Murderball (2005)

A film about paraplegics who play full-contact rugby in Mad Max-style wheelchairs - overcoming unimaginable obstacles to compete in the Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece.

Directors:

Henry Alex Rubin, Dana Adam Shapiro

Stars:

Joe Bishop, Keith Cavill, Joe Soares

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 17 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Joe Bishop	...	Himself
Keith Cavill	...	Himself
Andy Cohn	...	Himself
Scott Hogsett	...	Himself
Christopher Igoe	...	Himself
Bob Lujano	...	Himself
Kevin Orr	...	Himself
Joe Soares	...	Himself
Dave Willsie	...	Himself
Mark Zupan	...	Himself

Storyline

Quad rugby as played by the US team, between 2002 games in Sweden and the 2004 Paralympics in Athens. Young men, most with spinal injuries, play this rough and tumble sport in special chairs, seated gladiators. We get to know several and their families. They talk frankly about their injuries, feelings in public, sex lives, competitiveness, and love of the game. There's also an angry former team member gone north to coach the Canadian team, tough on everyone, including his viola-playing son. We meet a recently injured man, in rehab, at times close to despair, finding possible joy in quad rugby. After Athens, the team meets young men injured in war: the future stars of Team USA.

---

Plot Keywords:

team | rugby | wheelchair | paralympics | coach | 

---

Genres:

Documentary | Sport

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and sexual content

Details

Official Sites:

ThinkFilm [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 July 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

Gyilkos labda - A kerekesszék harcosai

Filming Locations:

Alexandria, Virginia, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$57,286 (USA) (8 July 2005)

Gross:

$1,523,883 (USA) (30 September 2005)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures, MTV Films, Participant Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Christopher Igoe originally refused to appear in the movie. After more than a year of filming he was persuaded by the need to put his side of the story, rather than have it "mis-told" by others.

---

Quotes

Scott Hogsett: We're not going for a hug. We're going for a fucking gold medal.

---

Connections

Referenced in Knocked Up (2007)

---

Soundtracks

"Keep on Workin' (Live Version)"
Written and Composed by Camille Bazbaz, Sebastien Chenut and Maud Geffray
Produced by Cristian Vogel and Scratch Massive
Recorded Live at The Batofar, Paris, France
Published by Debut Libreria
Courtesy of Chateaurouge

User Reviews

Amazing, uplifting documentary

I saw this documentary at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan. It's a terrific film about quadriplegic athletes and their experience in quad rugby, aka Murderball. Directed by Henry- Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro, it was a lot of fun.

Yes, the games are intense, a lot of fun, and shows their courage, but the film isn't just about the tournament, it follows some of the individuals and their stories. Mark Zupan tells the tale of how he became paralyzed and it results in some touching moments throughout the film involving him and his friend. The film also follows Joe Soares, one of the best of the sport, he was cut from the USA team so he heads to Canada to be head coach. It's amazing to see his dedication to both the game and his family.

My personal favorite moment in the film involves one recent quadriplegic who struggles to adapt to his new style of life. It's difficult to watch some of these scenes, but with the dramatic scenes are some very uplifting moments.

This is a great film, I loved they way it was told. I cared for the people, I was really into the games, and they are great to watch. Check this movie out if you can, it's very inspiring.