Like Water: Anderson Silva, A Legacy in Progress

This was the official website for the 2012 documentary film, Like Water. Content below is from the site's 2012 archived pages and from Rotten Tomato Reviews.

Like Water debuted at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival.

"Like Water" focuses on Anderson Silva's life leading up to his UFC 117 fight against Chael Sonnen. Silva is the longest-reigning UFC Middleweight Champion and one of the greatest mixed martial arts fighters of all time. This behind-the-scenes documentary gives a surprising look at the man behind the fighter and the dedication and commitment it takes to stay at the top. From Silva's life in Brazil with his wife, three sons, and two daughters, to training with his team in Los Angeles, Croce peels back the layers of an ultimate fighter to reveal the heart of a champion.

"Like Water" premiered at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival where the film won the "Best New Documentary Director" award for first-time filmmaker Pablo Croce. Produced by Jared Freedman of Flow With The Go Films.

Anderson Silva Like Water Trailer (2012) [1080 HD]

TOMATOMETER AUDIENCE 67%

Like Water focuses on Anderson Silva's life leading up to his UFC 117 fight against Chael Sonnen. Silva is the longest-reigning UFC Middleweight Champion and one of the greatest mixed martial arts fighters of all time. This behind-the-scenes documentary gives a surprising look at the man behind the fighter and the dedication and commitment it takes to stay at the top. From Silva's life in Brazil with his wife, three sons, and two daughters, to training with his team in Los Angeles, Croce peels back the layers of an ultimate fighter to reveal the heart of a champion.

Rating:NR
Genre: Documentary , Sports & Fitness
Directed By:Pablo Croce
In Theaters:Jun 1, 2012
Limited Runtime: 75 minutes
Studio:Cinedigm Films

CRITICS REVIEWS

+++

Cole Smithey : Los Angeles Times April 13, 2013

Like Water

Like Water Pablo Croce’s filmic portrait of master fighter Anderson Silva presents an incomparable perspective of a gifted but humble athlete working past the height of his powers. Athlete audiences of all stripes can learn much from this candid documentary that captures the philosophy and mind of a warrior master. Silva’s comfortable home life in Brazil with his wife and children sets the climate of familial support for one of the most capable athletes on the planet. “Like Water” follows middleweight Ultimate Fighter Silva’s preparation and execution of a fight that marks his four-year run as the title-holder in the sport. The film takes its title from an interview with Bruce Lee wherein Lee extrapolates in philosophical terms water’s ability to conform or crash against surfaces. Indeed, Anderson Silva embodies the same aspects of studious and physical diligence that Bruce Lee inhabited. Early in his career some of his fans were calling him Batman, and he loved it. To please them, he found one of his fav Batman shirts at this great online store and wore it during the warm up before the title fight - this is one of the reasons for the popularity of Batman shirts. The fans loved it and you could see it in their eyes as he walked past them into the ring that night. There is only one Anderson Silva. In a way, he IS Batman. He represents all of the humanity, humility, and courage of a Jackie Robinson. And you can quote me on that.

Original Score: A

+++

Mark Olsen Top Critic

Review: 'Like Water' packs no punch

The documentary about a mixed martial arts fighter never gets inside his head.

June 01, 2012 | By Mark Olsen

A portrait of Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter Anderson "The Spider" Silva, the documentary"Like Water"feels wildly incomplete, a let-down for fans and initiates to the sport alike.

The film's title comes from a quote from the late martial arts master Bruce Lee, in which he explains how water takes on the properties of the container that holds it. Perhaps meant to explain Silva's mercurial nature, the brief glimpse of Lee only highlights how uncharismatic Silva is in comparison. He's a curiously inscrutable character who never reveals an interior life except to pine for his wife and children during a long training period away from home.

The film, by director Pablo Croce, simply never gets inside Silva's head. Silva can fight, it seems, though his soft belly and untoned physique don't exactly give him a menacing appearance.

A 2010 fight in which he mocked an opponent during the bout — good showmanship if bad sportsmanship — becomes a dramatic turning point in the film. The confrontation turned Silva into a villain, but he never explains himself to fans, the press, his manager or the camera. Later, when his next opponent, Chael Sonnen, mocked Silva in the build-up to a bout, the fighter oddly chose not to engage.

