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Pioneers of MMA: Kazushi Sakuraba
10.0

Pioneers of MMA: Kazushi Sakuraba (2015)

Feb 03, 2015 23m Documentary

Considered by UFC President Dana White to be one of the greatest talents of all time, the legend of Kazushi Sakuraba began at UFC Ultimate Japan in 1997, where the 183lbs puroresu (traditional Japanese pro-wrestler) entered the heavyweight tournament on short notice only to win the four man event outright. Fighting almost exclusively in Japan and the PRIDE FC organization, “Saku” became a national icon by defeating six UFC champions and routing the legendary Gracie family. Featuring exclusive interviews and rare archival footage, this FIGHT PASS Original is the definitive retrospective of Sakuraba, Japan’s most celebrated mixed martial artist.

Cast

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Kazushi Sakuraba
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Kazushi Sakuraba

as Himself

Renzo Gracie
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Renzo Gracie

as Himself

Crew

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Thematic Analysis

Pioneers of MMA: Kazushi Sakuraba represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Pioneers of MMA: Kazushi Sakuraba took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 23 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 56 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 1761 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
  • The musical score contains over 39 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2015, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Pioneers of MMA: Kazushi Sakuraba shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Fight Mom, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Pioneers of MMA: Kazushi Sakuraba offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Frank Shamrock: Bound by Blood and UFC on ABC 5: Emmett vs. Topuria explore similar territory, Pioneers of MMA: Kazushi Sakuraba stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: February 3, 2015
  • Runtime: 23m

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