Without Limits (1998) User Reviews

Terrific Sports Drama

[FlickJunkie-2 · 8/10 · 25 August 2000]

Having run track competitively, I had a special interest in this film and I was not disappointed. This film dramatized the life of Steve Prefontaine, a pre-eminent U.S. distance runner in the 1970's.

Though some of the details of his life were fudged for dramatic purposes, the essence of Prefontaine was preserved, namely his brash egotistical style of running and living. In addition to its realism regarding the sequences filmed on the track, this film gives a good account of the psychology of running.

Robert Towne did a fabulous job overall with this film, but especially with the realism of the scenes on the track. The dramatic element, focusing on character development of Prefontaine as a person as well as a runner was also well done, elevating it above your typical sports documentary and improving its entertainment value.

Billy Crudup gives a fine performance as Pre. He captures the arrogance and the crushing disappointment of his life. He was also terrific in the running scenes.

Donald Sutherland was also great as Coach Bill Bowerman. Sutherland played the part with the perfect balance of patient guidance and frustration as Pre continued to ignore his prudent advice. It was as if he were trying to guide a lightning bolt.

This was an excellent sports story. I rated it an 8/10. Even for those who are not fans of track and field and never heard of Steve Prefontaine, this is an entertaining and absorbing film.

Made me want to run like The Flash

[bsinc · 8/10 · 29 March 2003]

This is definitely one of the best sports movies ever made as well as one of the most unnoticed movies of 1998. Strange really, because "Without Limits" is an amazing story about Steve Prefontaine. I didn't know it was a biographical movie up until it showed the Olympics. So when I realized that the main character really ran like the wind and had no physical obstacles he couldn't overcome I instantly became an admirer of Steve Prefontaine.

Billy Crudup, who truly stole every scene "even" in "Almost Famous" is brilliant as Steve Prefontaine. His amazing transformation into the role of America's fastest runner was absolutely amazing, and I had no idea who the actor was, I only vaguely remembered his name. Donald Sutherland delivers his performance of the decade and the very beautiful Monica Potter does a great job as well.

The subtle manner in which the director chose to display Pre's life is admirable and very touching. He truly was a role model. He's a role model to me now, more than 30 years later. When he was explaining his running logic to his coach I really understood his look on life. He wasn't planning on being disappointed, he went the distance.

There's one more thing this movie deserves immense credit for. It made me want to run. AND ACTUALLY ENJOY IT!!!!!!!

A brilliant movie that made me think about my life. 8/10

Great Performances, Powerful Film

[shark-43 · 8/10 · 2 October 2001]

Billy Crudup totally loses himself in the lead role and Sutherland does some of his best work as Coach Bowerman. I can see why many in the public stayed away from the film itself - not too many moviegoers are interested in track & field, let alone track & field in the 1970's. I always knew who Prefontaine was because I ran track and cross country in high school in the late 1970's and remember hearing of his untimely death. The film is done in a very straight forward kind of way and that's why I like it. It doesnt waste too much time with side stories or sub plots. One HAS to have a love story and many of the elements of the romance are some of the weakest moments but what can one do? You have to take SOME of the studios notes (besides - even though I think the actress playing the lead is beautiful, I have seen her in other films and I find her work very one-dimensional). But Crudup is amazing as the obsessed runner and the scenes of the actual races are stunningly photographed and edited. Well done.

Enjoyed it

[goffin · 28 October 1998]

I grew up in Eugene and saw almost every race Pre ever ran. He was a crowd hero. There were always two races...the one Pre ran and the one, way back, that the rest of the runners ran. There was nobody like him. He was talented, cocky and had so much charisma. He really was outspoken in the press and took no guff from the AAU. He was the best thing that ever happened to track. Seeing the movie was like deja vu. It was a really well done recreation of what it was like to be at Hayward Field during his races. I went to the memorial service at Hayward Field and saw Frank Shorter and Bill Bowerman speak. This movie certainly made me reflect back!

Could have been better...

[irvinemax2 · 6/10 · 15 January 2007]

I wish I knew more about Pre's background. As it stands, it doesn't seem there was much to his character other than sleeping with girls and running.