Original Score: 2/5

Tom Keogh Top Critic

Seattle Times May 31, 2012

A tepid, superficial sports documentary about Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight king Anderson Silva.

AUDIENCE REVIEWS

***** Jackie W May 25, 2016

I loved this movie. Anderson Silva is an inspiration. he is proof of the human spirit.

+++

** Mike S July 22, 2015

Bland documentary about the events leading up Anderson Silva's second fight against Chael Sonnen. It had so much potential to show his personal life as the greatest mixed martial artist to ever live. But sadly, it wasn't.

+++

**Matthew W July 25, 2013

Not that interesting a person makes for not that interesting a documentary.

+++

Super Reviewer

*** ½ blkbomb July 9, 2013

Like Water is a documentary on UFC fighter, Anderson Silva, and the lead up to his extremely publicized 7th title defense fight against Chael Sonnen. It's a short little movie, but it was very entertaining to watch. If you like UFC and the whole circus atmosphere is exudes, then this movie will give you even more of an appreciation for it. The movie doesn't really dive too deep into the legend of Anderson Silva, but it gets the surface level stuff done well enough.

Basically liking this movie comes down to one thing and one thing only. Do you like watching two people beat the shit out of each other? If yes, then this is definitely worth a look. It's even more worth it if you've been a follower or fan of Anderson Silva for a long time. The guy is obviously a remarkable fighter, entertainer, and athlete. It's weird seeing this movie now, after he just lost the belt, but nonetheless, Silva's image of one of the best fighters ever can never be taken away.

+++

*** 1/2Joseph G June 1, 2013

just saw it it was good

+++

****Jonathan P May 25, 2013

Like Water may not do much for people who don't enjoy MMA but for fans of the sport the documentary about Anderson Silva is a fun behind the scenes view one of the greatest fighters of all time as he prepares for his title defense against obnoxious Chael Sonnen. Like Water is effective in giving fans of the sport insight into what fighters go through before fight night but it would have been much better with some insight into why Silva became a fighter and his childhood. Like Water could have been about so much more than preparing for a fight but director Pablo Croce missed the boat and left some questions unanswered.

+++

** ½ Cooper C ½April 21, 2013

Yes it is a documentary but really it just a weak story needlessly elongated. +++

+++

***** Jason B April 5, 2013

Excellent documentary. Makes you realize that this guy was born to be the greatest. +++

+++

***** Se C April 1, 2013

So detailed... What timing... What hero to so many...

+++

Cornell W March 22, 2013

I'm not even a UFC fan and I enjoyed it.

+++

***** Alex P March 7, 2013

A fantastic documentary on the greatest fighter to ever live

+++

**** ½ chris h January 13, 2013

I'm a massive MMA fan and Anderson Silva is arguably the best MMA fighter ever, but after his fight, shown on this film with Damian Maia I lost all respect for Silva, this is a must see for any MMA fan, primarily focuses on the build up to his first fight with Chael Sonnen. A lot of behind the scenes stuff that will mean nothing to most people but to MMA fans is gold dust. Most of the film is subtitled but this doesn't spoil it in any way shape or form. If you watch MMA, you have to see this...if not, probably best giving it a miss.

+++

**** ½ Chris Harrison Chris Harrison ½November 16, 2012

+++

***Dominik G July 22, 2012

Anderson Silva doco giving insight in how the MMA phenom prepared for his fight against Chael Sonnen back in 2010. Though nowhere near as polished or compelling as the UFC Countdown promos, it does look at the series of training sessions and press conferences leading up to the fight. For an MMA fans it essential viewing for the rare behind-the-scenes footage (Steven Seagal cameo) however when compared to something like When We Were Kings this is a missed opportunity considering how entertaining Sonnen is as a personality and Silva is left looking dull and uninterested which is disappointing considering how he is one of the most exciting fighters in the sport.

+++

***** jarrad b. July 6, 2012

Great insight into the life and philosophy of Silva. Good for people who aren't fans of the genre.

+++

****Jon C June 20, 2012

I really liked it. Without script. Great for MMA fans but i think most people mildly interested in fights and sports would like the film.

