True Films 3.0 - Kevin Kelly

The Smashing Machine
By John Hyams (II)
2003, 92 min.
Available from Amazon
Rent from Netflix
Ultimate fighting, where almost any move (kicking, knee to the head, etc) is permitted and blood
encouraged, is as brutal as it sounds. Banned in the US, the high-purse contest moved to places
like Brazil and Japan, where an international cast of scary characters try to make the championship.
This gory story would be unwatchable except for the remarkable hero it follows. Like
the Hulk he is huge, gentle, intelligent, and introspective. He hates hurting people, but does it
because he needs money, and eventually this internal conflict does him in. He rises to greatness,
is pummeled and falls low, and then is redeemed. Few people would have the courage to let a
film crew record them at their low points in life, but that access makes this film great. I knew
nothing about this sport or its world, and found many surprises in this strong film (with a great
and unexpected music score). Recommended.
It’s pretty hard to watch men headbutt
each other till the other gives up
(above). Blood from cut eye sockets
flows freely (right). Even winners get
hurt (below left). The rewards could be
$10,000 and a moment of celebrity – at
least in Japan (below right).
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