I personally thought this movie would have had integrity and strength throughout from beginning to end. Sports films show the battles young people have to face to live up to not only others expectations of them but their own expectations of themselves. Some tasks are harder than others and its normally because either you don't feel your good enough or you don't feel others see you as good enough. If you give up you never find out if you really did have it in you to succeed. This movie did a good job of representing that. The runners in the movie were excellent, the acting was top notch. The fact that they did film the movie in Oregon and still made it into a wonderful experience is amazing. I would love to see more movies just like this to show to my own kids. It shows them to never give up on your dreams. That is why I like this movie despite the backstory flaws.

One of the five best sports movies ever

[JoeVideo · 10/10 · 29 September 1998]

Jaded by Hollywood's usually pathetic efforts to portray the real world of sports, I was prepared to be disappointed by this movie. I grew up in Oregon, attended U of O (the setting for much of the movie), and witnessed some of the events portrayed. So it was with a surge of satisfaction that I watched this movie that got it right at each point along the way. The attention to detail was astounding, and the recreation of races was uncanny - I compared it to actual news photos later, and the actors playing competing runners were chosen so well that their bodies and running styles actually match the original men. When a movie cares this much about being faithful to details, you can be sure it will take a quality approach overall. Billy Crudup's portrayal of Pre is full of inner fire and consistent with the real man; Donald Sutherland is marvelously powerful and yet understated as Bill Bowerman; the examination of the real reasons athletes compete is thorough and moving. Innovative use of music and camera work brings the race scenes to life, and if this movie doesn't make you want to immediately go out for "a quick ten," you're a completely hopeless sedentarian-- in heart and body. This is among the five finest movies about athletics ever made.

Interesting Movie

[gbheron · 7/10 · 1 February 2000]

Although a contemporary of Steve Prefontaine I had never heard of him, not being a fan of track and field. Nonetheless, Without Limits, a biographical film of Prefontaine, made middle-distance running interesting, even exciting. The racing scenes are not the reason to see this movie though, it is the acting, especially Donald Sutherland who plays Bill Bowerman his coach at the University of Oregon. The film follows Prefontaine (Crudup) from his admission to college in 1969 through the '72 Munich Olympics to his death in 1975 as he trained for Montreal. The axis around which the movie revolves is the relationship between wizened coach and impetuous youth, and Crudup and Sutherland do an excellent job of it. As a Baby Boomer it's always a treat to see those late '60s-early '70s years recreated. What memories. You even get to glimpse the founding of the Nike shoe empire in Bowerman's kitchen.

Excellent track film

[SKG-2 · 10/10 · 7 February 1999]

Though I liked PREFONTAINE, Steve James' version of the same story, this is much better. That was straightforward biography, where this captures the poetry of running (James' film was prose, this is poetic). As he proved with PERSONAL BEST, Robert Towne understands the nuances of track and of athletes. Crudup is excellent as Steve Prefontaine, and even looks like a runner. And Sutherland gives the performance of his career as Bill Bowerman. I truly hope it lands him an Oscar nomination. I also hope Towne gets to direct more often, as all three films of his are winners.

Good Movie!

[macpherr · 6/10 · 4 January 2000]

This picture is one of the few movies produced by Cruise/Wagner Productions. The production company has the potential for making great movies. I enjoyed this movie because it is about the pursuit of excellency, which I myself try so hard to do. The acting was good, I was especially touched by the performance of Donald Sutherland (Ordinary People) " Bill Bowerman." One can try to do their best and achieve their potential but someone else might be slightly better. We should never compare ourselves to other people but just be the best that we can be, to endure hardship and have much discipline. That is the core of what I learned from this movie. I watched Tom Cruise talking about the movie and decided that I liked the concept. It was indeed a good movie. The movie was sad at times but it is a solid story that will move you! My favorite scenes: "Steve Prefontaine" Billy Crudup (Inventing the Abbotts) running in the woods. My favorite quotes:" When you believe in something you tend to make people very, very nervous." "It is easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission." " Be thankful for your limits in this life, they are just about limitless as they get in this life."

A true all American hero.

[somic · 10/10 · 9 January 2007]

This movie truly handled the true life story of Steve Prefontaine with care. The photography was stunning. It was filmed on location in Eugene Oregon. Tom Cruise Produced the picture and his choice for director was key. Robert Towne Directed and co- wrote the screenplay.

Most people think of Mr. Towne as a writer. His movies include the screen play for Mission Impossible and the Classic, China Town. China Town brought him both the Oscar and the Golden Globe for best Original Screenplay. He has directed very few films over the years but the fit for this project was on the mark.