+++

**** ½ Eric T June 19, 2012

Pretty damn entertaining, at least for me. Those who don't already know a decent amount about Anderson Silva or combat sports might not really get much out of it though. But in my biased opinion, it was pretty awesome to see the behind the scenes build-up and training for the fight that, to me, is one of the greatest and most epic comebacks in the history of fighting (not just mma). And also, it was pretty hilarious for me to see Chael Sonnen talk such a ridiculous amount of shit about Anderson, Jiu-Jitsu, and Brazilians in general...and then get tapped out by one of the most basic Jiu-Jitsu moves (while he was literally 1 minute away from becoming champion) by the Brazilian, Anderson Silva. And then, the fact that Sonnen gets popped for juicing after the fight only further adds to Anderson's epic badassery. Anderson Silva is this generation's Bruce Lee, and this film is a pretty cool insight into what separates him from the rest of us mere mortals.

More Background on LikeWaterFilm.com

LikeWaterFilm.com once served as the primary website dedicated to the documentary "Like Water," an intimate look at the life and career of UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva. The film, released in 2012 and directed by Pablo Croce, provided unprecedented access to a legend as he prepared for one of the most challenging moments of his fighting career. This article will immerse the reader in the world that the website represented, introducing the film, the key players behind it, the site’s public engagement, Silva’s legacy, the documentary’s reception, and its ongoing cultural and social significance within the combat sports community.

1. Overview: Purpose and Content of LikeWaterFilm.com

The primary mission of LikeWaterFilm.com was to serve as the official digital home for the documentary "Like Water." The site functioned as a promotional platform for the film, providing visitors with access to information on screenings, the creative team, Anderson Silva’s background, press releases, critical reviews, and audience reactions. For fans and newcomers alike, it was an accessible entry point to better understand not only the making of the documentary but also the ethos and discipline that shaped one of mixed martial arts' most enduring icons.

2. Ownership, Production, and Creative Vision

Ownership and Creators:
LikeWaterFilm.com and "Like Water" were brought to life under the creative stewardship of director Pablo Croce, a Venezuelan-American filmmaker making his feature debut, and producer Jared Freedman, operating under the banner of Flow With The Go Films. The documentary was distributed by Cinedigm Films.

Creative Team:
Director Croce approached Silva’s story with a compassionate outsider’s eye, focusing less on MMA spectacle and more on character, philosophy, and preparation. The making of the documentary reflected a collaborative effort that embraced both American and Latin American sensibilities—appropriate for a fighter whose story traversed continents, languages, and cultural boundaries.

3. The Documentary: Scope and Storyline

“Like Water” centers around Anderson Silva in the lead up to his title defense at UFC 117, where he would face the brash and contentious challenger Chael Sonnen. Rather than merely recount fight highlights, the film delivers a behind-the-scenes look at Silva’s home life in Brazil, his family responsibilities, his intense training regimen in Los Angeles, and his deep relationship with his training team.

The documentary’s title, "Like Water," is derived from a famous Bruce Lee interview, echoing Lee’s assertion that the ideal martial artist is fluid, adaptable, and resilient—qualities that Silva himself exemplifies inside and outside of the octagon.

Key Moments in the Film:

Silva’s family life in Brazil with his wife and five children reveals the fighter’s personal motivations and the strong foundation of support he enjoys.
The preparation for UFC 117, including the gathering of his team, grueling gym sessions, and the strategic approach taken against Sonnen.
Insights into Silva’s philosophy—humility, adaptability, and finding balance—highlighting how he transcends the sometimes brash and theatrical surface of MMA combat.

4. Website Features and Details

While now largely only available through archival sources, LikeWaterFilm.com featured:

Information on film festival premieres and awards.
Details regarding theatrical and home release dates.
Press kits, official synopsis, trailers, and exclusive interview clips.
Aggregated critical reviews and fan testimonials.
Backgrounder on Silva, the filmmakers, and context for readers unfamiliar with MMA or UFC.
Updates on the film's distribution and media coverage.

5. Reception: Reviews, Awards, and Press Coverage

Awards and Recognition:
"Like Water" premiered at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in 2011, where Pablo Croce won the “Best New Documentary Director” award—an impressive achievement for a first feature. This recognition set the tone for the film’s subsequent limited theatrical release and availability to wider audiences.

