The star of The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson, along with writer-director Benny Safdie, made significant efforts to portray the story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr authentically, especially during the fight sequences. The film tells the story of Kerr, portrayed by Johnson, as he ascends in the ring while battling addiction outside of it to cope with profound pain. Emily Blunt plays his devoted girlfriend, Dawn, who also confronts her own challenges. There’s been speculation about an Oscar nomination for Johnson, who is typically recognized for action and franchise films. It’s important to note that he is the only candidate in this year's Best Actor race who, as he puts it, willingly allowed himself to be "concussed" for his craft. In our cover feature on The Smashing Machine, Johnson and Safdie shared that during the film's early development, Safdie proposed a daring concept: to always keep the cameras outside the ring and to refrain from quick cuts or editing techniques. “Benny and I were in a meeting when he said, ‘I have a suggestion. Tell me I’m crazy and I’ll never mention it again: I’d love to never cut away when you’re in the ring or cage,’” Johnson recounted to writer Joshua Encinias. “I replied, ‘I would love that. I will train hard and come in the best, and hopefully in decent shape,’” Johnson remembered. The most intense outcome of this approach resulted in a fight scene that recreates a notable brawl in Japan between Kerr and Kazuyuki Fujita, who is portrayed in the film by actor and MMA fighter Yoko Hamamura. Regarding taking a real hit from Yoko Hamamura for The Smashing Machine, Johnson specifically asked Hamamura not to hold back. “I pulled Yoko Hamamura aside and said, ‘Hey, you have to hit me in the face.’ He thought I was joking. He said, ‘No, no, I can’t do that.’ I insisted, ‘I mean it. I’m not trying to be tough. You know what happened in the fight with Kerr and Fujita, and Benny's not going to cut away,’” Johnson explained. Safdie affirmed: “I’m not cutting away. I’m staying right there.” Johnson urged Hamamura: “Please, please hit me. We only have one shot at this. You know how to throw a punch. If you hit me here, you might break my jaw. If you hit me here, you could break my cheekbone. So please... we get one shot at this, so go for it.’” Hamamura obliged, leading to the expected painful outcome. The fight features prominently in the Smashing Machine trailer. “He rocked me so hard,” Johnson admitted. “It shows in the trailer, where I’m on my knees, dazed and unsteady. I was concussed and disoriented for days afterward. But we didn’t cut away, and I’m grateful for it because that fight was crucial for Mark and truly changed his life. “Benny wouldn’t allow us to fake it,” Johnson added. “If Mark got rocked, then I got rocked.” Safdie and stunt coordinator Greg Rementer carefully scripted every round and takedown, yet the pain was unavoidable. “There’s a respect for what these fighters endure. You can’t pretend that. You have to genuinely feel it,” Johnson stated. Safdie elaborated: “Dwayne had to learn to fight like Mark to make it believable. If viewers can tell that it’s not real, that takes them out of the experience.” The Smashing Machine is now in theaters, presented by A24.

The star of The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson, along with writer-director Benny Safdie, made significant efforts to portray the story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr authentically, especially during the fight sequences. The film tells the story of Kerr, portrayed by Johnson, as he ascends in the ring while battling addiction outside of it to cope with profound pain. Emily Blunt plays his devoted girlfriend, Dawn, who also confronts her own challenges. There’s been speculation about an Oscar nomination for Johnson, who is typically recognized for action and franchise films. It’s important to note that he is the only candidate in this year's Best Actor race who, as he puts it, willingly allowed himself to be "concussed" for his craft. In our cover feature on The Smashing Machine, Johnson and Safdie shared that during the film's early development, Safdie proposed a daring concept: to always keep the cameras outside the ring and to refrain from quick cuts or editing techniques. “Benny and I were in a meeting when he said, ‘I have a suggestion. Tell me I’m crazy and I’ll never mention it again: I’d love to never cut away when you’re in the ring or cage,’” Johnson recounted to writer Joshua Encinias. “I replied, ‘I would love that. I will train hard and come in the best, and hopefully in decent shape,’” Johnson remembered. The most intense outcome of this approach resulted in a fight scene that recreates a notable brawl in Japan between Kerr and Kazuyuki Fujita, who is portrayed in the film by actor and MMA fighter Yoko Hamamura. Regarding taking a real hit from Yoko Hamamura for The Smashing Machine, Johnson specifically asked Hamamura not to hold back. “I pulled Yoko Hamamura aside and said, ‘Hey, you have to hit me in the face.’ He thought I was joking. He said, ‘No, no, I can’t do that.’ I insisted, ‘I mean it. I’m not trying to be tough. You know what happened in the fight with Kerr and Fujita, and Benny's not going to cut away,’” Johnson explained. Safdie affirmed: “I’m not cutting away. I’m staying right there.” Johnson urged Hamamura: “Please, please hit me. We only have one shot at this. You know how to throw a punch. If you hit me here, you might break my jaw. If you hit me here, you could break my cheekbone. So please... we get one shot at this, so go for it.’” Hamamura obliged, leading to the expected painful outcome. The fight features prominently in the Smashing Machine trailer. “He rocked me so hard,” Johnson admitted. “It shows in the trailer, where I’m on my knees, dazed and unsteady. I was concussed and disoriented for days afterward. But we didn’t cut away, and I’m grateful for it because that fight was crucial for Mark and truly changed his life. “Benny wouldn’t allow us to fake it,” Johnson added. “If Mark got rocked, then I got rocked.” Safdie and stunt coordinator Greg Rementer carefully scripted every round and takedown, yet the pain was unavoidable. “There’s a respect for what these fighters endure. You can’t pretend that. You have to genuinely feel it,” Johnson stated. Safdie elaborated: “Dwayne had to learn to fight like Mark to make it believable. If viewers can tell that it’s not real, that takes them out of the experience.” The Smashing Machine is now in theaters, presented by A24.

