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On the Edge

Play trailer Poster for On the Edge PG-13 1986 1h 26m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 4 Reviews 62% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
Banned from competition 20 years ago for exposing payoffs in amateur athletics, former long-distance runner Wes Holman (Bruce Dern) decides to enter the Cielo-Sea Race, a punishing, mountainous footrace in the Pacific Northwest. The competition has bested many younger runners, but by seeking the help of his old coach (John Marley) and reconnecting with his ex-lover (Pam Grier) and father (Bill Bailey), the middle-aged Wes may be ready to take on more than a race.

Critics Reviews

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Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times On the Edge may have a familiar formula, but it is an angry, original, unpredictable movie. Rated: 3.5/4 Jan 1, 2000 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Dern gives a moving performance as the beleaguered runner. Rated: B- Feb 5, 2015 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 3/5 Jul 24, 2005 Full Review Christopher Null Filmcritic.com The real story is in Wes's mind, not on the trail, and frankly we spend to much time out there -- even if it is a sports movie at heart. Rated: 3/5 May 29, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Todd F As a long time trail runner and Dipsea runner and Mill Valley native I think this film is great. It has some early steadycam work that does a good job evoking the feeling of running trails. Also gives a good feel for the drama, angst and grit of running this legendary trail race. I used to rent it at the video store in every year to get pumped up for the race. Trying to find a copy now. I knew Rob Nillson back in the 80s. He was a runner too and fellow Tam High graduate. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/29/23 Full Review Audience Member Great movie ffor runners! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Runners of the world, unite! Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/15/23 Full Review Read all reviews
On the Edge

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Cast & Crew

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Rob Nilsson

Director

Bruce Dern

Wes Holman

Pam Grier

Cora

Bill Bailey

Flash Holman

Jim Haynie

Owen Riley

John Marley

Elmo
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On the Edge

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Movie Info

Synopsis Banned from competition 20 years ago for exposing payoffs in amateur athletics, former long-distance runner Wes Holman (Bruce Dern) decides to enter the Cielo-Sea Race, a punishing, mountainous footrace in the Pacific Northwest. The competition has bested many younger runners, but by seeking the help of his old coach (John Marley) and reconnecting with his ex-lover (Pam Grier) and father (Bill Bailey), the middle-aged Wes may be ready to take on more than a race.
Director
Rob Nilsson
Producer
Jeffrey Hayes, Rob Nilsson
Rating
PG-13
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 26m
Sound Mix
Surround