Critical Reviews:
The film received mixed critical reactions:

Some critics praised it as a candid, compelling meditation on dedication, discipline, and the mind of a champion. They highlighted its unique approach—eschewing sensationalism in favor of a thoughtful portrait of an athlete past his physical prime but still at the top of his game.
Others criticized it for not penetrating deeply enough into Silva’s inner world, describing the fighter as inscrutable and the emotional arc somewhat incomplete compared to similar sports documentaries.
MMA enthusiasts and journalists tended to appreciate the rare behind-the-scenes footage, finding value in the nuances of fight preparation, team dynamics, and the portrayal of Silva’s genuine humility.

Audience Response:
Fans responded warmly, especially those with a strong passion for mixed martial arts. Many found inspiration in Silva’s example, viewing him as a testament to the human spirit and resolve. Casual viewers and those new to MMA were sometimes less engaged, pointing out that the documentary resonated most with those already invested in the sport or in Silva’s reputation.

6. Popularity, Reach, and Community Impact

Popularity:
During its promotional run, LikeWaterFilm.com served as a rallying point for MMA fans anticipating the film’s release. The website’s traffic increased as Anderson Silva’s fame continued to grow, and UFC’s immense rise in global popularity in the early 2010s boosted the documentary’s visibility.

Audience Engagement:
The site included comment sections, social media integrations, and highlighted reactions of fans around the world. These featured both lifelong fight enthusiasts and newcomers drawn in by Silva’s compelling story, reflecting the wider reach of the UFC’s international appeal.

Cultural and Social Significance:
As the first widely-distributed feature-length documentary devoted to a UFC champion’s personal life and psychological mindset, “Like Water” and its website helped to elevate MMA documentaries to a broader mainstream audience. The film contextualized Silva’s fight career not only as brutal competition but as a philosophical journey reminiscent of martial arts legends like Bruce Lee. For many members of the Brazilian community, Silva’s ascent also became a point of cultural pride, symbolizing resilience and aspiration.

7. The Legacy of Anderson Silva and the Documentary’s Place in MMA Culture

Silva’s Reputation:
Anderson Silva, known as “The Spider,” is considered by many as the greatest mixed martial artist of his era and, arguably, of all time. His blend of technical prowess, improvisation, and showmanship redefined the standards of excellence in the UFC. The “Like Water” documentary crystallized this legacy, capturing him at his peak, but also exploring the costs—emotional, physical, and psychological—of life at the summit.

Key Moments and Examples:

The buildup to the Chael Sonnen fight, marked by Silva’s restraint in the face of Sonnen’s provocations, presented a subtle commentary on sportsmanship and professionalism.
Silva’s intense but joyous training style, anecdotes about fan interactions (such as donning a Batman shirt to amuse fans), and key moments with his children showcased his playfulness and humility.

Impact on Documentary and Sports Storytelling:
The film, and by extension LikeWaterFilm.com, contributed to the evolving portrayal of mixed martial artists not just as brawlers or showmen, but as thoughtful, disciplined athletes with rich interior lives. This approach paved the way for subsequent fighting documentaries that echo similar themes of philosophy, vulnerability, and personal growth.

8. Press, Media Coverage, and Festive Accolades

The documentary’s journey from premiere at Tribeca to positive coverage by major outlets like the Los Angeles Times and Seattle Times signaled a growing recognition of MMA as a subject worthy of serious filmic exploration. Media outlets highlighted not just Silva’s victories, but his approach to adversity, his harmonious family life, and his philosophical flexibility—in essence, his capacity to “be like water.”

Furthermore, the film’s ability to spark debate among critics and fans alike about the true meaning of courage, humility, and greatness solidified its place as a conversation starter in the wider landscape of sports documentaries.

Though LikeWaterFilm.com is no longer active, its record remains through the lasting impact of "Like Water" and the indelible mark left by Anderson Silva. For MMA fans, the film and its website offered a rare, humanizing portrait of a living legend. For general audiences, it provided not just an inside look at fight preparation, but an exploration of perseverance, adaptation, and what it means to pursue greatness with humility and discipline.

The documentary and the digital presence it fostered stand as a testament to Silva’s enduring legacy, the universal values of martial arts, and the power of film to bridge disparate communities through stories of struggle, triumph, and identity.

LikeWaterFilm.com