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Murderball

This documentary follows the U.S. quadriplegic rugby team as they journey to Athens to compete in the 2004 Paralympics in Athens Greece. But there is much more to the story. During the course of this movie, the team members talk about their injuries, feelings in public, sex lives, competitiveness and love of the game. We will get to meet their families and other loved ones, and also gain a new respect for those we too often feel sorry for.

We follow team captain Mark Zupan, thrown from the back of a pickup truck, and team members Steve Hogsett (thrown from a deck), Andy Cohn (car accident), Bob Lujano (blood disease) and others in their quest to bring back the gold for team USA.

Of course, in the movies, as in life, there are certain obstacles. In this film, it is team Canada, coached by former USA quad rugby champion Joe Soares (polio), who has gone to Canada after being cut from team USA. The movie really makes Joe out to be the bad guy in the film, although in the extras he does get to state his case as to why he left to coach another country.

Also included in this film, is the story of Keith, who recently became a quadriplegic after a motorcycle accident. We see Keith learn to start to cope with his altered abilities and see how he is treated by his family. He also gets to meet Zupan, who visits the hospital to talk to the patients about how to cope with their new obstacles.

This is a movie that will touch your heart, as you will learn not to feel sorry for the participants for their challenges, but realize that sometimes in life you have to look at your strengths and work hard to overcome adversity. It is also a triumph for the American spirit, as you realize these brave souls are representing America in the Olympics, something few people are privileged or talented enough to do.

Written by: Todd Barwick

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