Man on Wire

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Man on Wire

PG-13

Released Jul 25, 2008

1h 30m

Documentary

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100%

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159 Reviews

87%

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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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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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Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Rated: B+

Feb 18, 2012

Full Review

Ben Kenigsberg

Time Out

Rated: 4/5

Nov 18, 2011

Full Review

Catherine Wheatley

Sight & Sound

The tension builds incrementally, reaching almost unbearable heights at its dizzying climax.

Jul 6, 2010

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

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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

TeXoR G

sooooo good, awesome story, was clenching my butt cheeks whole time

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/10/24

Full Review

Shael

The guts and persistence of our lead character makes this a legendary and timeless story.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/26/23

Full Review

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James Marsh

Director

Annie Allix

Self

Jean François Heckel

Self

Simon Chinn

Producer

Nick Fraser

Executive Producer

Andrea Meditch

Executive Producer

Man on Wire: Official Clip - A New Life

2:02

Man on Wire: Official Clip - Live Your Life on a Tightrope

1:26

Man on Wire: Official Clip - Hide and Seek

2:09

Man on Wire: Official Clip - Walking on a Cloud

2:15

Man on Wire: Official Clip - Once in a Lifetime

1:59

Man on Wire: Official Clip - We Were Stars

2:13

Man on Wire: Official Clip - Once Upon a Time

2:06

Man on Wire: Official Clip - Nothing is Impossible

2:18

Man on Wire: Official Clip - Two Mischievous Kids

1:57

Man on Wire: Official Clip - Ageless Mask of Concentration

2:13

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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: Discovery Films, UK Film Council
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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