Without Limits (1998)

Simply Perfect

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

There's something about true-life stories that generally make them more compelling than fiction. "Without Limits" is a good example. It tells the true-life story of Oregon long-distance runner Steve Prefontaine (Billy Crudup), known as "Pre", headed for the Olympics in the early 1970s.Pre was not built to be a runner; he was too small. But determination and sheer guts helped overcome some of his physical limitations. When his girlfriend asks him how he can beat guys with more talent, he responds: "A little secret I learned a long time ago ... I can endure more pain than anyone you've ever met."But he and his college coach, legendary Bill Bowerman (Donald Sutherland) were constantly fighting. Bowerman explains their relationship: "From the beginning I tried to change him. And from the beginning, he tried not to change. That was our relationship, and even that never changed." Late in the film, after some disappointments, Bill and Pre continue their verbal battle. Pre: "Okay, so what's my problem Bill?" Bill: "Vanity." Pre: "Vanity?" Bill: "Your insistence that you have no talent is the ultimate vanity; if you have no talent, you have no limits; it's all an act of will.""Without Limits" is mostly a character study of a remarkable young man. Pre comes across as: brash, contentious, charismatic, cocky, and something of a prima donna; he also comes across as idealistic, single-minded, determined, relentless, self-assured, a risk-taker who is unafraid.The script contains some fine dialogue. And the plot builds in intensity as we approach the 1972 Summer Olympics. After that competition, there's something of a lull. But given the fatalistic nature of the story, the plot turns riveting toward the end.Color cinematography is competent. There are lots of close-up shots, and some slow-motion shots during various races. Pop songs from the early 1970s, along with era hair styles and clothes help put the story in its proper historical context. Acting is credible. Donald Sutherland has never been better.This is the second of two films about Steve Prefontaine. The other is the Steve James directed film "Prefontaine" (1997). Both films are excellent. These films are not just for runners or for people who like bios. They're for people who can appreciate the significance of an ordinary guy who really lived, a guy who, in his chosen field, inspired others. That's what makes these two films worth watching.

This movie really gets a 9/10 I know some of you may not like that fact that Tom Cruise play a role in making this movie,but if you look past that little fact you will find a lot more. This movies is about long distance runner Steve Prefontaine one of my heros, so i was happy to see this movie. You will mostly feel happy and at the same time rather sad when watching this movie, but that should not stop anyone form seeing a movie about a amazing runner who stunned the world and anyone who ever watched him run, "a race is a work of art" Pre said taht just one great quote from the film. I don't want to give anything away this movie is great to watch with the family or by yourself it will make you want to do something new it promise you wont be upset with this one!!!!!!!!!!111

Good sports drama about the life of runner Steve Prefontaine with Billy Crudup in the leading role. Crudup ("Almost Famous", "Sleepers",...) gives an excellent performance as usual. Donald Sutherland, who plays Prefontaine's coach is also very enjoyable. We also see Monica Potter ("Con Air", "Along came a spider"). A year earlier, in 1997 there was also a movie about Steve Prefontaine, called "Prefontaine" with Jared Leto ("Requiem for a Dream") in the leading role, but I can't compare both movies because I haven't seen "Prefontaine"."Without Limits" is nothing extraordinary but it is very enjoyable. It isn't about Prefontaine's whole life, it focuses on the period of his career as a runner. The actors give also very nice performances. You should certainly see this movie when it's on TV, he definitely worth it.8/10

i really liked this movie.no matter how many times i've watched it, i get drawn into the movie. its a very well-written story. billy crudup and monica potter were excellent (and i don't normally like monica potter's acting). and donald sutherland was amazing! but i guess i have to give credit, where credit is due. robert towne wrote and directed an excellent movie. hope you make more, dude!