      Casey Chong offers a curated list of essential missing person films inspired by true events.

      Experiencing grief, despair, and overwhelming emotions is something that can affect anyone, especially in the stark reality of losing a loved one, whether it be a child, a spouse, or a close friend. Such narratives abound in films, both fictional and based on real crimes. We have notable fictional films like Breakdown, Frantic, Gone Baby Gone, and The Lady Vanishes, among others. However, our focus here will be on exploring seven of the finest missing-person movies drawn from true stories.

      **Changeling (2008)**

      2008 was a remarkable year for Clint Eastwood, showcased by his direction in both Changeling and Gran Torino, both of which received positive acclaim. In Changeling, he adeptly brings to life the compelling true story of Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie), a single mother who maintains that her nine-year-old son is not Walter, even after the Los Angeles police find him five months later. She insists that her son is still missing and demands continued searches. This narrative is linked to the 1928 Wineville Chicken Coop murders in Mira Loma, California, and unfolds through several captivating angles. Eastwood's confident direction ensures that even at 142 minutes long, the film remains engaging as Christine’s relentless pursuit of the truth reveals police corruption and incompetence. The film is also distinguished by one of Angelina Jolie’s finest performances, where her poignant yet strong portrayal of a mother earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. The role easily could have veered into melodrama, but Jolie's subtle performance keeps it grounded.

      **Missing (1982)**

      Costa-Gavras's Missing, a joint winner of the Palme d'Or with Yol and a four-time Oscar nominee that won for Best Adapted Screenplay, depicts American businessman Ed Horman’s (Jack Lemmon) tireless search for his missing journalist son, Charlie (John Shea), aided by his wife, played by Sissy Spacek, during the 1973 military coup in Chile. Both Lemmon and Spacek rightfully received Oscar nominations for their powerful portrayals of a father and wife, respectively. The direction by Costa-Gavras not only centers on Charlie Horman's disappearance but also highlights the emotional weight of Ed and Beth’s grief, while tackling critical themes of truth, manipulation, and the political and bureaucratic injustices surrounding U.S. foreign policy in relation to the authoritarian Chilean regime.

      **Lost Girls (2020)**

      Based on Robert Kolker’s nonfiction book Lost Girls: An Unsolved American Mystery, Liz Garbus's documentary expertise is effectively utilized to narrate the gripping true story of Shannan Gilbert (Sarah Wisser), a sex worker who vanished in 2010. This drives her mother, Mari (Amy Ryan), into a relentless search for her daughter, exerting pressure on local authorities led by Commissioner Richard Dormer (Gabriel Byrne) to take her case seriously. Garbus compellingly portrays Mari’s desperation and determination for the truth, featuring a strong lead from Amy Ryan filled with emotional depth. The film avoids typical Hollywood dramatization, opting instead for a realistic approach, and boldly critiques how law enforcement tends to disregard cases involving marginalized sex workers.

