Back to browse
70% Critic Match
The Smashing Machine
“The Life and Times of Extreme Cage Fighter Mark Kerr”
7.0 / 10• 2002• 1h 33m•NR• English
Documentary
Storyline
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.
Cast & Crew
MK
Mark Kerr
Self
Lead
Bas Rutten
Self
Mark Coleman
Self
Royce Gracie
Self
DS
Dawn Staples
Self
EG
Eddie Goldman
Self
Ken Kilpatrick
Self
Igor Vovchanchyn
Self
What People Are Saying
4.0
“A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. John Hyams's vision lands with breathtaking precision.”
4.0
“Every frame feels alive. The Smashing Machine is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.”
