Bloodstained Memoirs is a 2009 documentary directed by David Sinnott that explores the world of professional wrestling through interviews with some of the industry's biggest stars. The film features interviews with a wide range of wrestlers, including Japanese legend Yoshihiro Asai (aka Ultimo Dragon), WWE Hall of Famers Mick Foley and Chris Jericho, and former WWE Diva Nora Greenwald (aka Molly Holly). In addition to these big names, the movie also includes conversations with lesser-known wrestlers, referees, and promoters.
Through these interviews, Bloodstained Memoirs paints a picture of what it's like to be a professional wrestler, both in the ring and behind the scenes. The film delves into the physical toll that wrestling takes on the body, as well as the highs and lows of life on the road.
The interviews with Asai, in particular, are fascinating. Asai is one of the most respected wrestlers in the world, having competed in some of the biggest promotions in Japan and the United States. He talks about the differences between the wrestling styles in these countries and shares some of his most memorable moments in the ring.
Foley, too, is a compelling figure, with a larger-than-life personality and a penchant for extreme stunts. He talks about his early career as a jobber (a wrestler who is paid to lose) and the injuries he's sustained over the years, including losing an ear in a match.
Jericho, meanwhile, offers a glimpse into the world of "sports entertainment" - the term that WWE prefers to use instead of "wrestling." He discusses the importance of charisma and how he's managed to stay relevant in the industry for so long.
Greenwald's interview is especially interesting because it provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to be a female wrestler in a male-dominated industry. She talks about the challenges that women face in trying to make it as wrestlers and the stereotypes that they often have to overcome.
Throughout the movie, there are also interviews with wrestlers who are no longer in the limelight, and who reflect on what it was like to be part of the wrestling world during its peak in popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s.
One of the things that sets Bloodstained Memoirs apart from other wrestling documentaries is that it doesn't shy away from the less glamorous aspects of the industry. There are frank discussions about the use of steroids, painkillers, and other drugs in wrestling, as well as the pressure that wrestlers face to maintain their physiques.
The film also touches on the darker side of wrestling, including the tragic deaths of some wrestlers, including Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit, who both died of drug-related causes.
Ultimately, Bloodstained Memoirs is a fascinating look at a world that is often misunderstood and overlooked. Through the interviews with some of wrestling's biggest stars, the movie provides insight into what it's really like to be a wrestler, and the sacrifices that wrestlers make in order to entertain their fans.
For anyone who has ever been a fan of professional wrestling, Bloodstained Memoirs is a must-watch. Even for those who are unfamiliar with the world of wrestling, the film offers a fascinating look into a subculture that is rich with history, passion, and drama.
Bloodstained Memoirs is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.