      **3096 Days (2013)**

      A striking true-story German drama from director Sherry Hormann, known for 2009's Desert Flower, portrays the harrowing tale of 10-year-old Natascha Kampusch (Amelia Pidgeon), who was kidnapped in 1998. Her abductor, Wolfgang Přiklopil (a chilling performance by Thure Lindhardt), keeps her confined in a small cellar beneath his home. What is shocking about 3096 Days is that Natascha endures captivity for over eight years while Přiklopil exerts control and abuse over her. Antonia Campbell-Hughes delivers a remarkable performance as the adult Natascha, notably committing to method acting by losing weight to accurately reflect her character’s malnourishment due to excessive abuse. The film eschews any form of embellishment regarding its grim subject matter, with Hormann directing in a straightforward manner that zeroes in on the psychological ramifications of Natascha's prolonged oppression and humiliation.

      **The Vanishing (2018)**

      Based on the real-life disappearance of the Flannan Isles Lighthouse keepers in 1900, director Kristoffer Nyholm crafts a tension-filled narrative. The Vanishing unfolds on a secluded island that hosts the lighthouse, allowing Nyholm to explore an atmosphere thick with dread and a lingering sense of isolation. The story follows lighthouse keepers James (Gerard Butler), Thomas (Peter Mullan), and Donald (Connor Swindells), who stumble upon a treasure chest on the island. Nyholm’s film progresses with a slow-burn method, focusing on the psychological effects of the discovery, which eventually leads to murder. The performances by

