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Product Description

A sport so dangerous it was once banned in the U.S., no-holds-barred fighting is undeniably the purest form of human competition. Simple in concept and savage in execution, it is the definitive test of survival: one ring, two fighters, and no rules. In th

Amazon.com

A supercharged bloodfest for mixed martial arts fight fans, but of more dubious merit as a documentary, The Smashing Machine is a blurry, noncommittal portrait of would-be American warrior Mark Kerr, a soft-spoken drug addict who performs astonishing acts of violence for big money. A former wrestler turned extreme fighter, Kerr proves a contradictory subject--a boyish, quietly restless man who resorts to no-hold-barred savagery in the ring--in this shameless, often nauseating HBO project. Over several months, director John Hyams (NYPD Blue) captures Kerr's seemingly unstoppable parade of victory in the U.S. and Japan. He also reflects the decay in Kerr's private life and highlights a dramatic turn in his fortunes after Kerr loses an important MMA match to a Russian brawler. Along the way, we meet Kerr's trainer, Mark Coleman, whose own destiny takes on ironic, unexpected importance in the end. --Tom Keogh

Product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ R (Restricted)
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches; 2.88 Ounces
Director ‏ : ‎ John Hyams
Media Format ‏ : ‎ Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
Run time ‏ : ‎ 1 hour and 33 minutes
Release date ‏ : ‎ October 28, 2003
Actors ‏ : ‎ Mark Kerr, Mark Coleman, Dawn Staples, Bas Rutten, Eddie Goldman
Language ‏ : ‎ Unqualified, English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
Studio ‏ : ‎ Docurama
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0000C52JT
Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1

Best Sellers Rank: #135,586 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
- #2,494 in Sports (Movies & TV)
- #6,024 in Documentary (Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews:
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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5

81 global ratings

5 star		73%
4 star		11%
3 star		13%
2 star 0% (0%)		0%
1 star		3%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Jason Oyama

A dark and poignant documentary

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 27, 2004

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This DVD offers an unblinking look into the life and times of Mark Kerr between the years of 1999 and 2001. Kerr was once regarded by many as the most dominant ultimate fighter in the world. Those who remember watching his early matches will recall the physically imposing Kerr, an ex-Olympic wrestler, easily handle all comers and earning his nickname "The Smashing Machine". This film documents the rollercoaster ride that was Kerr's professional fighting career. It portrays the story of an intelligent, well-spoken, and emotionally vulnerable athlete who gave himself to one of the most demanding and brutal sports in the world.
Kerr, lured by the promise of large paydays and fueled by the euphoria of his early victories, is forced to do battle with physical injuries and his inner fears. The chaos of these matches weigh heavily on the minds and bodies of these athletes, and some like Kerr deal with the physical and psychological trauma by turning to drugs. Kerr's addiction is shown in raw form, and the camera does not shy away as he desperately solicits drugs from friends and event staff, and injects pain killers into his veins.
Fans who remember Kerr's shocking loss to Fujita in Japan, will finally understand the forces behind Kerr's undoing. Especially intriguing is seeing the relationship between Kerr and the wily vetern fighter Bas Rutten, who helps train Kerr and is then forced to watch the unraveling of his pupil.
It is a story that can be difficult and gut-wrenching to watch. The documentary has few cheerful moments, and a dark mood hangs overhead even when Kerr wins his matches. It seems to suggest that pain and blood are always right around the corner in the lives of these fighters. Outside the ring, Kerr's gentle nature and thoughtful commentary make him an endearing figure. However this story does not have a happy ending, and may leave fans with mixed feelings over what they just saw.

22 people found this helpful

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PRIDE FC's Heyday

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 13, 2010

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This is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at Mark Kerr and the sport of MMA during it's earlier years circa 99-00. In addition, for fans of Pride, you will get to see some interesting backstage footage of the promotion before and after fights.

Aside from the main program, this DVD also contains a ton of extras. You get a 'Fight Day'(34min) short film with Renzo Gracie. This also includes his fight against former UFC 6 champ Oleg Taktarov. There's a commentary track with the producer and director. Very informative.

They go into great detail about their time with Mark Kerr and his delicate predisposition. They also spend some time talking about other fighters such as Mark Coleman and Enson Inoue. They often refer to this sport as 'Ultimate Fighting'(others during that era also refer to it as NHB). Listening to the commentary is like getting a second documentary.

You also get 'Crew Biographies' and 'About Docudrama' as well as trailers for this main feature and other Docudrama films. Some quickies. Lady in the beginning leering at Mark Kerr is really annoying. One of Kerr's siblings seem to lead an interesting lifestyle. Ricco is in really good shape compared to his later versions! Great DVD.

2 people found this helpful

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D. Brown

Very Well Done

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 14, 2006

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This documentary gives the sport of no holds barred fighting a human face. Mark Kerr is one of thousands of `ultimate fighters' that put their lives on the line for pride, money and family honor. Before I saw this film, I had seen a few of Kerr's fights and I was impressed with his ability and style. But I really had no idea about the man outside the ropes. This film presents Kerr as a brave and talented, but flawed man. And that is why it is so good, because nobody is really invincible or totally free of personal struggle. Everyone has to battle themselves as much as they battle the world. And Mark Kerr is no exception. He braved addiction and injury to come back and reclaim victory. In addition to Kerr, the film highlights Mark Coleman, who also beat the odds and won. This documentary is an excellent look at the sacrifice and commitment that goes into no holds barred fighting. Check it out.

4 people found this helpful

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J.R. McMurray

Great Doc! Check out Chris Bell docs too!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 24, 2018

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Awesome documentary! Found out about it through Chris Bell on Joe Rogans Podcast! Chris Bell also has amazing docs, seriously!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 10, 2013

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I'm a big fan of MMA. I remember watching these older guys back in the late 90's. Mark Colman is in it a lot. Mark Kerr struggled with pain killers and depression. It doesn't say if but I think he was on steroids as well. It's a sad story. DVD like new. Fast delivery. Good service

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 7, 2012

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Very well done, and a very good look into the life of Mark Kerr. This DVD does, however, take a very obvious and very biased stance against MMA. Simply try and remember that Mark Kerr's story is not the norm, but the exception.

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MaxMuscle84

Really good documentary. Even though it's a few years old ...

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 15, 2015

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Really good documentary. Even though it's a few years old it could still apply to fighters today. In depth and revealing. Very personal and thought provoking.

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Justin Settle

Sad decline of the smashing machine fully documented

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 13, 2014

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A must see video for any true MMA fan. Sad decline of the smashing machine fully documented. Don't do drugs!!!

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Top reviews from other countries

Saturnicus

Amazing..........................

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on March 13, 2008

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This is an outstanding documentary and does not pull any punches.
This film tells the story of Mark Kerr and his trials and tribulations in Ultimate Fighting. His spiralling degeneration through drugs is openly depicted, and his struggle to make a comeback.
Though it does not appear as impressive as many of the close combat sports, it is extremely brutal. Personally I was shocked by the baying of the fans who seemed to be crying for blood. The fighters themselves seem to pursue this sport, more than anything, because it is just a job.
I thought it was fabulous and sad at the same time.
Great extras.......................Well worth watching.

3 people found this helpful

Mr. M. J. Sanders

brutal

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on September 3, 2020

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Good watch shows how it was before most of the rules were introduced

Rhys Campbell

Excellent

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on May 30, 2015

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Really gives you an insight on what it's like for a fighter outside the cage. Personal battles such as drug addiction and relationship problems seem to be ignored as fighters are often looked upon as mere fighting machines with no emotions. A must for old school fans.

Clare

must see

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 18, 2009

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its a must see film, martial arts fan or not, it is extremely enjoyable. its filmed well, edited well and with a story you couldnt make up, its in my top ten films.
(and if you think you wont like it, my other top ten include im a cyborg, day/night watch, 300 and mad detective to name a few)
oh, and if you like this, watch CHOKE!

Peter C.

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on April 23, 2018

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Fantastic movie! Kerr is a legend. Such a drama.

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