This riveting and triumphant documentary about wheelchair rugby (better known as “Murderball”) was a sensation upon its debut in 2005, not only for its inspiring story and colorful characters, but because it highlighted a brutally competitive sport that was not often covered in mainstream media at the time. Following the USA Paralympic team as they battle against other national outfits from around the globe— first at the World Championships where they are defeated by Canada and a former teammate turned head coach, and then at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece— this raw look at some of the high drama that circles around this wounded band of marauding pirates will give you both hope and pause when it comes to overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life. Featuring quad rugby training and competition scenes filmed at Lakeshore Rehabilitation Facility in Homewood, the movie showed off a side of Lakeshore’s life-changing disability programs that many here in town did not know existed, and even fewer knew were so dangerous and wildly entertaining. Winner of “Best Documentary Feature” at Sundance and nominated for “Best Documentary Feature” at the 78th annual Academy Awards, the movie would go on to become a sensation around the country and world, and bring some well-deserved attention to Birmingham’s contribution to the world of Paralympic sports. Featuring a film score by keyboardist and John Zorn collaborator Jamie Saft, as well as an incredible soundtrack that creatively utilized songs by Ministry, Ween, The Moldy Peaches, and The Polyphonic Spree, much of the movie’s dramatic movement was carried by the music involved, and showcased how DIY music and moviemaking often go hand in hand together when crafting a film’s overall scope and tone. But beyond that, the film also showcased how even lower budget filmmaking could produce both a strong narrative and compelling visual journey without access to the best and most expensive film technology or production. Sometimes, having a great story to tell is all that matters, and Murderball did that in spades.
FUN FACT: As part of the lead-up to the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, The Washington Post did a feature piece on the rise in popularity of wheelchair rugby, and highlighting its ties to Birmingham, so much of which came from Murderball‘s initial introduction of the sport to the general public back in 2005 and showing off Lakeshore’s robust training facility in the process.
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmvXbrrOAkU