The Ax Fight (1975): cast, story & where to watch

1975 · Film · ★ 6

The Ax Fight poster

Released in 1975, The Ax Fight is a documentary film directed by Napoleon Chagnon, running about 30 minutes.

What it’s about. This ethnographic film records a conflict that took place on February 28, 1971, in the Yanomami village of Mishimishimabowei-teri during the fieldwork of Timothy Asch and Napoleon Chagnon. Constructed in four parts, the film first presents the complete unedited footage of the fight as it was witnessed by the filmmakers, followed by slow-motion analysis, kinship diagrams, and a final edited version. Through this structure, the film documents both the social dynamics of the conflict and the process by which ethnographic knowledge is produced from filmed events.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, The Ax Fight has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Ax Fight page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Ax Fight tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Ax Fight (1975)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Ax Fight change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Ax Fight worth watching?
The Ax Fight holds an audience score of 6.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
When was The Ax Fight released?
The Ax Fight was released in 1975, with a runtime of about 30 minutes.