Watch Pulling John

Pulling John is a 2009 documentary film that explores the world of arm wrestling through the eyes of its greatest champion, John Brzenk. The film follows Brzenk as he competes around the globe in pursuit of yet another world championship. Brzenk, who hails from small town West Virginia, is widely regarded as the greatest arm wrestler of all time. He has won countless championships throughout his career and is revered by his fellow competitors for his strength, technique, and sportsmanship.

The film introduces us to some of Brzenk's fiercest rivals, including the brooding Russian powerhouse Alexy Voevoda and the brash American up-and-comer Travis Bagent. We follow them as they prepare for the ultimate showdown at the World Armwrestling Championship, a high-stakes event that draws competitors from around the world.

The movie takes us through all the different stages of arm wrestling, from the grueling training sessions to the tense competitions themselves. We see how Brzenk and his fellow competitors prepare themselves both physically and mentally for each match, often resorting to unorthodox training methods and rituals.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Pulling John is the way it explores the personalities and motivations of its subjects. Brzenk, for example, is a thoughtful, introspective man who sees arm wrestling as a metaphor for life itself. Voevoda, on the other hand, is a fiercely competitive figure who sees the sport as a way to prove his physical superiority over others. Bagent, meanwhile, is a brash upstart who is determined to take down the established champions and claim the top spot for himself.

The film doesn't just focus on the competitors themselves, however. It also delves into the culture of arm wrestling, exploring the history and traditions of the sport and the passionate subculture of fans and supporters who follow it. We see the rituals and traditions that have developed around the sport, from the pre-match trash talk to the post-match arm wrestling battles that take place in bars and clubs around the world.

Overall, Pulling John is a fascinating and engaging documentary that sheds light on a little-known sport and the driven individuals who compete in it. It's a thrilling ride that will leave you rooting for your favorite competitor and marvelling at the incredible feats of strength and skill on display. Whether you're a fan of arm wrestling or a newcomer to the sport, this film is guaranteed to leave you entertained and inspired.

Pulling John is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.