Boards > Lifestyle > NEWS: Murderball on A&E This Week

susannah_breslin

I'm lost

June 2005

FEB 27, 2006 08:45 AM

"Murderball," the documentary film about quadriplegic full-contact rugby players that has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, airs this week on A&E. The movie focuses on the hardcore quad rugby players in the period leading up to the 2004 Paralympics Games.

The film's charismatic real-life star, Mark Zupan, is a tattooed sitting gladiator with reddish hair, a goatee and a smoldering glare. Mr. Zupan was 18 when he went out drinking one night in 1993 with his best friend, Chris Igoe, and ended the evening passed out in the back of his friend's pickup truck. Mr. Igoe returned hours later, and unaware that Mr. Zupan was asleep in the back, accidentally crashed the truck on the way home.

Landing in a canal with a broken neck, unable to move his legs, Mr. Zupan was rescued after clinging to a branch for more than 13 hours. In 1996 he began playing wheelchair rugby and has since become the leader of the American Paralympic team. His ruptured friendship with Mr. Igoe is on the mend.

The combatants in wheelchair rugby, outfitted like warriors but without helmets, are strapped into armored, custom-made wheelchairs that collide in a kind of human demolition derby as the teams compete to carry a ball into the end zone.

"We're not going for a hug, we're going for a gold medal," one player declares irritably, recalling a naïve comparison of the Paralympics to the Special Olympics, the international games for children and adults with learning disabilities.

J24U

Danvers, MA

February 2006

FEB 27, 2006 08:57 AM

Cool, I have to see this movie.

Hood

United Kingdom

January 2006

FEB 27, 2006 09:10 AM

Ive seen him a couple of times the guy is a god in my books, as for his friendship with the guy who caused the accident, from what I heard it was never on the rocks, his mate was so devastated that he has dedicated his life to helping his injured friend succeed and is in fact his manager, I just hope that this program is aired here in the UK because id love to see it

Drago

Philadelphia, PA

January 2004

FEB 27, 2006 09:57 AM

This movie is incredible, everyone should see it.

Telltale

USA

May 2004

FEB 27, 2006 10:19 AM

Sweet, I was going to get this on netflix, but I guess I can do something else instead!

irishinch

Forestdale, MA

August 2003

FEB 27, 2006 10:43 AM

douchebaggery.

[Edited on Feb 27, 2006 by irishinch]

crispy

NEWSWIRE

Philadelphia, PA

FEB 27, 2006 10:55 AM

I already have my DVR set to record it.

I saw a behind-the-scenes documentary of the documentry on (believe it or not) MTV a few months ago and I've wanted to see this ever since.

Midnyte

SUICIDEGIRL

Arizona, USA

FEB 27, 2006 11:07 AM

I was not really that impressed with this movie. I guess living with and having a close relationship with someone who is fully quad maybe has already "changed my opinions" so this just wasn't the "eye opening" experience it was made out to be.

It was sad in a way, a lot of flawed people and a lot of bitterness came out in this film. It actually made me very sad.

To me this film was all hype. The attention it has received is actually kind of insulting. It is almost insulting like making a deal about a woman driving a car or a black man having a job. It is not anything, it is like a giant DUH! Making a deal about it becomes an insult simply because it implies this person is somehow rising above simply by going about their normal day. Imagine walking up to a black coworker and saying "It's really amazing to see someone like you working here. Good for you, having a job and not being on welfare, keep up the good work man" and maybe even at the end making some finger guns or something at the person. That really is the way I felt about the hype this film received. That same chagrin and desire to roll my eyes.

See the film if wheelchair rugby interests you, see the film if you enjoy personal drama and flawed and angry human beings talking about themselves and one another. Don't expect it to be life changing and if your mind really NEEDED opening like this, then I am kind of sad for you. The film is ok, but it is really not "all that" in my own opinion.

irishinch

Forestdale, MA

August 2003

FEB 27, 2006 11:14 AM

SpredTehLegz said:

irishinch said:

"Murderball," the documentary film about quadriplegic full-contact rugby players

not to be the nitpicker, but they are paraplegic...quadraplegic would suggest that both their legs ANd arms are paralyzed...but nonetheless, this is an excellent film and i highly recommendit.

NO!

You are 100% wrong. I don't believe you paid any attention to the movie, if you actually watched it, or you'd know the definition...

WHO CAN PLAY?

