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Man on Wire
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Man on Wire

2008
Documentary
Biography
1h 34m
A look at tightrope walker Philippe Petit's daring, but illegal, high-wire routine performed between New York City's World Trade Center's twin towers in 1974, what some consider, "the artistic crime of the century." (imdb)
Directed by:
James Marsh James Marsh
Starring:
Ardis Campbell David Demato David Roland Frank Aaron Haskell Paul McGill Philippe Petit Philippe Petit Robert Sciglimpaglia Shawn Dempewolff-Barrett
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Genres:
Documentary, Biography
Country:
UK
Languages:
English, French
imdb More information at IMDb
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Man on Wire

2008
Documentary
Biography
1h 34m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 66.64% from 2762 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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tonytheponyTonythePony
Rated 23 Feb 2009
80
75th
I really didn't expect to find the 'walk' so serenely beautiful. The impact it delivers enhanced by some fine editing and commentary. Petit himself is rather fascinating, his huge ego matched only by his balls, the fallout of his actions intriguingly hinted at. Oh, and I love the news footage questioning why he did it. His lack of political or financial motivations seems positively alien to them. Too funny.
Rated 23 Feb 2009
gor41gor41
Rated 30 Dec 2008
70
30th
After all the hype, this left me a little cold. While I enjoyed the tale with all its Gallic flare, I wasn't that moved by the bigger philosophical messages it strained to impart.
Rated 30 Dec 2008
kavuKavu
Rated 03 Jan 2009
64
37th
Somewhat interesting but there's not enough material for a feature length documentary so it gets boring at times.
Rated 03 Jan 2009
stainStain
Rated 08 Sep 2008
50
33rd
So what?
Rated 08 Sep 2008
caocaocaocao
Rated 01 Mar 2009
75
85th
A fantastic heist movie. I love it when documentaries are approached as fiction. This one works in that mould because what was undertaken seems entirely unbelievable.
Rated 01 Mar 2009
optimusmikeOptimus_mike
Rated 02 Jan 2009
85
80th
A very well made documentary chronicling the challenges Petit faced while attempting to due the seemingly impossible. While I was slightly disappointed that there was no film footage of him crossing the gap it was made up by the fantastic interviews of the police officer and of his friends in the present. This movie is truly a testament to the idea that there is no impossible dream out in the world and that anything can be accomplished if you only try.
Rated 02 Jan 2009
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 09 Dec 2008
9
90th
"Cétait tellement beau..." Just like Petit's high wire walks, this film is a breath of fresh air. With wonderful use of music and re-enactments (once again), Man on Wire is one of the year's best films. A true feast for the eyes, both invigorating and memorable. Recommended !!!
Rated 09 Dec 2008
emtiltemtilt
Rated 17 Feb 2009
82
85th
Lovely. Well chosen score, too, especially the Nyman pieces which invite comparison to Greenaway's work.
Rated 17 Feb 2009
supergloosupergloo
Rated 08 Dec 2008
9
76th
Funny. Beautiful. Incredible. Unbelievable.
Rated 08 Dec 2008
unccomp03unccomp03
Rated 28 Aug 2009
90
60th
A fantastic documentary that unfolds even though you already know the ending. The movie ends up being more about relationships then the actual wire walker's task which makes the movie much more complex in the end. Also, knowing that he succeeds takes away some of the anxiety, yet it's amazing to see how it was possible.
Rated 28 Aug 2009
theficionadotheficionado
Rated 03 Mar 2008
63
61st
A solid film capturing the boundless glories of human ambition and an unusual subversion of the caper genre. An amalgam of talking heads, stills and subtle reenactment, it looks back at French high wire artist Philippe Petit's illegal walk between New York's Twin Towers. The movie is also unbearably sad when it dawns on us the power of the towers to inspire such insane acts of bravery and artistry no longer exists.
Rated 03 Mar 2008
oldgoatoldgoat
Rated 03 Dec 2010
59
27th
The most overrated documentary I've encountered. Lauded as brilliant, is pretty boring and poorly put together. The overall artistic and life points it tries to convey are weak and presented in ways that didn't reach me.
