The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more
Skip to content Accessibility
New release
Coming 
None

Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows

1998 1 h 33 min
Leaving soon

In this feature-length documentary, director Paul Jay was given unprecedented access to the world of Bret Hart and pro wrestling as his camera followed Bret "the Hitman" Hart for one year. Going behind the tightly guarded walls of wrestling's spectacle and theatre, the film explores the meaning of today's wrestling morality plays. As fantasy crosses into real life, the true story of Bret Hart's struggle with Vince McMahon, the legendary owner of the WWE, is revealed. Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows climaxes with the tale of the biggest double-cross in pro wrestling.

This content is not available for free viewing in your location.
Your rental expires on
None
You've already purchased this film.
Download it from My purchases.
Not available
Share
This work contains scenes of violence. Viewer discretion is advised.
Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows

Details

In this feature-length documentary, director Paul Jay was given unprecedented access to the world of Bret Hart and pro wrestling as his camera followed Bret "the Hitman" Hart for one year. Going behind the tightly guarded walls of wrestling's spectacle and theatre, the film explores the meaning of today's wrestling morality plays. As fantasy crosses into real life, the true story of Bret Hart's struggle with Vince McMahon, the legendary owner of the WWE, is revealed. Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows climaxes with the tale of the biggest double-cross in pro wrestling.

This work contains scenes of violence. Viewer discretion is advised.
Sports and Leisure All subjects
Fascinating People Incredible True Stories All channels
  • director
    Paul Jay
  • script
    Paul Jay
  • producer
    Sally Blake
    Paul Jay
    David M. Ostriker
    Silva Basmajian
  • executive producer
    David M. Ostriker
    Paul Jay
  • cinematography
    Joan Hutton
  • sound
    Gary Bruckner
    Per Asplund
    Andrew Yarme
    Harry Zafrany
  • editing
    Manfred Becker
  • sound editing
    Stephen Barden
    Sue Conley
    Robb Wright
  • sound mixer
    Keith Elliott
    Mark Zsifkovits
  • music
    Tihm Clément
    Colin Cripps
    Russell Walker

Enjoy the NFB experience on your favourite device

Roku Apple TV Fire TV Android TV Apple App Store Google Play Store

Education

Ages 16 to 17
School subjects
Diversity - Identity Ethics and Religious Culture - Ethical Values Health/Personal Development - Identity Physical Education - Safety/Fair Play/Leadership
Use for the study of heroes. What roles do heroes/idols play in society? How do they help us shape our view of the world and our own identity? What are the characteristics of a hero? Have students discuss/write about the onstage/backstage personae we all display at different times, with different people. What kind of words or actions show whether we have integrity?
Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows
Purchase options
Also available
DVD
Licence information
Already paid to see this film?
Licencing information

Home licence (worldwide); Classroom licence (Canada only)

You may download this film for private, personal or classroom use only. Public screenings and institutional (non-educational institutions) uses are not permitted. Download films in standard or high definition. (Please note that bonus materials are not available for DTO films.) You can copy each file up to 5 (five) times, onto various devices. DTO films cannot be hosted on a streaming server. To add DTO films to an institutional or educational streaming server, please contact a sales agent to discuss pricing.

Institutional licence

The institutional price includes the rights to screen this film in institutional settings and in free public screenings.

Explore