Players may have various disabilities that preclude their play in able-bodied sport competition. Players must have a combination of upper and lower extremity impairment to be considered as eligible to participate. Most of the players have sustained cervical level spinal injuries and have some type of quadriplegia as a result. Players are given a classification number from one of seven classifications ranging from 0.5 - 3.5. The 0.5 player has the greatest impairment and is comparable to a C5 quadriplegic. Of those eligible to participate, the 3.5 player has the least impairment and is similar to a C7-8 incomplete quadriplegic. Both male and females are encouraged to play, and because of the classification process gender advantages don't exist.

There is even a rule that doesn't allow a team to stack their side with all 3.5 level ability players. The total level of disability/ability amongst all the players on the pitch can only add up to something like 7 at any given time. It's outlined in the movie.

[Edited on Feb 27, 2006 by SpredTehLegz]

i stand corrected...and now that you bring it to my attention, i do remember that explanation.

<~~~~ asshole.

JonnyJonnyH

Seattle, WA

June 2003

FEB 27, 2006 11:29 AM

crispy said:
I already have my DVR set to record it.

I saw a behind-the-scenes documentary of the documentry on (believe it or not) MTV a few months ago and I've wanted to see this ever since.

I believe MTV produced it.

Io

USA

November 2005

FEB 27, 2006 11:32 AM

Drago said:
This movie is incredible, everyone should see it.

+1

malmuud

Newark, DE

July 2003

FEB 27, 2006 12:12 PM

This movie is great just for the fact that it shows that asshole jocks will still be asshole jocks even after losing their limbs.

PointBlank

New York, NY

November 2004

FEB 27, 2006 12:32 PM

Midnyte said:
I was not really that impressed with this movie. I guess living with and having a close relationship with someone who is fully quad maybe has already "changed my opinions" so this just wasn't the "eye opening" experience it was made out to be.

It was sad in a way, a lot of flawed people and a lot of bitterness came out in this film. It actually made me very sad.

To me this film was all hype. The attention it has received is actually kind of insulting. It is almost insulting like making a deal about a woman driving a car or a black man having a job. It is not anything, it is like a giant DUH! Making a deal about it becomes an insult simply because it implies this person is somehow rising above simply by going about their normal day. Imagine walking up to a black coworker and saying "It's really amazing to see someone like you working here. Good for you, having a job and not being on welfare, keep up the good work man" and maybe even at the end making some finger guns or something at the person. That really is the way I felt about the hype this film received. That same chagrin and desire to roll my eyes.

See the film if wheelchair rugby interests you, see the film if you enjoy personal drama and flawed and angry human beings talking about themselves and one another. Don't expect it to be life changing and if your mind really NEEDED opening like this, then I am kind of sad for you. The film is ok, but it is really not "all that" in my own opinion.

How can you draw an analogy between being a quadrapalegic and being black? And if you think that this movie was about people "going about their normal day" you missed the point by a wide, wide margin.

Midnyte

SUICIDEGIRL

Arizona, USA

FEB 27, 2006 12:34 PM

SpredTehLegz said:

Midnyte said:
I was not really that impressed with this movie. I guess living with and having a close relationship with someone who is fully quad maybe has already "changed my opinions" so this just wasn't the "eye opening" experience it was made out to be.

It was sad in a way, a lot of flawed people and a lot of bitterness came out in this film. It actually made me very sad.

To me this film was all hype. The attention it has received is actually kind of insulting. It is almost insulting like making a deal about a woman driving a car or a black man having a job. It is not anything, it is like a giant DUH! Making a deal about it becomes an insult simply because it implies this person is somehow rising above simply by going about their normal day. Imagine walking up to a black coworker and saying "It's really amazing to see someone like you working here. Good for you, having a job and not being on welfare, keep up the good work man" and maybe even at the end making some finger guns or something at the person. That really is the way I felt about the hype this film received. That same chagrin and desire to roll my eyes.

See the film if wheelchair rugby interests you, see the film if you enjoy personal drama and flawed and angry human beings talking about themselves and one another. Don't expect it to be life changing and if your mind really NEEDED opening like this, then I am kind of sad for you. The film is ok, but it is really not "all that" in my own opinion.

I think you are greatly overstating it.
I loved it as a documentry and as a look into other people's worlds, sport, training, and ordeals. I didn't see it as eye opening or life changing at all(although, it could be if I was the one in a wheelchair, I might want to rush out and join them). You mean to tell me an amature team, full of testerone filled jocks, competeing in foreign nations, are full of animosity, drama, and anger?

Will wonders never cease?

Furthermore, drawing the parallel to being surprised a black man has a job and enjoying this movie is really pretty ignorant.