Rated 03 Dec 2010
evolutionEvolution
Rated 17 Sep 2008
83
80th
A story about a guy walking across a tightrope doesn't sound like a great movie, you say? A marvelous and beautiful capture of a man's dream realized under the most unlikely circumstances that sparked life & enthusiasm in those who watched it makes a great movie, I say.
Rated 17 Sep 2008
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 15 Jul 2009
4
74th
Boy was I caught off guard. This is a truly moving story about some incredibly determined people, and Petit himself is fascinating. It projects so many moods; joy, fear, tension, relief, awe, disbelief, and at times hilarity. Its editing structure is complex without becoming overwhelming. The interviews provide great insight. The footage of Petit wirewalking is beautiful. I just can't say enough good things about this documentary.
Rated 15 Jul 2009
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 25 Jan 2009
82
73rd
Uses a non-linear timeframe that keeps things lively, and almost makes the viewer wonder if Petit will survive. Like Capturing the Friedmans, this movie is blessed to have copious amounts of footage from home movies made by the subjects. The reenactments are a little cheesy, but generally effective and the film as a whole works well. One thing bugged the hell out of me, though. Almost all of the music is cribbed from Michael Nyman's incredible scores for Peter Greenaway films.
Rated 25 Jan 2009
pickpocketPickpocket
Rated 24 Nov 2008
8
82nd
Genuinely heartwarming documentary about a very interesting guy. This is also the best reviewed movie of all time on rotten tomatoes and that is one of the reasons why I was interested in it. Stain's review is one of the most idiotic things I've ever read.
Rated 24 Nov 2008
icarusIcarus
Rated 08 Feb 2009
84
75th
Making use of contemporary interviews, reconstructions of certain events, actual filmed footage from the '70s, and some still photography, Man on Wire combines an array of cinematic sources to spin its tale. That so much of the penultimate scenes contrast in style to the rest of the film is appropriate, I think. It highlights those moments of simple, transcendent beauty--a man walking on the sky. There's a grace in those images that makes the heart ache.
Rated 08 Feb 2009
hellsditchhellsditch
Rated 30 Dec 2008
87
89th
Petit is speaking to us now, so we know that he makes it. There is no "suspense" in the traditional sense. And yet, it does not matter. Not for one second. What a fantastic blending of home video footage, reenactments (which I normally HATE in docs), and still photographs. You almost don't realize that there IS no video of him crossing the void between the Towers because of the power of the stills, coupled with the animated recollections of Petit are more than enough to draw us in. Hypnotic.
Rated 30 Dec 2008
3names3Names
Rated 06 Sep 2008
92
87th
The most tense, dramatic, and funny documentary I've ever seen! Not to be missed!
Rated 06 Sep 2008
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 23 Jan 2009
78
54th
The wonder of the walk combined with the clever editing that mixes reenactment, old footage and interviews make for an interesting film that's gripping even though you know what's going to happen. It's a shame, then, that I found Petit to be so unlikable and his message to us so juvenile that it hampered my enjoyment of the film, not enough to make me dislike it but enough to detach me from its emotional and visceral aspects.
Rated 23 Jan 2009
jameskeyjameskey
Rated 19 Oct 2008
100
99th
Almost totally perfect. A wonderful, inspiring story at the core, and brilliantly retold, with excellent use of stock footage, interviews, reconstruction and a superbly chosen score. Must see.
Rated 19 Oct 2008
mjvmoviemanMJVmovieMan
Rated 30 Dec 2008
70
46th
Philippe Petit's story makes for sparking entertainment, accomplishing an unbelievable act that is absurd and amazing at that. The documentary focusing on his tightrope walk across the twin towers in '74 really goes in detail into the whole sneaky process of it all. Truthfully the man comes across as absolutely crazy and his overly animated and excited personality sometimes turned me off, but watching the images of this extraordinary feat is something to be said in and of itself. Wow.
Rated 30 Dec 2008
bownBown
Rated 27 Sep 2009
85
75th
We know what happens, so how is this so tense? My favourite documentary. Not that I'm a HUGE fan of them anyway.
