You are here:

Anderson Silva: Like Water

Name: Anderson Silva: Like Water
Director: Pablo Croce
Released: 2011
Duration: 76 min

Representation Score

2.0/10

Limited

2011

Director

Pablo Croce

Runtime

76 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Anderson Silva: Like Water is a character-driven biographical study that presents a globalized, multicultural sporting community. By featuring fighters from diverse ethnic backgrounds, the film avoids a purely Western-centric perspective on athletic excellence. However, the documentary operates within a very narrow social framework. The narrative is heavily anchored in traditional masculine archetypes and the hyper-masculine culture of mixed martial arts. It prioritizes individual merit and professional discipline over broader social commentary. Ultimately, the film provides a deep look at a specific athletic subculture but lacks the intentionality to challenge established gender norms or cultural structures.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Anderson Silva: Like Water have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary focuses on the hyper-masculine environment of professional MMA training. There are no LGBTQ+ characters or narratives addressing non-straight identities.

How does Anderson Silva: Like Water portray gender?

Limited

The narrative centers on male physicality and traditional masculine roles such as the warrior. While Silva is shown as a dedicated family man, the film remains focused on male-dominated hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Anderson Silva: Like Water?

Good

The film features a diverse cast of elite fighters, including Brazilian and Japanese-Brazilian athletes. This creates a multicultural narrative that moves away from Western-centric athletic dominance.

How does Anderson Silva: Like Water represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story emphasizes individual discipline, respect for sport, and traditional family values. It portrays a meritocratic world centered on personal character rather than critiquing social institutions.

Does Anderson Silva: Like Water include disability representation?

Minimal

The film focuses strictly on peak physical performance and athletic conditioning. There is no mention of subjects navigating physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Features a diverse, non-Western centric cast of elite international athletes.
Provides a nuanced look at a champion's philosophical spirit and personal character.
Highlights a globalized, multicultural sporting community through its central fighters.

Limited or Absent

The narrative remains heavily rooted in traditional masculine hierarchies and archetypes.
Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight perspectives.
Does not address or include subjects navigating physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Anderson Silva is the deadliest man on the planet - The longest-reigning UFC Champion, and the most feared fighter in mixed martial arts. Like Water offers a unique perspective of the living legend as he trains with fellow fighters Lyoto "The Dragon" Machida, Junior Dos Santos, and Antonio "Minotauro" Nogueira, in preparation for his career defining title defense against challenger, and arch villain Chael Sonnen. A man of few words, Anderson Silva walks the fine line between cockiness and confidence. A philosopher in spirit, and dedicated family man, Silva's personality contradicts that of Sonnen's, who uses trash talk and intimidation to get under his opponents' skin. Balancing family and fighting; respect for the sport, and rage for his opponent; Silva's mind and body will be put to the test, as first-time filmmaker Pablo Croce peels back the layers of an ultimate fighter to reveal the heart of a champion.

How are these scores produced? →