[Edited on Feb 27, 2006 by SpredTehLegz]

It was billed as "Eye opening" and "Life changing" for anyone who sees it. Maybe you missed some of the hype, I didn't. Because of my mom, I was actually very interested in seeing it and TO ME it ended up being a bit of a let down.

My mom is fully quad, NO motion in her arms or legs. Maybe I already "get it" that people who are paralyzed are human beings, just like anyone else and can be as capable and have the same feelings, emotions and drive as anyone else. Who a person is goes way deeper than their body.

And I didn't say enjoying the movie would mean you are as tacky as someone who would go up and tell a black man it is a surprise he has a job (which is the tackiest thing I could possibly think of), I said the HYPE was, to me, in that same realm of tacky. Sorry we disagree, I'm not calling you names though, so how about you lay off too, kthanks.

PointBlank

New York, NY

November 2004

FEB 27, 2006 12:43 PM

The movie, to me, had very little to do with seeing quadrapalegics as regular people who feel and who can do the same things that everyone else does. There are plenty of films about that. It was about quadrapalegics being athletes--something that goes against what many people automatically believe about the "disabled"-- and not "special" kinds of athletes. And honestly, I can't think of a single movie that has done that...not to mention one that has done it so well.

[Edited on Feb 27, 2006 by PointBlank]

Hood

United Kingdom

January 2006

FEB 27, 2006 12:50 PM

Midnyte said:

SpredTehLegz said:

Midnyte said:
I was not really that impressed with this movie. I guess living with and having a close relationship with someone who is fully quad maybe has already "changed my opinions" so this just wasn't the "eye opening" experience it was made out to be.

It was sad in a way, a lot of flawed people and a lot of bitterness came out in this film. It actually made me very sad.

To me this film was all hype. The attention it has received is actually kind of insulting. It is almost insulting like making a deal about a woman driving a car or a black man having a job. It is not anything, it is like a giant DUH! Making a deal about it becomes an insult simply because it implies this person is somehow rising above simply by going about their normal day. Imagine walking up to a black coworker and saying "It's really amazing to see someone like you working here. Good for you, having a job and not being on welfare, keep up the good work man" and maybe even at the end making some finger guns or something at the person. That really is the way I felt about the hype this film received. That same chagrin and desire to roll my eyes.

See the film if wheelchair rugby interests you, see the film if you enjoy personal drama and flawed and angry human beings talking about themselves and one another. Don't expect it to be life changing and if your mind really NEEDED opening like this, then I am kind of sad for you. The film is ok, but it is really not "all that" in my own opinion.

I think you are greatly overstating it.
I loved it as a documentry and as a look into other people's worlds, sport, training, and ordeals. I didn't see it as eye opening or life changing at all(although, it could be if I was the one in a wheelchair, I might want to rush out and join them). You mean to tell me an amature team, full of testerone filled jocks, competeing in foreign nations, are full of animosity, drama, and anger?

Will wonders never cease?

Furthermore, drawing the parallel to being surprised a black man has a job and enjoying this movie is really pretty ignorant.

[Edited on Feb 27, 2006 by SpredTehLegz]

It was billed as "Eye opening" and "Life changing" for anyone who sees it. Maybe you missed some of the hype, I didn't. Because of my mom, I was actually very interested in seeing it and TO ME it ended up being a bit of a let down.

My mom is fully quad, NO motion in her arms or legs. Maybe I already "get it" that people who are paralyzed are human beings, just like anyone else and can be as capable and have the same feelings, emotions and drive as anyone else. Who a person is goes way deeper than their body.

And I didn't say enjoying the movie would mean you are as tacky as someone who would go up and tell a black man it is a surprise he has a job (which is the tackiest thing I could possibly think of), I said the HYPE was, to me, in that same realm of tacky. Sorry we disagree, I'm not calling you names though, so how about you lay off too, kthanks.

i see where your comeing from

i just want to watch it cos i think that murderball is a cool sport

[Edited on Feb 27, 2006 by Hood]

Midnyte

SUICIDEGIRL

Arizona, USA

FEB 27, 2006 01:04 PM

PointBlank said:

Midnyte said:
I was not really that impressed with this movie. I guess living with and having a close relationship with someone who is fully quad maybe has already "changed my opinions" so this just wasn't the "eye opening" experience it was made out to be.

It was sad in a way, a lot of flawed people and a lot of bitterness came out in this film. It actually made me very sad.