Rated 27 Sep 2009
omgfridgeomgfridge
Rated 23 Jan 2012
9
92nd
Have now watched countless times and all it does is make me happier about life.
Rated 23 Jan 2012
melvin_smifMelvin Smif
Rated 03 Aug 2009
70
79th
An amazing feat, done with some amazing feet.
Rated 03 Aug 2009
mdruskinmdruskin
Rated 25 Jan 2009
89
96th
Fascinating documentary. It has a lot of acted footage, but there are really cool interviews with all the people that participated in the event. It shows a side of this that you would never get just from reading about it, definitely worth watching and one of the best movies of the year. You won't have to ask "why?".
Rated 25 Jan 2009
ytadelYtadel
Rated 17 Jan 2009
6
70th
A stylish and largely fascinating character study / documentary. You know exactly what the film's climax is going to be going into it but it's built up to so well that it's still a breathtaking moment worthy of applause when it finally happens.
Rated 17 Jan 2009
billythekydbillythekyd
Rated 27 Dec 2008
88
73rd
As in a bank heist movie, the set-up here is critical to the development of the plot. The man on a wire strung between the twin towers could not have accomplished his illegal walk without the help of a small group of friends - specialists and supporters - one of whom is his lover. The set-up is suspenseful; the payoff is amazing. The tightrope walker Philippe Petit is a performer for the ages. What skill, what daring, what confidence, what panache! All in all: what a film!
Rated 27 Dec 2008
cinemaasiaCinema_Asia
Rated 10 Feb 2010
85
92nd
A psychological portrait into the lengths men will go to to achieve something that validates their own lifelong ambition. Everything about this stunt was amazing right down to the planning and execution. The only flaw is that it doesn't probe the psyche of Petit a bit more and takes everything he says as well as the interviews with his former team mates and friends at face value. This could have been much more insightful.
Rated 10 Feb 2010
alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 10 Mar 2010
3
38th
I'd like to come up with something more descriptive than "heartwarming" but it's a pretty perfect word for this. Petit is such a charming, interesting guy and makes it easy for you to share in his passion, apprehension, and fear all at the same time. Very riveting and at times extraordinarily beautiful (particularly the last 15 to 20 minutes).
Rated 10 Mar 2010
joseywalesjoseywales
Rated 03 May 2009
80
86th
I liked the throwback style some sections had, and the soundtrack was great too. Great film.
Rated 03 May 2009
jebJeb
Rated 03 Aug 2009
92
83rd
Wow....just, wow.
Rated 03 Aug 2009
abolitionistAbolitionist
Rated 15 Dec 2008
98
99th
I'm not sure I've ever seen a film with as inspiring lead character as Philippe and almost certainly they haven't been real. This is at times as exciting as a thriller and yet a very much like a good documentary. The combination works amazingly well and it comes together seemingly effortlessly. I think I'd like to have known more about his life both as an adult and growing up so that's why I don't give it a perfect score. But by far the best documentary I've seen, I was deeply touched & inspired
Rated 15 Dec 2008
caimancaiman
Rated 29 Mar 2010
80
62nd
A good documentary. Philippe is a charismatic and intriguing person, and his feat was quite amazing. There were times where I was really getting nervous with anticipation for the big moment. My only complaint was it seemed like the film makers included some unnecessary details just to pad it out a little bit; the story probably could have been told in under 45 minutes. But still very much worth watching.
Rated 29 Mar 2010
chemtrailschemtrails
Rated 30 Apr 2010
75
82nd
Kinda amazing really
Rated 30 Apr 2010
bmuniseBmunise
Rated 03 Jan 2011
95
80th
Feels similar to My Dinner with Andre, which the director felt since he used the same music. The relationship of Phillipe and Jean-Louis is the same sort of dialectical construction of something great. The memoir nature reinforced that, and I think that sentimental presentation removed some of the discussion about art. It's all very mystical and spiritual throughout the film, but I guess that's the way those involved meant this to be treated. It's a reflection of how serene the walk itself was.
