This Week's Movie: Murderball

On the surface
Murderball is a look at about 2 years in the life of the US quad rugby team as it gears up for the 2004 paralympics in Athens. Prior to watching this movie I didn't know there was such a thing as "quad" rugby... The title "Murderball" is the sport's original name, changed to quad rugby, as one participant wryly notes, for marketing purposes. But Murderball it is. Its rough, tumble, and hyper-competitive. These are serious athletes. The film really works to get you to see these guys as guys, normal in every respect, their disabilities are part of them for certain, but maybe not that important. The film explores in a natural and frank way difficult themes of post injury recovery, depression, sexuality, relationships, and dealing with the world.

I found it absolutely fascinating in nearly every respect.