The Smashing Machine
In the late 1990s, up-and-coming mixed martial artist Mark Kerr aspires to become the greatest fighter in the world. However, he must also battle his opioid dependence and a volatile relationship with his girlfriend Dawn.
Critics Sentiment
Mark loses in Japan with flashbacks then 2025 epilogue reveals marriage
Mark stumbles through painkiller use and Japanese pay negotiations
The film drops to its lowest point during Mark's painkiller dependency sequences but surges to its peak with the emotionally resonant Japan loss and real-life epilogue.
The Smashing Machine receives consistent praise for Johnson's transformative performance and Safdie's authentic direction, though many critics found the pacing sluggish and narrative unfocused. The film's strongest moments come from its raw emotional vulnerability, particularly the breakdown scenes and the poignant real-life epilogue. While reviewers appreciated the unflinching portrayal of addiction and relationships, many felt the story lacked the dramatic structure needed to fully engage audiences.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 84
Dwayne Johnson
Mark Kerr
Emily Blunt
Dawn Staples
Ryan Bader
Mark Coleman
Bas Rutten
Bas Rutten
Oleksandr Usyk
Igor Vovchanchyn
Lyndsey Gavin
Elizabeth Coleman
Zoe Kosovic
McKenzie Coleman
Satoshi Ishii
Enson Inoue
James Moontasri
Akira Shoji
Yoko Hamamura
Kazuyuki Fujita
Paul Cheng
Masaaki Satake
Andre Tricoteux
Paul Varelans
Marcus Aurelio
Mestre Hulk
Roberto "Cyborg" Abreu
Fábio Gurgel
Jerin Valel
Sergio Batarelli
Raja Flores
Dr. Cortez
Egidiyus Klimas
Igor's Manager
Randi Lynne
Receptionist
Yasuhiro Nakatsuka
Pride Journalist #1 (1999)
Kenny Rice
Vale Tudo Announcer
Crew
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