Rated 03 Jan 2011
landstanderLandstander
Rated 03 May 2009
8
85th
Art crime owns.
Rated 03 May 2009
dorkovskyDorkovsky
Rated 07 Mar 2009
10
99th
So close to being a masterpiece, just because the subject matter is so fascinating. The only thing was I felt like the nonlinear narrative didn't really add anything, it would have been far far more captivating with a more straight-forward approach. Still loved it, although I'm not sure how well it will do upon repeat viewings.
Rated 07 Mar 2009
timmotimmo
Rated 23 Dec 2008
80
44th
Amazingly well-done documentary. Flows like magic, but goes on a little bit too long. Really electrifying, though. Made me get butterflies in my stomach every fifteen minutes or so.
Rated 23 Dec 2008
abunchofcatsABUNCHOFCATS
Rated 15 May 2009
86
73rd
Very well done documentary, makes you root for the guy just trying to accomplish his dreams and will do anything to reach them. Builds up wonderfully to the conclusion of the walk between the towers. Amazing feat that I hadn't heard of til now, which is a shame because it's an awesome tale.
Rated 15 May 2009
maakalmaakal
Rated 13 Feb 2012
81
79th
I've never been so completely averse to the people involved in a movie, yet so completely captivated by the movie itself. The breathless worship, particularly by sycophant Annie, of someone who in essence is a self-promoting circus clown, made me want to wretch. But then, their achievement is so grand, so beautiful. An incredible documentary.
Rated 13 Feb 2012
sirrobbieSirRobbie
Rated 28 Dec 2010
80
81st
Philippe Petit is a truely inspiring person.
Rated 28 Dec 2010
damildamil
Rated 19 Jan 2012
80
90th
Philippe seems like a really cool, charismatic guy and I found watching him and this documentary to be exciting and captivating.
Rated 19 Jan 2012
bok_dongBok dong
Rated 26 Nov 2008
74
83rd
amazing film i just cant believe that he did that it was justs scary watching him crossing it was very funny to
Rated 26 Nov 2008
dylanwilson6dylanwilson6
Rated 10 Jul 2013
85
90th
Philippe Petit is probably one of the most interesting guys I've ever seen in a movie. Such a great film that is thrilling, exciting and fun, about a guy who set out on a dream that was dangerous and yet amazing, and accomplishing it.
Rated 10 Jul 2013
torberntorbern
Rated 17 Apr 2013
80
60th
A real joy to watch; partly because the film is so well put-together, and partly because it's subject - wire-walker extraordinaire Phillippe Petit - is just so intensely charismatic.
Rated 17 Apr 2013
cinematicespCinematicESP
Rated 29 Dec 2009
84
65th
Stylish and inspiring.
Rated 29 Dec 2009
hezarfenHezarfen
Rated 18 Apr 2011
75
80th
A great documentary.
Rated 18 Apr 2011
ronthedogronthedog
Rated 08 Jan 2010
88
91st
An amazing film about an even more amazing feat.
Rated 08 Jan 2010
richardswRichardSW
Rated 14 Sep 2008
95
50th
Masterly, painterly, inspiring. Beautiful.
Rated 14 Sep 2008
chengmingchengming
Rated 05 Apr 2016
75
76th
Fantastic pacing and editing, and a beautiful message to boot.
Rated 05 Apr 2016
anomalyAnomaly
Rated 14 Jun 2015
80
75th
Amazing Petit could pull such an absurd act off so gracefully, considering he was carrying both his iron balls and his massive ego along with him on that wire. There are so many times they almost fail or get caught that I wouldn't buy it in a fictional story. The recreations tend to be a bit cheesy though, but that doesn't hurt it too much.
Rated 14 Jun 2015
clairejaclaireja
Rated 24 Feb 2009
68
64th
Left me very very bummed.
Rated 24 Feb 2009
mohkoMohko
Rated 03 Jan 2009
70
61st
Funny and heartwarming documentary. The subject doesn't give you that much interesting material but Marsh makes the most out of it with good use of re-enactments.
