‘Six Nations: Full Contact’ Netflix Series Review - Blood, Sweat, and a Dash of Controversy

Imagine being dropped headfirst into the heart of a raging inferno, where primal emotions writhe alongside the intoxicating scent of mud, sweat, and freshly poured Guinness. That's the sensory overload that awaits viewers of Six Nations: Full Contact, Netflix's ambitious new documentary series chronicling the 2023 Guinness Six Nations Championship. But does it merely capture the brutal ballet of bodies on the pitch, or does it delve deeper, revealing the souls of the men who wage war every weekend?

From the opening whistle of the rain-soaked clash between Wales and Ireland to the final, heart-stopping moments of France's dramatic victory over England, Six Nations: Full Contact pulls no punches. We witness the bone-jarring tackles that leave commentators gasping, the moments of individual brilliance that ignite entire stadiums, and the crushing defeats that leave grown men in tears. The cameras are intrusive, capturing the raw, unfiltered energy of the matches in a way that has never been seen before.

But the true triumph of the series lies in its unwavering focus on the human stories that unfold alongside the sporting drama. We witness the quiet leadership of Warren Gatland, the weathered face of the Wales coach etched with the scars of countless battles. We share the anguish of Charles Ollivon, the French captain whose dreams of leading his team to glory are threatened by a debilitating injury. And we celebrate the unyielding spirit of Danilo Fischetti, the Italian prop fighting for his final shot at redemption in the twilight of his career.

Yet, Six Nations: Full Contact isn't a sanitized fairytale. The series isn't afraid to tackle the darker side of the sport, the mental and physical toll it takes on these gladiators of the modern age. We hear players talk openly about the anxieties that keep them up at night, the concussions that cloud their thinking, and the sacrifices they make in pursuit of excellence.

Here's where the narrative stumbles slightly. While the focus on specific players and teams is laudable, the uneven distribution of screen time creates a slight imbalance. Some nations, like France and Wales, receive ample space, allowing their stories to blossom fully. Others, like Italy and Scotland, are relegated to background players, their struggles hinted at but never fully explored. This leaves some viewers yearning for a more holistic picture of the tournament.

And then there's the elephant in the room: the controversy surrounding access. Some Six Nations unions were reportedly hesitant to participate, and their players' presence in the series reflects this. This limited access occasionally manifests in a sense of distance, leaving viewers wanting a deeper peek behind the curtain.

Despite these minor flaws, Six Nations: Full Contact remains a compelling and emotionally resonant documentary. It transcends the genre, exploring not just rugby but the human spirit, the unwavering pursuit of a dream, and the bonds forged in the crucible of adversity. It's a series that will leave you cheering one moment and reaching for the tissues the next, a potent cocktail of adrenaline and introspection.

Final Score – [6/10]
Reviewed by - Arpita Mondal
Publisher at Midgard Times