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Murderball

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description Murderball Overview

Murderball is a 2005 American documentary directed by Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro. It focuses on quadriplegic athletes who play wheelchair rugby, commonly called murderball, and specifically follows members of the United States and Canadian national teams as they prepare for and compete in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature.

help Murderball FAQ

Which wheelchair rugby players does Murderball follow?

Mark Zupan is one of the documentary's central American players, while former US player Joe Soares coaches Canada. Their confrontational personalities give the US-Canada rivalry much of its dramatic force.

Why is wheelchair rugby called murderball in the film?

Murderball was an early nickname for the full-contact wheelchair sport now officially known as wheelchair rugby. Players use reinforced chairs to block and strike opponents while carrying the ball across the goal line.

Which Paralympic Games are shown in Murderball?

The film builds toward the wheelchair rugby competition at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. It also uses the 2002 world championship in Gothenburg to establish the rivalry between the United States and Joe Soares's Canadian team.

Did Murderball receive an Oscar nomination?

Yes. Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro's 2005 film was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the Academy Awards, where March of the Penguins won.

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