The star of The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson, along with writer-director Benny Safdie, made significant efforts to portray the story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr authentically, especially during the fight sequences. The film tells the story of Kerr, portrayed by Johnson, as he ascends in the ring while battling addiction outside of it to cope with profound pain. Emily Blunt plays his devoted girlfriend, Dawn, who also confronts her own challenges. There’s been speculation about an Oscar nomination for Johnson, who is typically recognized for action and franchise films. It’s important to note that he is the only candidate in this year's Best Actor race who, as he puts it, willingly allowed himself to be "concussed" for his craft. In our cover feature on The Smashing Machine, Johnson and Safdie shared that during the film's early development, Safdie proposed a daring concept: to always keep the cameras outside the ring and to refrain from quick cuts or editing techniques. “Benny and I were in a meeting when he said, ‘I have a suggestion. Tell me I’m crazy and I’ll never mention it again: I’d love to never cut away when you’re in the ring or cage,’” Johnson recounted to writer Joshua Encinias. “I replied, ‘I would love that. I will train hard and come in the best, and hopefully in decent shape,’” Johnson remembered. The most intense outcome of this approach resulted in a fight scene that recreates a notable brawl in Japan between Kerr and Kazuyuki Fujita, who is portrayed in the film by actor and MMA fighter Yoko Hamamura. Regarding taking a real hit from Yoko Hamamura for The Smashing Machine, Johnson specifically asked Hamamura not to hold back. “I pulled Yoko Hamamura aside and said, ‘Hey, you have to hit me in the face.’ He thought I was joking. He said, ‘No, no, I can’t do that.’ I insisted, ‘I mean it. I’m not trying to be tough. You know what happened in the fight with Kerr and Fujita, and Benny's not going to cut away,’” Johnson explained. Safdie affirmed: “I’m not cutting away. I’m staying right there.” Johnson urged Hamamura: “Please, please hit me. We only have one shot at this. You know how to throw a punch. If you hit me here, you might break my jaw. If you hit me here, you could break my cheekbone. So please... we get one shot at this, so go for it.’” Hamamura obliged, leading to the expected painful outcome. The fight features prominently in the Smashing Machine trailer. “He rocked me so hard,” Johnson admitted. “It shows in the trailer, where I’m on my knees, dazed and unsteady. I was concussed and disoriented for days afterward. But we didn’t cut away, and I’m grateful for it because that fight was crucial for Mark and truly changed his life. “Benny wouldn’t allow us to fake it,” Johnson added. “If Mark got rocked, then I got rocked.” Safdie and stunt coordinator Greg Rementer carefully scripted every round and takedown, yet the pain was unavoidable. “There’s a respect for what these fighters endure. You can’t pretend that. You have to genuinely feel it,” Johnson stated. Safdie elaborated: “Dwayne had to learn to fight like Mark to make it believable. If viewers can tell that it’s not real, that takes them out of the experience.” The Smashing Machine is now in theaters, presented by A24. The star of The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson, along with writer-director Benny Safdie, made significant efforts to portray the story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr authentically, especially during the fight sequences. The film tells the story of Kerr, portrayed by Johnson, as he ascends in the ring while battling addiction outside of it to cope with profound pain. Emily Blunt plays his devoted girlfriend, Dawn, who also confronts her own challenges. There’s been speculation about an Oscar nomination for Johnson, who is typically recognized for action and franchise films. It’s important to note that he is the only candidate in this year's Best Actor race who, as he puts it, willingly allowed himself to be "concussed" for his craft. In our cover feature on The Smashing Machine, Johnson and Safdie shared that during the film's early development, Safdie proposed a daring concept: to always keep the cameras outside the ring and to refrain from quick cuts or editing techniques. “Benny and I were in a meeting when he said, ‘I have a suggestion. Tell me I’m crazy and I’ll never mention it again: I’d love to never cut away when you’re in the ring or cage,’” Johnson recounted to writer Joshua Encinias. “I replied, ‘I would love that. I will train hard and come in the best, and hopefully in decent shape,’” Johnson remembered. The most intense outcome of this approach resulted in a fight scene that recreates a notable brawl in Japan between Kerr and Kazuyuki Fujita, who is portrayed in the film by actor and MMA fighter Yoko Hamamura. Regarding taking a real hit from Yoko Hamamura for The Smashing Machine, Johnson specifically asked Hamamura not to hold back. “I pulled Yoko Hamamura aside and said, ‘Hey, you have to hit me in the face.’ He thought I was joking. He said, ‘No, no, I can’t do that.’ I insisted, ‘I mean it. I’m not trying to be tough. You know what happened in the fight with Kerr and Fujita, and Benny's not going to cut away,’” Johnson explained. Safdie affirmed: “I’m not cutting away. I’m staying right there.” Johnson urged Hamamura: “Please, please hit me. We only have one shot at this. You know how to throw a punch. If you hit me here, you might break my jaw. If you hit me here, you could break my cheekbone. So please... we get one shot at this, so go for it.’” Hamamura obliged, leading to the expected painful outcome. The fight features prominently in the Smashing Machine trailer. “He rocked me so hard,” Johnson admitted. “It shows in the trailer, where I’m on my knees, dazed and unsteady. I was concussed and disoriented for days afterward. But we didn’t cut away, and I’m grateful for it because that fight was crucial for Mark and truly changed his life. “Benny wouldn’t allow us to fake it,” Johnson added. “If Mark got rocked, then I got rocked.” Safdie and stunt coordinator Greg Rementer carefully scripted every round and takedown, yet the pain was unavoidable. “There’s a respect for what these fighters endure. You can’t pretend that. You have to genuinely feel it,” Johnson stated. Safdie elaborated: “Dwayne had to learn to fight like Mark to make it believable. If viewers can tell that it’s not real, that takes them out of the experience.” The Smashing Machine is now in theaters, presented by A24. The