Watch The Hammer

The Hammer is a 2010 independent film directed by Oren Kaplan, which follows the life of a deaf wrestler named Matt Hamill (Russell Harvard). The movie is based on the true story of Hamill, who overcomes his struggles with being deaf to become a collegiate wrestling champion. The movie begins with Hamill as a young boy growing up in a blue-collar family in Loveland, Ohio. His parents are supportive but struggle with understanding how to help him navigate the world with his deafness. As he grows up, he discovers a passion for wrestling and begins training with his high school team, where he faces discrimination and bullying from his peers.

Despite the challenges he faces, Hamill proves to be a talented wrestler, and the movie documents his journey from high school to college as he continues to improve and gain recognition as a wrestler. Along the way, he encounters supportive coaches, including his college wrestling coach Bill Lewis (Raymond J. Barry) and other wrestlers who become his lifelong friends.

The film portrays Hamill's struggles with communication and perception of deafness, as well as the challenges he faces in the athletic world, where brute force and cheap shots often rule the day. Despite these obstacles, Hamill finds success and recognition as a wrestler and becomes an inspiration to those around him.

Throughout the movie, Hamill's relationship with his mentor and coach, Bill Lewis, is a central focus. Lewis is portrayed as a father-figure to Hamill, offering guidance and support both on and off the wrestling mat. The relationship between the two is heartwarming, and the scenes between the two actors are affecting and emotional.

The film also explores the discrimination and stigma that the deaf community faces, particularly in the realm of sports. As Hamill rises in the wrestling world, he encounters those who doubt his abilities and attempt to exploit his deafness. One of the most poignant scenes in the movie features a judge who refuses to let Hamill compete in a wrestling match because he believes that Hamill's deafness gives him an unfair advantage.

Ultimately, The Hammer is a touching and inspiring film that tells the story of a courageous athlete who overcomes immense adversity to achieve success in his chosen sport. The film is anchored by a strong performance by Russell Harvard, who brings depth and authenticity to the role of Matt Hamill. The supporting cast is also excellent, particularly Raymond J. Barry as the wise and caring coach Bill Lewis.

The movie is shot in a naturalistic style, with a focus on character and emotion rather than flashy editing or special effects. This works well for the story of Matt Hamill, as it allows the viewer to connect with the characters and their struggles.

In conclusion, The Hammer is a powerful and poignant film that tells an important story about perseverance, determination, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves sports movies, inspirational stories, or simply great storytelling.

The Hammer is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.