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11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing film...even the edited version..., December 5, 2005
This review is from: On the Edge (DVD)
I would contend that the first review on this page misses the boat. This new version is re-edited, but NOT for the reasons mentioned. I can guarantee you that the excising of Pam Greir's character from the film had nothing to do with the provocative nature of an interracial relationship. If they were willing to have Bruce Dern sleep with Pam Greir in 1985 (he's a lucky guy btw), then in today's far more open world, it would certainly not be an issue. Her character was removed from the film for one simple, obvious reason...There was no reason for her to be in the movie. Even back when I was young and watched this film, I always thought to myself, "Pam Greir is HOT, but why is she in this movie? She's a completely pointless character that offers NOTHING to the story?" Thankfully, they have removed her, which only makes this even more of a running movie, which I like. The DVD is grainy, and the audio wasn't synched well with the video, but this is an incredible movie made by runners, for runners. God, what a movie....
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great road runner movie, June 2, 2002
By A Customer
Although not quite in the league with Chariots of Fire, I think this is perhaps the best of the "running movies" that followed. Bruce Dern plays "Wes Holman", a 44 year old former elite 10K track athlete who was driven from the sport by unfair circumstances. Wes attempts a comeback training for a somewhat unique race, a 14.2 mile mountain trail "handicap" race in which runners are started at different times dependent upon their age or sex. It is said that a real race in Marin County, "The Dipsea" served as a model for the movie. The movie chronicles the Wes' year of training, while also dealing with issues with his father and the athletic governing body, and has re-kindles a relationship with an old flame, played by Pam Grier. The best part of the movie is simply watching the training and finally the race. Some of the stuff with the race is kind of "corny", so to speak, but I think most runners would enjoy the movie just to watch the running.
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Where is Pam Grier and why is she gone?, February 24, 2006
This review is from: On the Edge (DVD)
I have been a distance runner for over 20 years, and have run countless marathons and other races, so I enjoy a good running movie. When I first saw this movie, 20 years ago, I thought it was great. It focused not only on the training and the sacrifices we go through to achieve our goals, but on how it affects other aspects of our lives. It takes a toll on the close relationships we have. It's hard for the ones we love to understand the sacrifices we make for that elusive mistress, the marathon. This movie in its original form explored those issues. What they have now is closer to a documentary, than trying to get to the Soul of running. Why did they have to screw up a good movie. Besides, Pam Grier is beautiful in the original version. Find an old VHS copy with Pam Grier and see the difference.
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