star of The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson, along with writer-director Benny Safdie, made significant efforts to portray the story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr authentically, especially during the fight sequences. The film tells the story of Kerr, portrayed by Johnson, as he ascends in the ring while battling addiction outside of it to cope with profound pain. Emily Blunt plays his devoted girlfriend, Dawn, who also confronts her own challenges. There’s been speculation about an Oscar nomination for Johnson, who is typically recognized for action and franchise films. It’s important to note that he is the only candidate in this year's Best Actor race who, as he puts it, willingly allowed himself to be "concussed" for his craft. In our cover feature on The Smashing Machine, Johnson and Safdie shared that during the film's early development, Safdie proposed a daring concept: to always keep the cameras outside the ring and to refrain from quick cuts or editing techniques. “Benny and I were in a meeting when he said, ‘I have a suggestion. Tell me I’m crazy and I’ll never mention it again: I’d love to never cut away when you’re in the ring or cage,’” Johnson recounted to writer Joshua Encinias. “I replied, ‘I would love that. I will train hard and come in the best, and hopefully in decent shape,’” Johnson remembered. The most intense outcome of this approach resulted in a fight scene that recreates a notable brawl in Japan between Kerr and Kazuyuki Fujita, who is portrayed in the film by actor and MMA fighter Yoko Hamamura. Regarding taking a real hit from Yoko Hamamura for The Smashing Machine, Johnson specifically asked Hamamura not to hold back. “I pulled Yoko Hamamura aside and said, ‘Hey, you have to hit me in the face.’ He thought I was joking. He said, ‘No, no, I can’t do that.’ I insisted, ‘I mean it. I’m not trying to be tough. You know what happened in the fight with Kerr and Fujita, and Benny's not going to cut away,’” Johnson explained. Safdie affirmed: “I’m not cutting away. I’m staying right there.” Johnson urged Hamamura: “Please, please hit me. We only have one shot at this. You know how to throw a punch. If you hit me here, you might break my jaw. If you hit me here, you could break my cheekbone. So please... we get one shot at this, so go for it.’” Hamamura obliged, leading to the expected painful outcome. The fight features prominently in the Smashing Machine trailer. “He rocked me so hard,” Johnson admitted. “It shows in the trailer, where I’m on my knees, dazed and unsteady. I was concussed and disoriented for days afterward. But we didn’t cut away, and I’m grateful for it because that fight was crucial for Mark and truly changed his life. “Benny wouldn’t allow us to fake it,” Johnson added. “If Mark got rocked, then I got rocked.” Safdie and stunt coordinator Greg Rementer carefully scripted every round and takedown, yet the pain was unavoidable. “There’s a respect for what these fighters endure. You can’t pretend that. You have to genuinely feel it,” Johnson stated. Safdie elaborated: “Dwayne had to learn to fight like Mark to make it believable. If viewers can tell that it’s not real, that takes them out of the experience.” The Smashing Machine is now in theaters, presented by A24. The star of The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson, along with writer-director Benny Safdie, made significant efforts to portray the story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr authentically, especially during the fight sequences. The film tells the story of Kerr, portrayed by Johnson, as he ascends in the ring while battling addiction outside of it to cope with profound pain. Emily Blunt plays his devoted girlfriend, Dawn, who also confronts her own challenges. There’s been speculation about an Oscar nomination for Johnson, who is typically recognized for action and franchise films. It’s important to note that he is the only candidate in this year's Best Actor race who, as he puts it, willingly allowed himself to be "concussed" for his craft. In our cover feature on The Smashing Machine, Johnson and Safdie shared that during the film's early development, Safdie proposed a daring concept: to always keep the cameras outside the ring and to refrain from quick cuts or editing techniques. “Benny and I were in a meeting when he said, ‘I have a suggestion. Tell me I’m crazy and I’ll never mention it again: I’d love to never cut away when you’re in the ring or cage,’” Johnson recounted to writer Joshua Encinias. “I replied, ‘I would love that. I will train hard and come in the best, and hopefully in decent shape,’” Johnson remembered. The most intense outcome of this approach resulted in a fight scene that recreates a notable brawl in Japan between Kerr and Kazuyuki Fujita, who is portrayed in the film by actor and MMA fighter Yoko Hamamura. Regarding taking a real hit from Yoko Hamamura for The Smashing Machine, Johnson specifically asked Hamamura not to hold back. “I pulled Yoko Hamamura aside and said, ‘Hey, you have to hit me in the face.’ He thought I was joking. He said, ‘No, no, I can’t do that.’ I insisted, ‘I mean it. I’m not trying to be tough. You know what happened in the fight with Kerr and Fujita, and Benny's not going to cut away,’” Johnson explained. Safdie affirmed: “I’m not cutting away. I’m staying right there.” Johnson urged Hamamura: “Please, please hit me. We only have one shot at this. You know how to throw a punch. If you hit me here, you might break my jaw. If you hit me here, you could break my cheekbone. So please... we get one shot at this, so go for it.’” Hamamura obliged, leading to the expected painful outcome. The fight features prominently in the Smashing Machine trailer. “He rocked me so hard,” Johnson admitted. “It shows in the trailer, where I’m on my knees, dazed and unsteady. I was concussed and disoriented for days afterward. But we didn’t cut away, and I’m grateful for it because that fight was crucial for Mark and truly changed his life. “Benny wouldn’t allow us to fake it,” Johnson added. “If Mark got rocked, then I got rocked.” Safdie and stunt coordinator Greg Rementer carefully scripted every round and takedown, yet the pain was unavoidable. “There’s a respect for what these fighters endure. You can’t pretend that. You have to genuinely feel it,” Johnson stated. Safdie elaborated: “Dwayne had to learn to fight like Mark to make it believable. If viewers can tell that it’s not real, that takes them out of the experience.” The Smashing Machine is now in theaters, presented by A24. The