# Beyond the Mat (1999)

> A candid, unsettling portrait of professional wrestlers that strips away theatrical personas to expose the physical sacrifice and private costs beneath the spectacle.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/8417

## Facts

- Runtime: 102 min
- Genres: Documentary
- Director: Barry W. Blaustein
- Cast: Mick Foley, Terry Funk, Vince McMahon, Aurelian Smith Jr., Jesse Ventura, Noelle Foley, Barry W. Blaustein, Michael Manna
- TMDB rating: 7.3/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0218043/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: strong
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: graphic
- Mood: intimate, witty, harrowing, sports documentary night, wrestling fan viewing

## Synopsis

Explore the untold stories behind the spectacle of professional wrestling.

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- [Fighting with My Family (2019)](https://ember.film/movie/302056)
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- [Andre the Giant (2018)](https://ember.film/movie/302893)

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