Cockfight (2001) User Reviews

Fightclub with roosters.

[kmd85 · 10/10 · 22 September 2003]

Cockfight is a feisty film full of unexpected angles and ideas. Filmmakers Tiller Russell and Loren Mendell obviously have an affinity for their characters and so are able to bring them out in a way that normal documentaries seem to avoid. Obviously, their subjects sensed this and were very open with them even when participating in illegal activities. Cockfight is not judgmental or preachy; instead it takes a real look at why people participate in this sport and why it is so important in certain cultures (both in the U.S. and Mexico and the growing blurry line between). They are also not afraid to question conventional p.c. ideas about cockfighting. In the film one of the interviewees points out that the life of a fighting cock is infinitely better on a quality of life scale than that of a Purdue chicken. The filmmakers have a real finesse with the camera, and so one gets the sense not so much of a staid documentary, but of a funky Godard film and the score by Graham Tracey is the perfect compliment capturing the beauty and passion of the scenes and the environments. This doc would play really well on an HBO or to an art film crowd in a theatrical release. Definitely as good Spellbound and with more filmic pizazz.

The action and pulp of a Tarantino film, but with insight and social importance.

[codysamuels · 29 September 2003]

I saw this at a screening in L.A. and was extremely impressed. And from someone who sees a great many documentaries, that's a huge compliment. It's an insightful, hugely entertaining and engrossing film that approaches the cockfighting world from all angles and without bias. Lesser filmmakers would have tried to push their own personal agenda, but these guys rose above partisanship, making the debate about cockfighting's humanity -- or lack thereof -- something you can, and do, argue about long after the movie is over. The access the filmmakers got to this world blew my mind. The action sequences of the cockfighting itself are so well shot and cut that you can't look away even when you want to. These guys bring you into backalley fights and seamy contests and into chicken factories and more...some places you want to see, others you don't at first but are later glad you did. What a brilliant subject to explore. What's more, it was beautifully shot and edited. All in all, excellent. If you have the chance, see it.