Rated 03 Jan 2009
neonmanNeonman
Rated 08 Dec 2010
63
20th
Certainly the most pretentious documentary I've ever seen. But hey, this guy's French, so I can let a few things slide. I was constantly shifting between being awe-struck and being annoyed by this bunch of lucky nit-wits and narcissists. I did like how the moments leading up to the event and what happened after seemed to feel special than the incredible stunt itself. And all that archival footage seemed to be ... very convenient. Extraordinary, but aggravating as well.
Rated 08 Dec 2010
sebbysebby
Rated 08 Dec 2008
90
98th
Enrapturing and stylish. I want to watch it again every time I think of it.
Rated 08 Dec 2008
scurryscurry
Rated 12 Sep 2010
60
77th
Great subject matter, not least Philippe himself.
Rated 12 Sep 2010
pepsi_manPepsi-Man
Rated 21 Jul 2009
3
74th
A very interesting documentary--Petit is a marvelously interesting character, made all the more interesting by the fact that he's a real guy. Highly recommended.
Rated 21 Jul 2009
burnmp3sburnmp3s
Rated 25 Jun 2011
72
46th
An amazing story told in an interesting way, especially considering that the actual event in question was only captured in a few still photos.
Rated 25 Jun 2011
danielcsslDanielcssl
Rated 05 Apr 2012
83
54th
Interesting documentary about a high-wire thrill junkie with a great group of friends helping him achieve an unbelievable life goal.
Rated 05 Apr 2012
funkyastroFunkyAstro
Rated 22 Dec 2010
85
86th
It started to loose me about halfway through. Like we actually need to hear testimony of every single person Phillipe may have mentioned his plan to in brief passing lol. Half the people they brought in to share there story weren't even really involved or ended up backing out. Once it gets to the day of the big event the movie picks right back up. I guess they just needed banter to round out that 1:30min run time.
Rated 22 Dec 2010
korteeKortee
Rated 29 Dec 2011
76
85th
this is truly a story worth telling! I'm still surprised how well it was told
Rated 29 Dec 2011
ranaldRanald
Rated 02 Jul 2009
85
83rd
Exhilarating and fascinating.
Rated 02 Jul 2009
gillyGilly
Rated 14 Jan 2009
100
95th
Amazing! Heart Touching! Awesome!
Rated 14 Jan 2009
cclzaCCLZA
Rated 24 Feb 2010
85
89th
Unforgettable.
Rated 24 Feb 2010
mwgerbmwgerb
Rated 12 Dec 2011
71
87th
I think there are two things that make this a great documentary. First, the goal is so clear and difficult to complete, necessitating detailed plans and avoiding the police, that a lot of the movie plays out like a thrilling heist. Second, the achievement is so magnificent, that the sequence on the wire is a truly beautiful moment.
Rated 12 Dec 2011
ahmed413ahmed413
Rated 03 Jan 2010
75
50th
Great story that could've used a better eye/director.
Rated 03 Jan 2010
closedmouthclosedmouth
Rated 22 Oct 2015
70
41st
Decent documentary, though I wasn't quite as swept up in it as others seem to have been. I get the sense that it works a lot better if you don't already know the story; the non-linear structure that seems designed to build mystery and tension came off as annoying and confusing to me (I genuinely thought the DVD had skipped forward when it started in medias res). It's a good story, though the telling often manages to somehow be boringly conventional and annoyingly unconventional at the same time.
Rated 22 Oct 2015
ratedarghratedargh
Rated 14 Jun 2015
70
44th
Probably could have been a short, but there is a ton of unforgettable imagery even in spite of the filler. Phillippe is hypnotic in his manic enthusiasm.
Rated 14 Jun 2015
quickyapiQuickyAPI
Rated 18 Dec 2009
88
94th
This documentary about the high-wire walker Philippe Petit who walked between the NYC WTC twin towers in 1974 is intensely moving to say the least. Philippe turns out to be an intriguing and excentric character who pulls us along with his dreams, and prepares us for the day of the 'coup'. The moment he goes on the rope, the film becomes a collection of photographs taken from him during his walk accompanied by beautiful music, showing you the intense beauty of his endeavour. Wonderful.
