Smashing Machine

This movie shows us what fighters go through in order to prepare, now granted not all of them might have a drug problem like Mark did but it's definately a wakeup call, yes these guys look great, they perform in front of thousands of people but that doesn't mean they are happy or they are living a great life

I thought this movie gave you a very gritty look at Mark Kerr's up's and down's, ANYONE with even a remote interested in MMA then at least rent this movie, you won't be sorry, definately worth a look

The fact that people like watching this kind of thing attests to the fact that we are not evolutionarily too distant from the patrons of gladiator sports in roman times.And gladiatorial this certainly is.

Kerr is quite a revelation, for someone so merciless in the ring. He shows a disarmingly vulnerable aspect of himself with his relationship and substance abuse problems. He admits to being physically sick from anxiety before his first MMA-Mixed Martial Arts-contest. Therefore he turns to painkillers, et al to allay his constant anxiety, finally turning addict. He talks about how alive , in-the-moment and spiritual this mode of combat makes him feel. His combination of tremendous physical strength, high pain threshold, skilfull takedowns, heavy punching, and great flexibility - all point to a fantastic genetic soup. Looking at him in action, I wondered if there could be any other activity at which he so excelled. For Kerr, this is his "bliss"...and there are enough of these creatures around to have an actual, sponsored sport! (...)

I guess, for those who dare, there can be no physical high greater than a full-contact bout. The documentary is great, but Kerr is not my favourite fighter. That would be Don "The Predator" Frye. From the non-violent styles, I love Royce Gracie's amazing victories. Check them out if you haven't already.

Kerr, lured by the promise of large paydays and fueled by the euphoria of his early victories, is forced to do battle with physical injuries and his inner fears. The chaos of these matches weigh heavily on the minds and bodies of these athletes, and some like Kerr deal with the physical and psychological trauma by turning to drugs. Kerr's addiction is shown in raw form, and the camera does not shy away as he desperately solicits drugs from friends and event staff, and injects pain killers into his veins.

Fans who remember Kerr's shocking loss to Fujita in Japan, will finally understand the forces behind Kerr's undoing. Especially intriguing is seeing the relationship between Kerr and the wily vetern fighter Bas Rutten, who helps train Kerr and is then forced to watch the unraveling of his pupil.

It is a story that can be difficult and gut-wrenching to watch. The documentary has few cheerful moments, and a dark mood hangs overhead even when Kerr wins his matches. It seems to suggest that pain and blood are always right around the corner in the lives of these fighters. Outside the ring, Kerr's gentle nature and thoughtful commentary make him an endearing figure. However this story does not have a happy ending, and may leave fans with mixed feelings over what they just saw.