The Last Gladiators

One of the greatest hockey documentaries I have ever seen sums up the real need for the enforcer in the game of hockey, and in my opinion, the enforcers are the ones that love the game the most

Being a fan of the game back in the 80's, I had seen a lot of the highlights in this documentary as they actually happened. This DVD chronicles one player in particular Chris Nilan, his ups and downs before, during and after the game of hockey. I remember vividly the Montreal- Boston brawl that spilled out into the hallway, because I remember watching this happen on TV. This and other events during the careers of the now-defunct everyday NHL fighter are told in this delightful DVD. It helps a lot if you were actually able to see these events occur like I did. And I also was able to watch the players interviewed play in their hey-day. That will enhance your enjoyment of this DVD. This DVD is a look into the days of when hockey wasn't controlled by Television and the ol'e mighty dollar. When just about everything was let go as far as the rough stuff. It also dwells into the hardships of the fighters as they play their role's on their teams. So if you were able to see the old-style in your face hockey that carried the league for decades this is a nice stroll down memory lane here. If you're a new fan or younger fan of the game and you missed this era, it's a great look into the way the game used to be played. When the players were responsible for themselves on the ice. The game back then and now today is almost night and day. It's a good look into how things used to be. This is a wonderful DVD.

Knuckles Nilan. Do I need to say anymore? If you don't know who the enforcers are, or why we don't see as many fights in the NHL anymore then you're not an old school hockey fan (or you're too young to remember when enforcers were necessary in hockey).Great documentary. Brings up a lot of good topics, and addresses the one topic that rarely gets any publicity; what happens to hockey players after they retire. Or better yet what is happening to the enforcers now that the NHL is slowly conforming to concussion "pressure" and weeding the enforcers from the NHL.How can you take something like fighting out of hockey? It's primal instinct and it's a tradition. Who is going to check an instigator when they start something with your star player? You take these guys from hockey and you're taking tradition from our sport. Leave the sport alone and let these men do their jobs. Protect your star players and stick up for what's right.Watch this movie if you want to see the enforcers point of view.

I thoroughly enjoyed this dvd. I thought it was well made, great story, awesome footage and some nice bonus material. I thought Chris Nilan was just so open and honest with all his answers. I would say even people who are not hockey fans could get very much into this story. For the price, you can't beat it. (I paid $7.99).

This story draws you in from the very first scene. Which is rare. You will not regret watching. I am a life long Flyers fan but now I am a Chris Nilan fan too. He's a good man and it's incredibly brave and selfless of him to share his experience. I feel like this documentary will help more people than he thinks. There is nothing "sugar coated" about it to make it more Hollywood. This is a real, honest film and it will continue to help bring awareness and also destigmatize addiction in hockey, finding your place in the world and asking for help. Though I doubt he would have approved of anything less than the truth. I enjoyed this documentary immensely and I'm rooting for him as a fellow person.

❤️ Loved this dvd!Another riveting tale of hockey players speaking out about the trials & tribulations of playing in the NHL.It has Probert, Twist, Nolan, O’Reilly, Brashear, and McSorley speaking about the (Code) of being an enforcer.Also, view the Q & A session w/ Nilan in the Special Features.Highly recommend for the hockey fan.10******** Stars !You will NOT be disappointed!John, Massachusetts

This is a great movie for hockey fans. Any one who remembers and/ or loved the late 80's and early 90's gritty, salty play of NHL hockey will enjoy this movie. It's considered a documentary, but it's almost a movie in the way it plays out and watches. It really paints a clear, enjoyable, and very realistic picture of how the NHL was in the late 80's and early 90's for fighters and enforcers, and also how difficult it can be fr these types of players to adjust back in to normal society after retirement. This is a great watch and is recommended.

People who don't understand fighting in hockey might benefit from this. While there is some fight footage, the real story is the ups and downs and fears and bravado of the men who were expected to mix it up on cue. Hockey fans will likely enjoy this look into the rapidly-disappearing role of the enforcer and some of the recent best. And Chris Nilan, who looks even scarier and wild-eyed here that usual, gets a respectful treatment and is allowed to tell his own story pretty well.

Fantastic. Nilan is a true warrior that understands the importance of wearing le CH - a man that never took for granted one second the privilege of playing for the greatest hockey club in the world. Le Grand Club...the Montreal Canadiens.

Was a Christmas gift for my brother and he enjoyed watching it.

great dvd

Great Movie Nyland is classic

Was slightly better than ok