Fightville

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.

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.

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.

Fightville is such a pleasure to watch. I've been to two screenings and loved it the second time as much as the first.

It's easy to fall in love with the characters. The film captures their full personalities and offers an intimate view of their lives.

The story is tight, and taps into the universal drive to go after one's dreams without being heavy handed or cheesy.

Michael Tucker really got into the fights with his camera and his cinematography works wonderfully.

What surprised me the most is how many funny moments they managed to find in a documentary about MMA fighting. That's probably my favorite part.

Yes, cheesy as it sounds, I DID feel the fight in Fightville.

I will not tell you too much because you should see it for yourself, but I loved experiencing the up close access that this documentary shows. I love that the documentary is presented in the words of the families, the promoters and most of all the fighters. You can't help but feel the pain and sweet in this documentary. Pretty intense and very real.

There was a bit of culture shock for me in this documentary too. I can't say I knew what a grind the sport is for those "down in the trenches" looking for a shot. You'll know what I mean when you watch it.