Rollerball
Rollerball

Rollerball

1975Movie125 minEnglish

In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game.

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Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes54%
Metacritic60/100
Google Users80%
Director: Norman JewisonGenres: Science Fiction, Action, Sport

Plot Summary

In a dystopian future, the world is controlled by powerful corporations, and violent, gladiatorial games of 'Rollerball' are broadcast as a form of public pacification. Jonathan, a star player, becomes a threat to the corporate elite when his popularity and skill grow too great. The corporations attempt to control him by manipulating the game's rules and his personal life, ultimately forcing him into a brutal and deadly final match.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Rollerball' received mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its ambitious concept, stylish direction, and violent spectacle. However, some found its satirical commentary heavy-handed and its plot less engaging than its premise suggested. Over time, it has gained a cult following and is often regarded as a cult classic of science fiction cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually striking and thematically ambitious, offering a brutal critique of corporate control and media manipulation.
  • Praised for its unique concept and exciting, violent action sequences.
  • Some found the film's social commentary to be overly didactic and its narrative less compelling than its visual flair.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally appreciate the film's unique futuristic vision and intense action. Many viewers enjoy the over-the-top violence and the concept of the sport itself, finding it a captivating and thought-provoking dystopian experience.

Fun Fact

The brutal, futuristic sport of Rollerball was partly inspired by the real-life sport of roller derby, but with a much more violent and lethal twist.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Rollerball" is a violent, quickly paced and ruthless sport and "Jonathan E" (James Caan) is it's acclaimed hero. Dominant and popular, the crowd love him - but his boss "Bartholomew" (John Houseman) tells him it's time to retire. Their wor...
John Chard

John Chard

2018… Norman Jewison and William Harrison expand Harrison’s short story into a full length feature film, with great results. Story takes place in 2018 and the world is a global corporate state, a hegemony of six ruling cartels. There are...