Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Martial arts docuseries has some intense images.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Fightworld
What's the Story?
FIGHTWORLD follows grizzled character actor Frank Grillo -- who happens to be a longtime martial arts devotee offscreen -- on a global journey to interview fighters and trainers about the sports they love. Region by region, Grillo explores and examines what makes each area's fighting style unique, and what drives its practitioners to enter the ring in the first place.
Is It Any Good?
You don't necessarily have to be a fan of martial arts yourself to get into this docuseries, thanks in large part to the contagious enthusiasm of its host. Grillo starts each episode giving a bit of history about the regions he's visiting -- Mexico City, Thailand, Myanmar, Senegal, and Israel are all featured in the first season -- talking about the fighting styles native to the area, and interviewing both aspiring hopefuls as well as veterans of the sport. As an actor, he's always been pretty darn believable as a tough guy, and watching this series makes you understand why. Grillo's respect for this world is palpable and passionate, so much so that he isn't afraid to jump in the ring and get his hands dirty with the people he's learning from. Fightworld also features some seriously beautiful high-def camera work that makes it feel at times like an artful travel show, not just a gritty boxing documentary, which makes it all the more appealing for those who may be on the fence about watching based on subject matter alone.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what the various fighting styles featured in Fightworld have in common, and what makes them different. Did you find one style more appealing than others? If so, what is it that you enjoy about it?
What do you think of the way Grillo embeds himself with the local fighters as he interviews them about their region's fighting styles? How might this (literally) hands-on experience give him a different perspective on the sport?
Talk about the reasons many people from poverty-stricken areas seem to turn to martial arts as a means to escape their circumstances and elevate their families. What makes this an appealing option for them?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 12, 2018
- Cast : Frank Grillo
- Network : Netflix
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 13, 2020
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