Okay so let’s start off by admitting that this one technically isn’t a film review. FightWorld, a Netflix docu-series following Frank Grillo – ‘actor and life long fight enthusiast’ – as he travels the world learning about local fight cultures. The series sees him in Mexico, Thailand, Myanmar, Senegal and Israel looking at the significance of their combat sports.
Frank, with his background of wrestling, boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, is a great choice for a presenter; he brings experience, knowledge, relatability and a willingness to get involved that makes the whole show feel natural and unforced.
The documentary itself is gritty and unflinching. The boxing episode doesn’t show the polished side of boxing you see with major shows or on a champs Instagram. Frank judges a fight in a female prison in Mexico, in a bare ring surrounded by razor wire topped concrete walls. Two women enter the ring and fight to better themselves – a theme that runs consistently through fight sports in general.
You’ve probably got some knowledge of the featured sports already (apart from maybe Senegalese wrestling) so FightWorld might not be bringing you groundbreaking insights. Overall FightWorld delivers a compelling and interesting insight into the culture surrounding some of our favorite sports – we definitely recommend checking it out if you’re after an easy, fight related watch.
Are you a fan of FightWorld? Let us know in the comments!
If you’re looking for something different to watch check out our other film reviews.
“The world over, cultures have been shaped through combat. Each culture unique in their approach to scratch out their survival”
– Frank Grillo’s opening lines as narrator.
Our Rating
FightWorld (2018)
4 stars out of 5
I really enjoyed Fight World. I there was stuff on their that had never heard of and the human element really brought out the programme. Frank Grillo clearly has a passion for fight sports.