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  Murderball (2005)
 
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Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro's MURDERBALL is an inspiring documentary, which proves that physical limitations are no match for the human spirit. For the determined quadriplegic men who participate in the dangerous sport of "quad rugby," it's more than just a game: it's a chance to prove themselves in a much bigger way. With armored wheelchairs and enough macho energy to overcome any challenge, the players engage in a violently physical game. The charming but intimidating Mark Zupan was angry and suicidal after a car accident relegated him to a wheelchair. He regained his confidence and spirit by becoming both a player and the spokesman for quad rugby's Team USA. Zupan's militaresque rival, Joe Soares, is a former star for Team USA who headed north to coach Team Canada when he was cut from the US team in 2000. Concentrating on the buildup to the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, the film introduces other awe-striking figures--young men who have risen to the challenge of the game time and time again. As the days build to the inevitable showdown between Team USA and Team Canada, Rubin and Shapiro fill the screen with story after story, prodding the audience to swallow their own individual stereotypes and appreciate the efforts of these extraordinary men. The magic of MURDERBALL is that it never feels preachy. Rather, it entertains as much as it enlightens.

 
 
   
cast and crew

genre: documentary sports & recreation

country: United States

language: English

runtime: 86 minutes

dvd region: DVD Region 1

attributes: Color Full Frame

rating: R (MPAA)

 
cast and crew

Henry Alex Rubin:
Director of Photography
Dana Adam Shapiro:
Director
Dana Adam Shapiro:
Screenwriter
Jeffrey Mandel:
Producer

Henry Alex Rubin:
Director
Dana Adam Shapiro:
Producer

 
   
festivals
  • Seattle International Film Festival 2005 (Seattle, United States)
  •  
       
    awards
  • Audience Award
    2005 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival (Durham, United States)
  • Audience Award, Best Documentary
    2005 Sundance Film Festival (Park City, United States)
  • Audience Award, Best Feature
    2005 Indianapolis International Film Festival (Indianapolis, United States)
  • Best Documentary
    2006 Online Film Critics Society Awards (Online)
  • Best Documentary
    2005 Dallas-Forth Worth Film Critics Association Awards (Dallas, United States)
  • Best Documentary
    2005 Gotham Awards (New York City, United States)
  • Best Documentary
    2005 Boston Society of Film Critics Awards (Boston, United States)
  • Best Documentary
    2005 Seattle Film Critics Awards (Seattle, United States)
  • Grand Jury Prize, Documentary
    2005 Sundance Film Festival (Park City, United States)
  • IDA Award, Feature Documentaries
    2005 International Documentary Association (United States)
  • Jury Award
    2005 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival (Durham, United States)
  • Outstanding Documentary DVD
    2005 Satellite Awards (Los Angeles, United States) ()
  • Special Jury Prize, Documentary
    2005 Sundance Film Festival (Park City, United States)
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