Murderball

Over the last few months, I've had two competing thoughts about seeing the above named movie. On the one hand, it's been getting great reviews from well respected film critics and has generated the type of "buzz" that indie films and documentaries do when they're something worth seeing. On the other hand, the topic of disabilities and people having to struggle with them is clearly tough subject to deal with in reality, much less when you're hoping to be entertained. Still, when I saw that A & E was showing it, I DVRed it and ended up checking it out last not.

For those unaware, "Murderball" is the slang name for wheelchair rugby. Much like its standard cousin, it involves an immense amount of contact and is extremely grueling. The only difference is that those playing are quadro-palegics of varying function. The game is quickly explained and then the film focuses in on the main story: the end of the US domination of the sport, the defection of longtime US star Joe Soares to coach the Canadian team and the showdown between the two. In addition to focussing on the sport, the film gives the personal stories of several of the players, many of whom have not been in wheelchairs their whole lives. The film also features a recently paralyzed guy named Keith and shows his struggles as he adjusts to his new life.

What I liked best about the film is that it doesn't try to sugarcoat these people and force you to like them out of an instinctive sympathy due to their condition. Most of the players are people who, prior to their accidents, were not necessarily the nicest of people. Soares, who is one of the main subjects, is downright unlikeable for most of the film. Taking away the sympathy card really allows the story to play out and make the viewer recognize the players for who they are, not what their condition is.

There are plenty of scenes which deal specifically with the struggles many of the athletes go through and many of them are hard to watch. But, the end message is a positive one and one which can be appreciated by anyone who's ever had to struggle against adversity in life to any degree.

I think its showing multiple times on A&E this week, but it's worth renting if you miss it.