Fightville

Bam! Bam! Bam!

WARNING! - If you are someone who simply cannot enjoy (even slightly) watching a man being royally pulverized by another, then "Fightville" certainly isn't gonna register as entertainment for you.

But, on the other hand - If you wanna see the real thing here where a bunch of very dedicated young men (who seem to have a lot of inner-rage to vent) punch the living daylights outta each other (all in the name of glory with little or no monetary gain), then this well-produced documentary (from 2011) is certainly worth a view.

Through interviews with MMA fighters, their trainers (and, yes, even opinions from concerned parents) - Fightville introduces the viewer to these feisty, pugilistic, young lads from Gladiator Academy (located in Lafayette, Louisiana) who travel around the State with promoter Gil Guillory in order to proudly demonstrate (to the ever-curious public) all there is to know about anger-management, one-on-one combat and the disciplined art of MMA fighting.

The film is so much more than a look at mixed martial arts as a sport. It covers the personal stories of some very interesting individuals. We come to know some up-and-coming mixed martial arts fighters. They are humble, hard-working but serious in the octagon.

The filmmakers are adept in capturing the stories, the fighting, and the surroundings. The cinematography is great and you'll see what I mean from the still photos. Whether you are a fan of the sport or not, I think you'll find something to relate to in the film. We are all striving towards a goal or goals and sometimes we achieve them and others, we have to pick up the pieces and try again.

Full of heart, the documentary Fightville follows two perspective MMA fighters as they try to become professionals. Set in Louisiana, Fightville is gritty, and unflinching in its portrayal of the young men pursuing their dreams in the world of mixed martial arts. It's beautifully shot, compelling, and deep. The fighters, their trainers, and the fight promoters have thought long and hard about fighting, and it's place in the world, and they aren't afraid to tell it like it is. Everyone in the film is well spoken, and their insights are interesting. But more important than all of that is the story of the fighters. They pursue their own unique American dreams in two very different ways. One is driven, and single minded. The other wavers, and questions. I found myself rooting hard for both of them. I won't spoil it, but the tension built until the end. The climax had me at the edge of my seat, and the payoff was well worth the price of admission. Before watching Fightville, I wasn't a huge fan of MMA. I've changed my mind. These guys are big hearted warriors, who dream big. Their pursuit of those dreams is a story worth watching.

Fightville was an insightful look at the intense world of MMA hopefuls fighting for the chance to earn a pro contract. The directors portrayed the characters in a way that made you root for them and feel like you were right there watching them struggle and succeed. This film will appeal to both UFC fans and non fans alike. The young fighters featured from the Lafayette, Louisiana area are as authentic as they come. The raw footage captures the intensity and sacrifice these warriors make. UFC and other pro fighting circuits are the quickest growing professional sports franchise worldwide. Young wrestlers, MMA fighters and boxers are gravitating toward the sport as a place where they can continue to pursue their dreams of being the ultimate warrior. Fightville shows us how they do it.

This film takes you inside the lives of people who are literally fighting for survival. They are doing everything they can to just win and fight another day. From the promoter to the fighters themselves this is an look inside the cage that left me in awe and with a deeper understanding of not only the sport but the people inside it.

The film makers did great job getting interviews with the fighters, trainers, and promoters to present a amazingly real and close up document of the facts of their lives. I would also add that this does not glorify the violence of the sport but the commitment that all those involved have toward each other. It is beautifully shot and thoughtfully presented.

I recommend this not just to fight fans but everyone because at the end of the day this is not a fight film. It is a survival film and a story of hope.