Without Limits

The film is just flat out entertaining. Particularly the olympic race in Munich is perfectly directed with both staged and actual footing in addtion to being paced so well that I as other reviewers have commented watch the race each time on the edge of my seat hoping for an outcome that I know isn't coming. Not to mention the numerous funny one liners in the film.

Crudup and Sutherland are outstanding as opposite sides of the same coin.

Outstanding!


A great movie and must for anyone who has ever run   June 14, 2000
Christian (Mansfield, MA)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

First let me say that I am tired of the entire "Without Limits" vs. "Prefontaine" debate. In my book, these are both complimentary verses of the same song. I personally enjoyed Without Limits much more; when I need to feel inspired, it is the movie that I put in the VCR. "Prefontaine" covers his life in a little more detail and is more factually accurate. For example, "Prefontaine" does a better job with the 1972 Olympics by showing what happened to Lasse Viren in the 10,000 before his race (the 5,000) with Pre, showing what the play by play analysts had to say before the race, etc. Prefontaine is a good movie.

But Without Limits is a great movie. The performances in the movie flat out kick; not only Crudup (as Pre) and Sutherland (as Bill Bowerman), but even some of the more minor parts like Coach Bill Dellinger's ("everyone is offering this kid to make the move" from a phone booth in the rain) are done to perfection. The running sequences are outstanding.

Rent it...buy it...find it on cable, but see this movie.


Passion and grace   December 3, 1999
bill armstrong (Clearfield, Pennsylvania)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I have watched "Without Limits" five or six times; sometimes by myself, and others with my two daughters both of whom have come to love running. Billy Crudup "IS" Pre. The fire, the passion to excell, and the full awareness of what a great gift God gave him made all of us who love running appreciate Billy's protrayal of Steve. I feel sure that Pre would have given his approval of this wonderful movie. Hats off to Tom Cruise for making this movie happen! Kudos also to Donald Sutherland for his usual fine work! Thanks to all who were part of this movie. It's my Christmas present to myself!


A Winner On All Accounts   August 24, 2005
Breyel (MALAYSIA)
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

"Without Limits" is a biopic about America's great middle distance runner in the 2,000 to 10,000 metre events, the late Pete Prefontaine (Billy Crudup), as told through his coach and mentor Bill Bowerman (Donald Sutherland). The film takes us back to the late 1960's and early 1970's when `Pre' set many firsts, on and off the track.

The film attempts to explain his compulsion for excellence. It introduces us to his high school exploits, highlights some of his races and records set while at the University of Oregon and his 1972 Olympic bid in Munich. We see Bowerman and Pre at odds over strategy and technique, but growing in respect and admiration of one another. The film also underscores Pre's disgust with the obsolete policies of America's Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and the International Olympic Committee. There are also scenes with contemporaries Lassi Veron and Frank Shorter. Pre's girlfriend (Monica Potter), dalliances and flirtations with the ladies at the University of Oregon are woven into the story as well.

More than a biopic, "Without Limits" is a film about the will to win, to be the best, to give one's all, whether it be in sports or any of life's countless trials. While some may consider Pre high spirited and arrogant, it was his conviction to never compromise on excellence that drove him to push the limits. And that's what the film explores. Pre was an inspiration, and I hope those who watch this film will be equally driven to excel, just as he did.

He was certainly one of my heroes. And I am only too delighted to recommend this film. It's immensely satisfying to see director Robert Towne and co-writer Kenny Moore author of Bowerman and the Men of Oregon: The Story of Oregon's Legendary Coach and Nike's Cofounder (Pre's friend and former world-class runner) consider him great enough to merit this biopic. The track-savvy authenticity and love of the man is deeply reflected in this moving story.

Thanks also to the incredibly believable performances of Donald Sutherland and Billy Crudup, the film rises triumphantly and honours not only Pre, but Bowerman as well. Pick up the DVD and be inspired by a legend.





A brilliant sports movie   June 13, 2000
Brian D. Rubendall (Oakton, VA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

"Without Limits" is the best sports movie of the 1990s, hands down. However, because it does not have the traditional happy ending that seems to be required of sports movies, it received very little notice. That's unfortunate because in addition to containing an Oscar-calliber performance from Donald Sutherland, the rest of the acting and direction are absolutely first rate. Robert Towne captures the essence of the great Prefontaine through the being of Billy Crudup. The race scenes are simply breathtaking. Prefontaine comes off as a real person, with all of his virtues and faults, rather than some mythical presence. Even the love story rings absolutely true instead of being an unreal fable. Overall, you could call this one a "Bang the Drum Slowly" for the 1990s. Its that heartbreaking.