To me this film was all hype. The attention it has received is actually kind of insulting. It is almost insulting like making a deal about a woman driving a car or a black man having a job. It is not anything, it is like a giant DUH! Making a deal about it becomes an insult simply because it implies this person is somehow rising above simply by going about their normal day. Imagine walking up to a black coworker and saying "It's really amazing to see someone like you working here. Good for you, having a job and not being on welfare, keep up the good work man" and maybe even at the end making some finger guns or something at the person. That really is the way I felt about the hype this film received. That same chagrin and desire to roll my eyes.

See the film if wheelchair rugby interests you, see the film if you enjoy personal drama and flawed and angry human beings talking about themselves and one another. Don't expect it to be life changing and if your mind really NEEDED opening like this, then I am kind of sad for you. The film is ok, but it is really not "all that" in my own opinion.

How can you draw an analogy between being a quadrapalegic and being black? And if you think that this movie was about people "going about their normal day" you missed the point by a wide, wide margin.

MY GOD!!!!! HOW OH HOW did that get so misconstrued!!!!!! It wasn't even about that, it was about the TACKINESS of it. I was TALKING ABOUT THE HYPE THE FILM GOT. Please read what I wrote in it's entirety before judging me. I think you missed my point by a WIDE WIDE margin.

Since aparently some people can't handle using a black person in an example of tacky behavior, let's talk about my husband, who is an elephant man (really) and I happen to know is emotionally capable of handling being used in such an example and will not suffer any long term emotional scars from it.

Please replace "black man" with "Elephant man" or Midnyte's husband specifically and move on about your happy day. Really, he can handle it, I swear.

thorr74

Sylvan Lake, AB

December 2004

MAR 01, 2006 02:38 PM

It was not as good as I thought. meh

I was stuck in a conundrum though....being from Canada I wanted them to win (regardless of who the story was focused on) but that Joe.........what an asshole!!!!

thorr74

Sylvan Lake, AB

December 2004

MAR 01, 2006 02:50 PM

MARCH said:

thorr74 said:
It was not as good as I thought. meh

I was stuck in a conundrum though....being from Canada I wanted them to win (regardless of who the story was focused on) but that Joe.........what an asshole!!!!

Which one was Joe?
The Canadian coach?

yeah ( that is toward the coach)

[Edited on Mar 01, 2006 by thorr74]

loveishell79

New Orleans, LA

February 2006

MAR 01, 2006 02:59 PM

One of the best movies I have seen in a long, long time. Highly reccomended.

Mattscope

Australia

August 2005

MAR 01, 2006 07:32 PM

It is such a great film!! They could have gone with the "feel sorry for these guys cause they're in a wheelchair" route but thats not what these guys are about! It's inspiring

Killgurl

USA

November 2005

MAR 01, 2006 08:16 PM

I thought it was a great movie, I've watched it like 3 times now. I have a cousin that was in an accident a couple months ago that will never be able to walk again. Needless to say this is one of the first things he said he wanted to do, was play Murderball. I'll be going to see him play for sure, if he makes the team.

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I'm lost

June 2005

FEB 27, 2006 08:45 AM

Danvers, MA

February 2006

FEB 27, 2006 08:57 AM

United Kingdom

January 2006

FEB 27, 2006 09:10 AM

Philadelphia, PA

January 2004

FEB 27, 2006 09:57 AM

USA

May 2004

FEB 27, 2006 10:19 AM

Forestdale, MA

August 2003

FEB 27, 2006 10:43 AM

NEWSWIRE

Philadelphia, PA

FEB 27, 2006 10:55 AM

SUICIDEGIRL

Arizona, USA

FEB 27, 2006 11:07 AM

Forestdale, MA

August 2003

FEB 27, 2006 11:14 AM

Seattle, WA

June 2003

FEB 27, 2006 11:29 AM

USA

November 2005

FEB 27, 2006 11:32 AM

Newark, DE

July 2003

FEB 27, 2006 12:12 PM

New York, NY

November 2004

FEB 27, 2006 12:32 PM

SUICIDEGIRL

Arizona, USA

FEB 27, 2006 12:34 PM

New York, NY

November 2004

FEB 27, 2006 12:43 PM

United Kingdom

January 2006

FEB 27, 2006 12:50 PM

SUICIDEGIRL

Arizona, USA

FEB 27, 2006 01:04 PM

Sylvan Lake, AB

December 2004

MAR 01, 2006 02:38 PM

Sylvan Lake, AB

December 2004

MAR 01, 2006 02:50 PM

New Orleans, LA

February 2006

MAR 01, 2006 02:59 PM

Australia

August 2005

MAR 01, 2006 07:32 PM

USA

November 2005

MAR 01, 2006 08:16 PM