players. The film itself is well done. Read more
Published 20 months ago by S. Sadler
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great film
Simply put: One of my favorites. I have a c4-c6 injury level and every time I see this film I just want to continue with my hard work over at Therapy. Love this film!
Published 21 months ago by Joewee
5.0 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly inspirational!
I had to watch this video for a college class assignment. I couldn't find it anywhere at a video store to rent and I was running out of time. Read more
Published on May 15, 2011 by dolphinmusic
5.0 out of 5 stars
Received video in good working order.
My son received an spinal cord injury July 4th 2010 C6 ASIA A complete, and wanted me to get this video. This was my first purchase on Amazon and was very nervious at doing it. Read more
Published on October 12, 2010 by AMF
Look for Similar Items by Category
|
