The Smashing Machine

The Life and Times of Extreme Cage Fighter Mark Kerr

APPROPIATE

2002 / 93min.

Rating6.971

Genres

Documentary

Synopsis

An unflinching look at the life and story of Mark Kerr between 1999 and 2001, an intelligent, articulate, and emotionally vulnerable athlete, considered by many at the time to be the most dominant ultimate fighter in the world. A former Olympic wrestler, Kerr easily dominated all his opponents, earning him the nickname "The Smashing Machine." With the promise of big money and the euphoria of his early victories, Kerr must battle his injuries and inner fears. The shock of these fights takes a heavy toll on his body and mind, and Kerr attempts to overcome these physical and psychological traumas by turning to painkillers. Kerr's addiction is shown in its raw form, with the camera capturing him desperately soliciting drugs from friends and staff, and injecting painkillers into his veins. His shocking defeat to Fujita in Japan shows us a story that is sometimes difficult and heartbreaking to watch.

Directors

John Hyams

Actors

Mark Coleman

Bas Rutten

Ken Kilpatrick

Mark Kerr

Eddie Goldman

Dawn Staples

Royce Gracie

Igor Vovchanchyn

Similar

Salute

The black power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico Olympics was an iconic moment in the US civil rights struggle. Far less know

2008

6.6

To The Limit

This documentary follows world-class athletes as they perform spectacular, eye-opening feats. Experience a rock climber scale a near impossible cliff,

1989

7.5

Snow Birds

This Pete Smith Sports Champion short visits Southern California where it quickly moves from orange orchards to the mountain snow playground at Big Pi

1932

6.0

Be Here to Love Me

Chronicles the fascinating and often turbulent life of Townes Van Zandt.

2004

7.1

Ein Jahr unter Ultras - Ein Leben für den Fußball

Documentary about the football ultras subculture in Germany.

2018

7.0

Let's Get Lost

Documentary about jazz great Chet Baker that intercuts footage from the 1950s, when he was part of West Coast Cool, and from his last years. We see th

1988

7.0

Super Bowl XLII Champions - New York Giants

The NFC champion New York Giants and the AFC champion New England Patriots meet for the championship of the National Football League.

2008

6.2

Outside

The film explores the turbulent lives of homeless persons in Cologne, Germany. Through their personal belongings the homeless share with the viewer th

2018

6.0

From Paseo To Pembroke: Kansas City's Golden Age

From Paseo to Pembroke is a Kansas City documentary retrospective on the golden age of high school basketball. From '88 to '98—from the Dotte all the

2021

9.0

Questionable

The first offering in the iconic Plan B video "fourology", the release of Questionable Video promptly set the skateboard community on its ear while sc

1992

0.0

The Ductumentary

Vans Presents The Ductumentary, A short-film revealing what is perhaps Joel Tudor's greatest contribution to surfing. Featuring Joel Tudor, Alex Knost

8.0

Optimistic?

In the first winter to show the undeniable effects of global warming, Absinthe Films has explored the effects of a changing planet. For those who live

2007

0.0

Radical Moves

Documentary type video on the NSA Skateboarding contest held at the Big Vancouver EXPO in 1986. EXPO was the last Worlds Fair held in North America, a

1986

0.0

The Answer to Weight Cutting

MMA on Point takes a deep dive into the weight cutting issue that plagues athletes. Through this investigation, multiple discoveries are made that may

0.0

A Brokedown Melody

A Brokedown Melody explores the times, travels and experiences of a tribe of surfers who search for the spark of life and look to pass it on to the yo

2004

7.0

Sprout

The modus operandi of the Sprout is to show the surfing culture how truly lucky we are to live in the lush life of the ocean experience, and emphasize

2005

10.0

Michigan vs. Ohio State: The Rivalry

Steeped in a rich tradition dating back to their inaugural meeting in 1897, this rivalry extends beyond the pursuit of a Big Ten title, and is renewed

2007

6.2