Watch Breaking Balls

Breaking Balls is a heartwarming and engaging sports documentary that covers the history and current state of bocce ball in the United States. Released in 2017, the film is directed by Johnathan Iglesias and stars Aaron Goldhammer, Anthony Rizzo, and John Vourlis. The film explores the cultural significance of bocce ball in the Italian-American community, and follows the journey of a group of passionate bocce players from Cleveland, Ohio as they compete in the prestigious bocce ball tournament, The Bocce Nationals, in Las Vegas. The tournament attracts players from all over the country to compete in a sport that is often overshadowed by other more mainstream sports like basketball and football.

One of the main themes of the documentary is the idea that bocce ball is not just a game, but a way of life. Many of the players featured in the film talk about how playing bocce ball has become a family tradition passed down from generation to generation. They also emphasize the importance of sportsmanship and camaraderie in the game, highlighting how players will often help each other out and offer advice, even if they are competing against each other.

The film also delves into the history of bocce ball in the United States, tracing its roots back to the early 20th century when Italian immigrants first brought the sport over from Italy. The documentary features interviews with bocce ball veterans, who share stories about the early days of the sport and how it has evolved over time.

One of the most compelling storylines in the film is the underdog tale of the Cleveland bocce team. As they prepare for The Bocce Nationals, the team is plagued by injuries and setbacks, and they are relatively unknown compared to some of the more established teams they will be facing. However, they are determined to prove themselves and make a name for Cleveland bocce.

Breaking Balls has been highly praised for its authentic and heartfelt portrayal of bocce ball, and for its ability to capture the spirit of the sport and the community that surrounds it. The film has been well received by bocce enthusiasts and critics alike, and has won several awards at film festivals across the country.

Ultimately, Breaking Balls is more than just a sports documentary - it is a celebration of a community and a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together. It is a film that will appeal to anyone who is passionate about sports, or who is interested in exploring the cultural traditions and history of Italian-American communities in the United States.

Breaking Balls is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 9.1.