The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

"We didn't come here for a hug, we're here to win a f***ing gold medal"

Starting the DVD, the 'R' rated warning appeared with an advisory the film contains profanity, violence and sexuality. Sexuality? Did this story of quadriplegic rugby players get directed by David Cronenberg? Well no, it didn't. But that 'R' rating sums up what the viewer is in for.

Murderball is the nickname for the sport of wheelchair rugby. A quick lesson on the rules and regulations is given, and it is pretty simple: get that ball across the other's teams goal line, and if it means crashing your wheelchair (specially modified to look mean and take punishment) and sending your opponent to the floor, so be it. The intensity and competitiveness surprised me. Make no mistake, these guys are in it to win, and a silver medal might as well be labeled "First Loser".

There is some melodrama that real life can be counted on to bring in this film. Team Canada's coach is an ex-patriot of the United States, a former paralympic athlete himself who became bitter after being cut from Team USA after leading them to the gold medal in 1996. He took his knowledge and experience to Canada for no other reason than to beat the team he once considered his. Stories of the athletes and how they got to their wheelchairs are explored. Their interaction with everyday life is given camera time (my favourite is their talks with kids, and how dazzled the children are when they demonstrate how, for example, a person manipulates his meals using his elbows). These stories are provocative, but they take a backseat to the film's climax, the 2004 Paralympic games in Athens. When the buzzer sounds and winners and losers are declared, shouts of joy are heard and tears are shed.

Murderball throws away very stereotype you have about individuals in wheelchairs. If they're playing the game, they're talking trash and playing hard. If they're off the court, they're out at the bars throwing back beers and picking up chicks. Some things you see will amaze you and tug at your heart, but most importantly earn your respect for those who once took walking for granted. Do yourself a favour, take a pass on Mr & Mrs Smith this evening, and pick this DVD up.