Rated 18 Dec 2009
phaedrusphaedrus
Rated 25 Mar 2009
70
78th
Great character
Rated 25 Mar 2009
astrakhanastrakhan
Rated 29 Sep 2010
88
96th
Best documentary I've seen, absolutely compelling and inspirational. The balance between original footage, reconstructions, and talking heads is perfect. A unique subject, turned into something magical and fantastical by the passion of those who are generous enough to share their recollections of it.
Rated 29 Sep 2010
robsolutelyrobsolutely
Rated 26 Jul 2009
28
6th
This movie is not my cup of tea. I couldn't even watch the whole thing, and I barely turn off movies.
Rated 26 Jul 2009
ttoshittoshi
Rated 31 Jul 2012
75
93rd
Wow, this real story is more amazing than fiction.
Rated 31 Jul 2012
derekstarDerekstar
Rated 05 Aug 2009
90
85th
This film could have potentially suffered from the fact that the audience is constantly aware of exactly how it's going to end. In this case, and I'm not entirely sure that I am able to explain why, this was not a problem at all. The pacing is slow and deliberate, and is somehow successful in teasing or titillating rather than frustrating the audience. When we finally see the act, it is truly awe inspiring. The backstory and the preparation that we see only amplifies this feeling.
Rated 05 Aug 2009
twincinematwincinema
Rated 25 Sep 2016
70
52nd
I have learned that the French get really emotional about tight rope walkers.
Rated 25 Sep 2016
ag0stomesmerAg0stoMesmer
Rated 11 Oct 2012
4
91st
Great mixture of soundtrack, photography, and storytelling with some re-enactment. Fascinating how one big adrenalin rush changed all their relationships.
Rated 11 Oct 2012
bellamyrbellamyr
Rated 08 Jun 2010
78
49th
Amazing, awesome, inspiring and terrifying. A brilliant insight into a man living on the edge - quite literally. No need for sub-plots or contrived additions, this documentary stands on its own
Rated 08 Jun 2010
ceekay19Ceekay19
Rated 11 Mar 2022
80
80th
Philippe Petit: "Life should be lived on the edge of life. You have to exercise rebellion: to refuse to tape yourself to rules, to refuse your own success, to refuse to repeat yourself, to see every day, every year, every idea as a true challenge - and then you are going to live your life on a tightrope."
Rated 11 Mar 2022
redactedredacted
Rated 19 Dec 2011
60
30th
Excitable french and co discussing the crossing of the now deceased WTCs via wire. There seemed to be a clockwork orange look to all this, hidden under the charm of the acrobatic free-will the subjects possess.
Rated 19 Dec 2011
buffratingsbuffratings
Rated 15 Apr 2017
94
94th
Man on Wire is one of the most inspirational, factually accurate, and downright engaging documentaries in recent memory, and a showcase for James Marsh's directorial abilities.
Rated 15 Apr 2017
nickk2nickk2
Rated 07 Jul 2010
75
34th
Pretty interesting.
Rated 07 Jul 2010
gokcanzgokcanz
Rated 26 Aug 2013
53
23rd
* Directing, Aura : 6.5 * Ease of Viewing : 4 * Naked Eye : 5.5
Rated 26 Aug 2013
djrossdjross
Rated 13 Sep 2011
76
87th
Better than I expected, because the protagonist was more interesting than I expected (based on no information). Style seems heavily influenced by Errol Morris (not a bad thing), although with Nyman replacing Glass. Petit himself is no doubt something of a narcissist, yet it is very hard to deny that his feat was a singular, hence incalculable, aesthetic act. Somehow the artistry and daring impresses much more than, for example, seemingly comparable mountaineering or seafaring adventures.
Rated 13 Sep 2011
nobletNoblet
Rated 09 Jan 2012
79
67th
It was very interesting to watch, the way the movie was set up as a sort of heist film was pretty neat. Petit and his crew provide plenty of interesting material chronicling the planning and execution of the stunt. And while watching the actual event, I was completely captivated.
