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Man on Wire

Play trailer Poster for Man on Wire PG-13 Released Jul 25, 2008 1h 30m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 158 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Using actual footage from the event seamlessly mingled with new re-enactments, filmmaker James Marsh masterfully recreates high-wire daredevil Philippe Petit's 1974 stunt: performing acrobatics on a thin wire strung between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Plotting his feat like a master cat burglar, Petit enlists the help of a motley group of friends as he calculates every detail, from acquiring building access to stringing up the wire, and manages to pull off an astounding crime.
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Man on Wire

Man on Wire

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Critics Consensus

James Marsh's doc about artist Phililppe Petit's artful caper brings you every ounce of suspense that can be wrung from a man on a (suspended) wire.

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Critics Reviews

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Catherine Wheatley Sight & Sound The tension builds incrementally, reaching almost unbearable heights at its dizzying climax. Jul 6, 2010 Full Review Ann Hornaday Washington Post It all makes for an absorbing, mischievously amusing yarn, whose climax unfolds with unexpected emotional force. May 7, 2009 Full Review Jonathan F. Richards Film.com In this exhilarating, palm-moistening documentary by British filmmaker James Marsh (Wisconsin Death Trip), the twin towers are back to celebrate one of their finest moments. Nov 10, 2008 Full Review Graeme Tuckett The Post NZ Man On Wire is an astonishing, adorable, playful and absolutely unforgettable film. Sep 27, 2021 Full Review Mattie Lucas From the Front Row Reminds us that dreams can come true and men can fly, through the heights of the imagination and the triumph of the human spirit - this a film for all those who ever dared to dream. Rated: 4/4 Jul 7, 2019 Full Review Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun (Australia) Some of the on-the-spot footage of the eccentric French thrillseeker's exploits truly boggle the mind (including a controversial stroll Petit once took across the Sydney Harbour Bridge). Rated: 4/5 May 25, 2018 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Lorenz L I was there when it happened. I remember watching the news coverage on the little black-and-white TV in my bedroom. Somewhat ironically, I was also in NYC the day the towers were destroyed in 2001: after three months in Europe I had just landed at JFK Airport about 36 hours before the attack. This is just an incredible celebration of life. I have easily watched it 20 times and I cry like a baby during/after each screening at the utter joy it brings. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/29/25 Full Review Gareth v This is a breathtaking and poetic documentary that transcends its subject matter to become something deeply human, moving, and awe-inspiring. One of 2008's best movies. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/05/25 Full Review Phillip D Very good. Artsy but it didn’t lose me. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/25/25 Full Review Gnr E So exciting movie! I enjoyed it Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/27/24 Full Review Geke g Remains speechless. Perfect directing skill. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/27/24 Full Review Munkhchimeg T Great, amazing and astonishing. How can human do this. Very good movie Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/27/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Man on Wire

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Man on Wire

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Movie Info

Synopsis Using actual footage from the event seamlessly mingled with new re-enactments, filmmaker James Marsh masterfully recreates high-wire daredevil Philippe Petit's 1974 stunt: performing acrobatics on a thin wire strung between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Plotting his feat like a master cat burglar, Petit enlists the help of a motley group of friends as he calculates every detail, from acquiring building access to stringing up the wire, and manages to pull off an astounding crime.
Director
James Marsh
Producer
Simon Chinn
Distributor
Magnolia Pictures
Production Co
UK Film Council, Discovery Films
Rating
PG-13 (Some Sexuality|Some Nudity|Drug References)
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
British English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 25, 2008, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 17, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$3.0M
Runtime
1h 30m
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