MovieChat Forums > Pulling John Discussion > Great film! Let's talk about it....

Great film! Let's talk about it....

posted 12 years ago by tava0009
9 replies | jump to latest

Anybody out there care to share? I knew of Travis Bagent and of course love Over the Top, but I had no idea that different weight classes actually competed against each other. That's crazy. I thought Over the Top was ridiculous in this regard; it turns out, reality is even more interesting.

John Breznk is quite simply awesome. Something about his calmness and humility is striking. There's a lot going on under the surface, but outwardly...wow. A true champion.

And in case being the first poster on a message board is some kind of coveted internet accolade, I hereby claim it!

[–] timlin-4 12 years ago

Yeah, don't see how someone from a higher weight-class can really feel that beating a smaller guy is a victory, though obviously there is a chance of glory for the shrimp.

[–] WVfilmfem 12 years ago

I loved this film, and I've never, ever, paid any attention to arm wrestling.
Three very interesting, yet extremely different, personalities, in John, Alexey,
and Travis. John Brzenk is inspiring to watch because of his calm inner strength; same for the Russian Alexey. Travis Bagent has a lot to learn both the other two champs, though he is definitely strong physically.

[–] tava0009 12 years ago

Agreed. Voeveda is appealing because he works hard and is soft-spoken. In fact, there's an amazing point in the movie where Travis had trash-talked him in the hotel lobby at the Zloty Tur. Voeveda was trying to say how he didn't like "trash-talking," but he didn't have a word for it. He is so innocent and naive that he didn't understand why Travis was getting after him(!).

And also, I like Travis' father. Another interesting character.

But man, the Brzenk...what the hell. When these huge guys put a move on him and get him near finished, he turns into a brick wall somehow. Unreal. It looked like he was putting a move on Voeveda before they pulled apart.

And if you want to see another monster that Brzenk has beat, google "Denis Cyplenkov." Prepare to sh&t thyself.

[–] kaliphornia_dreemin 12 years ago

Great post, tava. Great film, and a great look into the mind of John Brzenk. Not only to be that good when he was in his prime, but to contend and defend at his age now. Just goes to show you that with armwrestling, along with other sports, it's not about how big you are, but the technique. How can you not root for this humble guy?

[–] tava0009 12 years ago

Ha, thanks kaliphornia. I'm actually interested in the few people who have stumbled along this board as well. Anyone who bothered to catch the documentary and come check it out on imdb clearly has fantastic taste.

[–] WVfilmfem 12 years ago

This is a great thread, Tava! I'm amazed that there aren't more people posting about this film. I actually bought the DVD of this movie as a Christmas gift
to my daughter who lives overseas. Like me, she has no interest in arm wrestling, but she will appreciate the multi-cultural aspect as well as the personalities.

[–] caraeas 12 years ago

I just watched this twice on Netflix. I've always been a fan of powerlifting, strongest man, etc. Thus I'm surprised I was unfamiliar with John Brzenk.What a story!You would think he would be a 300lb.giant considering his incredible record of world domination.Travis Bagent is a big guy but he doesn't look like he would be a world beater either. These guys obviously draw on something beyond my sphere of knowledge and experience.Absolutely fascinating.

[–] spamnode 12 years ago

Fantastic movie. Not really sure why John Brzenk isn't discussed as on of the all time greatest athletes. I would think he'd at least be the "clever pick" by some of the ESPN analysts...

This and Hoop Dreams have to be the two most interesting sports documentaries.

[–] tava0009 12 years ago

Ha ha I just saw a headline on CNN the other day that said something like "the all-time greatest athlete you've never heard of." I was like, this better be John *beep* Brzenk! Of course it wasn't, it was some hockey goalie.

But yeah, I don't think there's any question that Brzenk is easily the all-time most dominant athlete in his sport. I can't think of anyone even close. Jordan, Tiger, etc. don't even compare.

Regarding the documentary itself--in retrospect, I really would have like to see a bit more pulling from Brzenk. Beyond the intro montage, there isn't that much footage. Maybe having less makes it more mysterious? Idk.