star of The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson, along with writer-director Benny Safdie, made significant efforts to portray the story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr authentically, especially during the fight sequences. The film tells the story of Kerr, portrayed by Johnson, as he ascends in the ring while battling addiction outside of it to cope with profound pain. Emily Blunt plays his devoted girlfriend, Dawn, who also confronts her own challenges. There’s been speculation about an Oscar nomination for Johnson, who is typically recognized for action and franchise films. It’s important to note that he is the only candidate in this year's Best Actor race who, as he puts it, willingly allowed himself to be "concussed" for his craft. In our cover feature on The Smashing Machine, Johnson and Safdie shared that during the film's early development, Safdie proposed a daring concept: to always keep the cameras outside the ring and to refrain from quick cuts or editing techniques. “Benny and I were in a meeting when he said, ‘I have a suggestion. Tell me I’m crazy and I’ll never mention it again: I’d love to never cut away when you’re in the ring or cage,’” Johnson recounted to writer Joshua Encinias. “I replied, ‘I would love that. I will train hard and come in the best, and hopefully in decent shape,’” Johnson remembered. The most intense outcome of this approach resulted in a fight scene that recreates a notable brawl in Japan between Kerr and Kazuyuki Fujita, who is portrayed in the film by actor and MMA fighter Yoko Hamamura. Regarding taking a real hit from Yoko Hamamura for The Smashing Machine, Johnson specifically asked Hamamura not to hold back. “I pulled Yoko Hamamura aside and said, ‘Hey, you have to hit me in the face.’ He thought I was joking. He said, ‘No, no, I can’t do that.’ I insisted, ‘I mean it. I’m not trying to be tough. You know what happened in the fight with Kerr and Fujita, and Benny's not going to cut away,’” Johnson explained. Safdie affirmed: “I’m not cutting away. I’m staying right there.” Johnson urged Hamamura: “Please, please hit me. We only have one shot at this. You know how to throw a punch. If you hit me here, you might break my jaw. If you hit me here, you could break my cheekbone. So please... we get one shot at this, so go for it.’” Hamamura obliged, leading to the expected painful outcome. The fight features prominently in the Smashing Machine trailer. “He rocked me so hard,” Johnson admitted. “It shows in the trailer, where I’m on my knees, dazed and unsteady. I was concussed and disoriented for days afterward. But we didn’t cut away, and I’m grateful for it because that fight was crucial for Mark and truly changed his life. “Benny wouldn’t allow us to fake it,” Johnson added. “If Mark got rocked, then I got rocked.” Safdie and stunt coordinator Greg Rementer carefully scripted every round and takedown, yet the pain was unavoidable. “There’s a respect for what these fighters endure. You can’t pretend that. You have to genuinely feel it,” Johnson stated. Safdie elaborated: “Dwayne had to learn to fight like Mark to make it believable. If viewers can tell that it’s not real, that takes them out of the experience.” The Smashing Machine is now in theaters, presented by A24. The star of The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson, along with writer-director Benny Safdie, made significant efforts to portray the story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr authentically, especially during the fight sequences. The film tells the story of Kerr, portrayed by Johnson, as he ascends in the ring while battling addiction outside of it to cope with profound pain. Emily Blunt plays his devoted girlfriend, Dawn, who also confronts her own challenges. There’s been speculation about an Oscar nomination for Johnson, who is typically recognized for action and franchise films. It’s important to note that he is the only candidate in this year's Best Actor race who, as he puts it, willingly allowed himself to be "concussed" for his craft. In our cover feature on The Smashing Machine, Johnson and Safdie shared that during the film's early development, Safdie proposed a daring concept: to always keep the cameras outside the ring and to refrain from quick cuts or editing techniques. “Benny and I were in a meeting when he said, ‘I have a suggestion. Tell me I’m crazy and I’ll never mention it again: I’d love to never cut away when you’re in the ring or cage,’” Johnson recounted to writer Joshua Encinias. “I replied, ‘I would love that. I will train hard and come in the best, and hopefully in decent shape,’” Johnson remembered. The most intense outcome of this approach resulted in a fight scene that recreates a notable brawl in Japan between Kerr and Kazuyuki Fujita, who is portrayed in the film by actor and MMA fighter Yoko Hamamura. Regarding taking a real hit from Yoko Hamamura for The Smashing Machine, Johnson specifically asked Hamamura not to hold back. “I pulled Yoko Hamamura aside and said, ‘Hey, you have to hit me in the face.’ He thought I was joking. He said, ‘No, no, I can’t do that.’ I insisted, ‘I mean it. I’m not trying to be tough. You know what happened in the fight with Kerr and Fujita, and Benny's not going to cut away,’” Johnson explained. Safdie affirmed: “I’m not cutting away. I’m staying right there.” Johnson urged Hamamura: “Please, please hit me. We only have one shot at this. You know how to throw a punch. If you hit me here, you might break my jaw. If you hit me here, you could break my cheekbone. So please... we get one shot at this, so go for it.’” Hamamura obliged, leading to the expected painful outcome. The fight features prominently in the Smashing Machine trailer. “He rocked me so hard,” Johnson admitted. “It shows in the trailer, where I’m on my knees, dazed and unsteady. I was concussed and disoriented for days afterward. But we didn’t cut away, and I’m grateful for it because that fight was crucial for Mark and truly changed his life. “Benny wouldn’t allow us to fake it,” Johnson added. “If Mark got rocked, then I got rocked.” Safdie and stunt coordinator Greg Rementer carefully scripted every round and takedown, yet the pain was unavoidable. “There’s a respect for what these fighters endure. You can’t pretend that. You have to genuinely feel it,” Johnson stated. Safdie elaborated: “Dwayne had to learn to fight like Mark to make it believable. If viewers can tell that it’s not real, that takes them out of the experience.” The Smashing Machine is now in theaters, presented by A24. The