Rated 09 Jan 2012
hsncrspywlhsncrspywl
Rated 21 Mar 2015
65
37th
A good story, though not one that required as much spreading out as it is displayed here. That being said I did love the heaps of archival, home-movie footage - as an exhibition of that interesting and engaging material alone the film is worth a watch. But it made me want to watch Peter Greenaway work a lot more... I wonder why??
Rated 21 Mar 2015
angrypierreangrypierre
Rated 03 Aug 2009
71
52nd
Very french, but very interesting too.
Rated 03 Aug 2009
arberwaticusArberwaticus
Rated 22 Nov 2017
99
92nd
A beautiful and powerful film of a real life dream coming true.
Rated 22 Nov 2017
matildamatilda
Rated 12 Aug 2012
84
86th
This French guy is fucking crazy!
Rated 12 Aug 2012
ladymcdeathladymcdeath
Rated 13 Jun 2010
87
82nd
Philippe Petit's enthusiasm was quite gripping.
Rated 13 Jun 2010
dunbardunbar
Rated 07 Sep 2010
70
44th
The pure image of a man perched on a wire high in the sky is spectacular, simply breathtaking. The retelling however is done with overdrawn drama in mind and many of the French - particularly Petit - deliver with charismatic pomposity. What's the point of all this? I'm not sure, it drags out parts for tension and character building and in turn detracts from a wonderful image.
Rated 07 Sep 2010
stflyst_fly
Rated 26 May 2009
88
90th
Very Good. This doc details the daring attempt by the French tightrope artist, Petit, to walk the wire between the WTC towers in 1974. It made me realise we need humans like Petit like we need a cure for cancer. Because hope and joy can never be too abundant and he made me feel that in this doc. Its not about the actual feat itself but how he makes you realise the joy you can feel when you do what you know you were meant to. Highly recommended.
Rated 26 May 2009
zombiebuffetZombieBuffet
Rated 12 Oct 2009
70
82nd
Captivating.
Rated 12 Oct 2009
jimmy_suedeJimmy Suede
Rated 13 Oct 2017
55
21st
Petit came across as part huge ego and part childish pride in his escapade. To me he was off-putting. And the film was capped with a scene of him proudly cheating on his girl. If you like artsy documentaries, though, you might like this one (as many do). His tightrope walk was an interesting accomplishment and was pulled off as a kind of heist. The movie was made possible in part due to fantastic footage and photography of them from the time (which were made possible by his ego).
Rated 13 Oct 2017
radumsmnradumsmn
Rated 14 Jul 2016
72
59th
I wasn't too involved in the first 60 minutes, which are basically myth building and filler. It somehow works because the overall production is great (especially the reenactments), the editing is snappy and all the music choices are carefully picked. But it pays to be reaching the climax since you get to see some incredible emotions from genuine people witnessing a genuinely transcendent art performance (vandalism and B&E included). Egoculture at its finest!
Rated 14 Jul 2016
synthonosynthono
Rated 21 Sep 2012
97
98th
A beautiful madness.
Rated 21 Sep 2012
lovelyricha1lovelyricha1
Rated 02 May 2009
78
65th
Nice!
Rated 02 May 2009
babamotsbabamots
Rated 25 Apr 2009
69
53rd
Several significant people spoke only French. I would have liked subtitles or bilingualism.
Rated 25 Apr 2009
thegreyfoxthegreyfox
Rated 25 Sep 2020
90
93rd
I seem to have lost my original "criticker" review of this film, but felt it justified a "thumbs up" for the absolutely thrilling event itself, and a film that totally does it justice. I am glad I saw it in 2D, because I dont think I my heart would have coped with it in 3D. Fantastic documentary
Rated 25 Sep 2020
sirstuckeySirStuckey
Rated 07 Jan 2012
85
87th
I wouldn't have thought I would have liked the recreation style of documentary, but this one was done really well. I still didn't like those parts (makes it feel too much like a cheap made-for-TV documentary), but the story is so interesting and the actual people are such characters themselves that I couldn't help getting absorbed.
Rated 07 Jan 2012

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