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Quadriplegia proves only a limited challenge to the subjects of this documentary who compete in a version of rugby modified to suit wheelchair-bound players. The film offers an informative look into different types of quadriplegia and it is fascinating just how much the subjects are able to accomplish without full use of their limbs. The quadriplegics interviewed are generally upbeat individuals, happy to make light of their condition (one comments that another could fit into a box like Shaobo Qin in 'Ocean's Eleven' and then tests out the theory) while having the same basic dreams and aspirations as persons with full body control. Curious as all this is, the film never strikes a satisfying balance between being about quadriplegia, being about the sport and being about the therapeutic effect of playing sport. There is also a lot of US vs Canadian tension thrown in as the Canadian team's coach was formerly a US player, and this whole angle presents an unwelcome distraction from the overcoming adversity general theme of the movie. The aspects of the documentary that work well though linger in the mind long afterwards. The segments in which the quads talk about dating women who are too nervous to ask about their bodily functions are great and all the scenes showing the quads moving about independently are engaging as the film potently reminds one that life does always go on no matter what happens.
Andrew Pelechaty
The power of the mind is an amazing thing; for those possessing it, no obstacle is insurmountable; but for those lacking it, any roadblock is deterring. Fortunately, the subjects of the documentary "Murderball", are blessed with the former. It's just as well, as they are all quadraplegics.The participants featured (Mark Zupian, Joe Bishop, Andy Cohn, Scott Hogsett, David Willsie) all play "Murderball", otherwise known as Wheelchair or Quad Rugby. While there are no rucks or mauls to be seen, Murderball instead features the finesse and skill of basketball, and the brutality of Ice Hockey or American Football.With four players per team on court, they combine to transport the ball over the opposition's goal line, with each goal worth a point. This documentary focuses on the USA and Canadian teams; starting from the 2002 World Championships in Sweden, where Canada defeated the USA 25-24 in overtime (ending their run of eleven consecutive championships), and to the lead up of the 2004 Paralympics in Greece. These two dominant forces eventually meet again in the Paralympic semi-final, with the winner advancing to the gold medal playoff, while the best the loser can hope for is an inglorious bronze. The USA and Canadian teams have held a long and bitter rivalry, especially considering Bishop (a victim of childhood polio) after playing in the USA's 1996 gold medal triumph in Atlanta, was cut after a loss of form, then defected to take up the Canadian coaching job. Accused of betraying his country, Bishop shows no remorse for his decision, but, ifanything, renewed hatred for the United States. Having led Canada to a dramatic World Championship victory, then losing by a goal in the Paralympics qualifying tournament, Bishop is desperate to defeat the USA again. In other hands, "Murderball" could have been an overly sentimental film. While themes of self-belief and courage upon adversity resonate, it's done in such a matter-of-fact way, that it doesn't feel preachy. The closest the film gets to sentimentality is in recounting Zupian's accident, injured in the back of a pick-up truck by his friend Christopher Igoe, who was drunk at the time. After long periods of avoiding each other, Zupian and Igoe eventually make up. While it could have been easy for Zupian and company to succumb to a life of self-pity and financial handouts, they prove they're just as tough, if not tougher, than most able-bodied athletes. They talk frankly about their accidents and attempting to resume a normal sex life. This comes across in the Murderball matches themselves. The on-court brutality is magnified by the fact, having been to hell and back, the players have no fear about getting injured.The great thing about 'Murderball' is it avoids the usual emotional manipulation of most films about serious disabilities in favour of a more grounded view. That alone is worth watching it for.
williamgetshisemail
There are movies which leave a lump in your throat, movies that give you goosebumps, and movies that make the tears well up. This is undoubtedly one of those films.For me it completely dispelled any stereotypes i had concerning the disabled and changed my view on not only what it means to be winner but also to be a man.Also being a rugby player myself i loved the rugby aspect and could easily relate to the ferocity of the action. Loved it. Go see it, rent it, watch it through a video store window, i don't care, i would advise that it is a worthwhile experience.
xevagottenx
Murder ball was a good movie kept me watching, being a documentary and all. Was well written and portrayed. It was about quadriplegic playing quad rugby. It showed how many of them are quite good at playing. The movie portrayed their lives quite well with what they went through. Mark Zupan was one of the better players on the team. It showed about the Paralympics and how many people compete in games even after they have had accidents paralyzing them or causing them to lose function of there limbs. I think it's amazing how well they work with what they have. Being a documentary it was quite true to the fact it showed it "How it is" if you will. It shows how hard there lives can truly be and how they have many physical and emotional barriers that they have to overcome.