star of The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson, along with writer-director Benny Safdie, made significant efforts to portray the story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr authentically, especially during the fight sequences. The film tells the story of Kerr, portrayed by Johnson, as he ascends in the ring while battling addiction outside of it to cope with profound pain. Emily Blunt plays his devoted girlfriend, Dawn, who also confronts her own challenges. There’s been speculation about an Oscar nomination for Johnson, who is typically recognized for action and franchise films. It’s important to note that he is the only candidate in this year's Best Actor race who, as he puts it, willingly allowed himself to be "concussed" for his craft. In our cover feature on The Smashing Machine, Johnson and Safdie shared that during the film's early development, Safdie proposed a daring concept: to always keep the cameras outside the ring and to refrain from quick cuts or editing techniques. “Benny and I were in a meeting when he said, ‘I have a suggestion. Tell me I’m crazy and I’ll never mention it again: I’d love to never cut away when you’re in the ring or cage,’” Johnson recounted to writer Joshua Encinias. “I replied, ‘I would love that. I will train hard and come in the best, and hopefully in decent shape,’” Johnson remembered. The most intense outcome of this approach resulted in a fight scene that recreates a notable brawl in Japan between Kerr and Kazuyuki Fujita, who is portrayed in the film by actor and MMA fighter Yoko Hamamura. Regarding taking a real hit from Yoko Hamamura for The Smashing Machine, Johnson specifically asked Hamamura not to hold back. “I pulled Yoko Hamamura aside and said, ‘Hey, you have to hit me in the face.’ He thought I was joking. He said, ‘No, no, I can’t do that.’ I insisted, ‘I mean it. I’m not trying to be tough. You know what happened in the fight with Kerr and Fujita, and Benny's not going to cut away,’” Johnson explained. Safdie affirmed: “I’m not cutting away. I’m staying right there.” Johnson urged Hamamura: “Please, please hit me. We only have one shot at this. You know how to throw a punch. If you hit me here, you might break my jaw. If you hit me here, you could break my cheekbone. So please... we get one shot at this, so go for it.’” Hamamura obliged, leading to the expected painful outcome. The fight features prominently in the Smashing Machine trailer. “He rocked me so hard,” Johnson admitted. “It shows in the trailer, where I’m on my knees, dazed and unsteady. I was concussed and disoriented for days afterward. But we didn’t cut away, and I’m grateful for it because that fight was crucial for Mark and truly changed his life. “Benny wouldn’t allow us to fake it,” Johnson added. “If Mark got rocked, then I got rocked.” Safdie and stunt coordinator Greg Rementer carefully scripted every round and takedown, yet the pain was unavoidable. “There’s a respect for what these fighters endure. You can’t pretend that. You have to genuinely feel it,” Johnson stated. Safdie elaborated: “Dwayne had to learn to fight like Mark to make it believable. If viewers can tell that it’s not real, that takes them out of the experience.” The Smashing Machine is now in theaters, presented by A24. The star of The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson, along with writer-director Benny Safdie, made significant efforts to portray the story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr authentically, especially during the fight sequences. The film tells the story of Kerr, portrayed by Johnson, as he ascends in the ring while battling addiction outside of it to cope with profound pain. Emily Blunt plays his devoted girlfriend, Dawn, who also confronts her own challenges. There’s been speculation about an Oscar nomination for Johnson, who is typically recognized for action and franchise films. It’s important to note that he is the only candidate in this year's Best Actor race who, as he puts it, willingly allowed himself to be "concussed" for his craft. In our cover feature on The Smashing Machine, Johnson and Safdie shared that during the film's early development, Safdie proposed a daring concept: to always keep the cameras outside the ring and to refrain from quick cuts or editing techniques. “Benny and I were in a meeting when he said, ‘I have a suggestion. Tell me I’m crazy and I’ll never mention it again: I’d love to never cut away when you’re in the ring or cage,’” Johnson recounted to writer Joshua Encinias. “I replied, ‘I would love that. I will train hard and come in the best, and hopefully in decent shape,’” Johnson remembered. The most intense outcome of this approach resulted in a fight scene that recreates a notable brawl in Japan between Kerr and Kazuyuki Fujita, who is portrayed in the film by actor and MMA fighter Yoko Hamamura. Regarding taking a real hit from Yoko Hamamura for The Smashing Machine, Johnson specifically asked Hamamura not to hold back. “I pulled Yoko Hamamura aside and said, ‘Hey, you have to hit me in the face.’ He thought I was joking. He said, ‘No, no, I can’t do that.’ I insisted, ‘I mean it. I’m not trying to be tough. You know what happened in the fight with Kerr and Fujita, and Benny's not going to cut away,’” Johnson explained. Safdie affirmed: “I’m not cutting away. I’m staying right there.” Johnson urged Hamamura: “Please, please hit me. We only have one shot at this. You know how to throw a punch. If you hit me here, you might break my jaw. If you hit me here, you could break my cheekbone. So please... we get one shot at this, so go for it.’” Hamamura obliged, leading to the expected painful outcome. The fight features prominently in the Smashing Machine trailer. “He rocked me so hard,” Johnson admitted. “It shows in the trailer, where I’m on my knees, dazed and unsteady. I was concussed and disoriented for days afterward. But we didn’t cut away, and I’m grateful for it because that fight was crucial for Mark and truly changed his life. “Benny wouldn’t allow us to fake it,” Johnson added. “If Mark got rocked, then I got rocked.” Safdie and stunt coordinator Greg Rementer carefully scripted every round and takedown, yet the pain was unavoidable. “There’s a respect for what these fighters endure. You can’t pretend that. You have to genuinely feel it,” Johnson stated. Safdie elaborated: “Dwayne had to learn to fight like Mark to make it believable. If viewers can tell that it’s not real, that takes them out of the experience.” The Smashing Machine is now in theaters, presented by A24.

