Murderball

Picture, if you will - young, testosterone laden, professional athletes. Piss and vinegar, ego driven muscle in laser-like pursuit of victory at any cost - ready and willing to lock horns with any buck that gets in the way - the steely gaze along the line, teeth clenched in effort, all mano e mano bravado - and may the best man win. All that's in play in Murderball; I mean we're dealing with rugby here, not some sport for girls. The fact that it's quadriplegic rugby and our rutting male athletes are in wheelchairs just makes it more interesting.

The film follows a number of players as they work toward the 2004 United States Rugby Team and the Paralympics in Athens, Greece, and along the way shines a light into life with disability. All these guys have suffered spinal cord injury or debilitating disease that has left them "incomplete quadriplegics" - they all have some use of upper body but are impaired in all four limbs. Quad rugby is full contact - players move a ball down court to score goals in specially made wheelchairs on steroids that would be Thunderdome appropriate. The opposing team tries to stop you. Any way they can. Padding and helmets are for sissies.

Dana Adam Shapiro and Henry-Alex Rubin have made a gem of a film, focused on a side of life few of us might have the chance to visit. They let the guys tell their stories; about coming to terms with life in a chair, about rivalry and loyalty, about sex (yes, they can!) and finding some dignity. Not every one of these guys is equally likable, but their fortitude and never say die attitude is refreshing in a world that tends to whine... Try watching this film before your next pity party. I double dog dare you. See the website here.