On the Edge

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On the Edge

PG-13

1986

1h 26m

Drama

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4 Reviews

62%

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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.

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

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Dern gives a moving performance as the beleaguered runner.

Rated: B-

Feb 5, 2015

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 3/5

Jul 24, 2005

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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

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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

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Audience Member

Great movie ffor runners!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

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Audience Member

Runners of the world, unite!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

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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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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