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The star of The Smashing Machine, Dwayne Johnson, along with writer-director Benny Safdie, made significant efforts to portray the story of UFC fighter Mark Kerr authentically, especially during the fight sequences. The film tells the story of Kerr, portrayed by Johnson, as he ascends in the ring while battling addiction outside of it to cope with profound pain. Emily Blunt plays his devoted girlfriend, Dawn, who also confronts her own challenges. There’s been speculation about an Oscar nomination for Johnson, who is typically recognized for action and franchise films. It’s important to note that he is the only candidate in this year's Best Actor race who, as he puts it, willingly allowed himself to be "concussed" for his craft. In our cover feature on The Smashing Machine, Johnson and Safdie shared that during the film's early development, Safdie proposed a daring concept: to always keep the cameras outside the ring and to refrain from quick cuts or editing techniques. “Benny and I were in a meeting when he said, ‘I have a suggestion. Tell me I’m crazy and I’ll never mention it again: I’d love to never cut away when you’re in the ring or cage,’” Johnson recounted to writer Joshua Encinias. “I replied, ‘I would love that. I will train hard and come in the best, and hopefully in decent shape,’” Johnson remembered. The most intense outcome of this approach resulted in a fight scene that recreates a notable brawl in Japan between Kerr and Kazuyuki Fujita, who is portrayed in the film by actor and MMA fighter Yoko Hamamura. Regarding taking a real hit from Yoko Hamamura for The Smashing Machine, Johnson specifically asked Hamamura not to hold back. “I pulled Yoko Hamamura aside and said, ‘Hey, you have to hit me in the face.’ He thought I was joking. He said, ‘No, no, I can’t do that.’ I insisted, ‘I mean it. I’m not trying to be tough. You know what happened in the fight with Kerr and Fujita, and Benny's not going to cut away,’” Johnson explained. Safdie affirmed: “I’m not cutting away. I’m staying right there.” Johnson urged Hamamura: “Please, please hit me. We only have one shot at this. You know how to throw a punch. If you hit me here, you might break my jaw. If you hit me here, you could break my cheekbone. So please... we get one shot at this, so go for it.’” Hamamura obliged, leading to the expected painful outcome. The fight features prominently in the Smashing Machine trailer. “He rocked me so hard,” Johnson admitted. “It shows in the trailer, where I’m on my knees, dazed and unsteady. I was concussed and disoriented for days afterward. But we didn’t cut away, and I’m grateful for it because that fight was crucial for Mark and truly changed his life. “Benny wouldn’t allow us to fake it,” Johnson added. “If Mark got rocked, then I got rocked.” Safdie and stunt coordinator Greg Rementer carefully scripted every round and takedown, yet the pain was unavoidable. “There’s a respect for what these fighters endure. You can’t pretend that. You have to genuinely feel it,” Johnson stated. Safdie elaborated: “Dwayne had to learn to fight like Mark to make it believable. If viewers can tell that it’s not real, that takes them out of the experience.” The Smashing Machine is now in theaters, presented by A24.

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