Man on Wire

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Man on Wire

PG-13

2008

1h 30m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

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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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

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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

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Present-day interviews and modern re-enactments provide the piece with its structure, but it's the awe-inspiring archival footage that makes this a giddy watch.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 9, 2025

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

At the center of Man on Wire, aside from the bold recital of incomparable performance art, Petit is The Great Storyteller reeling us into his foolhardy personal adventure. We go willingly, joyfully, in awe.

Rated: 4/4

Oct 2, 2025

Full Review

Graeme Tuckett

The Post NZ

Man On Wire is an astonishing, adorable, playful and absolutely unforgettable film.

Sep 27, 2021

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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

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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

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Phillip D

Very good. Artsy but it didn’t lose me.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/25/25

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Gnr E

So exciting movie! I enjoyed it

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/27/24

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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

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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: 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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