2025
"The unforgettable true story of a UFC legend."
The Smashing Machine is a movie released in 2025.
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 opiod dependence and a volatile relationship with his girlfriend Dawn.
Content guidance for parents
| Category | Level | Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Violence | 2/5 | |
| Sexual Content | 1/5 | |
| Language | 2/5 | |
| Drugs / Alcohol | 1/5 | |
| Frightening Elements | 2/5 |
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The Smashing Machine is directed by Benny Safdie .
Dwayne Johnson underwent extensive training in mixed martial arts to accurately portray the physicality of his character, Mark Kerr, leading to a realistic depiction of the sport's demands.
Filming took place in several key locations across Las Vegas, Nevada, and Los Angeles, California, to capture the vibrant atmosphere of the late 1990s MMA scene.
During a pivotal fight scene, a continuity error occurs when Mark Kerr's opponent's gloves change color between shots, which was a result of multiple takes being edited together.
Benny Safdie, known for his work in independent films, brings a distinct style to 'The Smashing Machine', which resonates with the gritty realism seen in his previous projects.
The soundtrack features a mix of contemporary rock and hip-hop from the late 1990s, aiming to immerse viewers in the cultural landscape of that era.
Dwayne Johnson underwent an intense training regimen, including sparring with professional fighters, to authentically portray the physicality of a mixed martial artist in 'The Smashing Machine'.
The film features several scenes shot at actual MMA gyms in Las Vegas, providing an authentic backdrop to Mark Kerr's journey as a fighter.
In one scene, a newspaper clipping about Mark Kerr's early career can be seen in the background, serving as a nod to his actual history in the sport.
The film's score was composed by a collaboration of rising musicians from the independent scene, reflecting the film's grassroots approach to storytelling.
There is a continuity error in a training montage where the same training partner is seen with different haircuts in consecutive scenes.
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