Steve Prefontaine was a larger then life figure. To tell his story right Robert really had to do his home work. He chose to film the actual locations surrounding Prefontaines life. This really gave it a realistic feel. To see the actual track where Steve broke almost every long distance record on the books. The track where he was never defeated. That had a lot of meaning. Just a side note: This track today, is the site of the Pre- Classic. It's one of the worlds biggest track events of the year. The worlds top track and field star's take part in this event.

I had the good fortune to play an extra in this film. I owned a 1965 Pontiac. Warner Brothers was scouting out some car shows and asked if they could use my car in the movie. ( you can see it in the outside scene in front of the bar called, The Pad). Later I was asked If i would like to appear as an extra. Of course i said yes. After a long shoot the director, Robert Town came over and asked me to go to makeup. He had a scene for me. I was to appear with Billy Crubup, who played Steve Prefontaine and Monica Potter who played Mary Marchx his girl friend. Although the scene was cut from the movie, i got to meet some wonderful people. I had breakfast with Billy who turned out to be a warm person and later met Monica who seemed to be lonely during the long down times between takes.

As i was moving my Pontiac on the set, Donald Sutherland who was going over his script for an upcoming scene, came over to me and told me how much he like my car. I showed him around and he seemed interested. He was really a great guy.

I bring all this up to point out that a lot of wonderful people who took pride in their craft came together and put out a wonderful picture. If you haven't seen it, watch it I know you will enjoy it.

solid biopic

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 22 September 2016]

Steve Prefontaine (Billy Crudup) gains success as a high school cross country runner in Oregon. He obsessively trains and is the best around. Roscoe Devine (Matthew Lillard) and Kenny Moore (Billy Burke) become his running mates. He gets into University of Oregon coached by Bill Bowerman (Donald Sutherland) and Bill Dellinger (Dean Norris). They would even make their own running shoes. Steve has plenty of female admirers and starts dating Mary Marckx (Monica Potter). Frank Shorter (Jeremy Sisto) is a rival and later training partner. This is a solid biopic with good performances. The races are well-filmed. It's a fascinating driven life. The most interesting for me is Bowerman making the shoes at home. I would have loved to have Phil Knight in this somewhere. Although I'm sure he would have sued the filmmakers to kingdom hell. Overall, this does the biopic genre well.

A Runner's Runner

[Lechuguilla · 9/10 · 27 January 2011]

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.

Enjoyable study of the short-lived track star

[GRWeston · 7/10 · 18 February 1999]

I read in a magazine that this movie only received $1 million at the box office. It is really a shame that it was so quickly forgotten. "Without Limits" is a decent portrayal of Prefontaine's ambitious lifestyle and the relationship between him and his coach. The highlights of this movie are the intensity of the races and Donald Sutherland's terrific performance as the coach. The only thing that turned me off was the occasional slowing and repetition of the pace. Nonetheless, "Without Limits" is by all means worth a viewing.

Worst Sports Movie Ever made

[cableaddict · 2/10 · 27 August 2006]

How this movie has a 6+ rating is beyond me. I guess the entire 1700 people that actually like it posted, and the entire rest of the world felt it wasn't important enough o rate it at all.

There is nothing wrong with the acting, directing, nor cinematography. The problem is, simply, that there's virtually no story. Prefontain's life didn't really contain much drama. Some guy is a good runner. He wins a bunch of races. The end. The writer threw in a mildly diverting love story to try to pad it out, but it doesn't help at all.

I was a college runner at the time this movie takes place. Prefontain was a hero to us. I STILL find this movie painfully boring. Cant' give it a worse rating than that.

Avoid this one like the plague.

Robert Towne+ Passion = Success

[Doctor_Bombay · 1 March 1999]

I've never been quite sure, whether it was Personal Best that strongly attracted Robert Towne to running, or that he was already a big fan when he began that project. Suffice it to say that when one of our greatest living screenwriters brings his personal passion to his work, the results will be exemplary.

"Without Limits' only became a movie, because Tom Cruise said so, and thankfully he did. Where as the other Prefontaine bio-pic ‘Prefontaine' provided an honest, technical look at Pre's life and the sport of running, `Without Limits' is more of a lyrical homage to the sport, the man, the zen of it all.

The performances seamlessly intermesh with the story-Donald Sutherland is good, as Coach Bill Bowerman, but Sutherland is always good..and I believe his performance here has gotten more recognition as a result of the way Towne has organized his version-the Bowerman role is centerpiece, in contrast to the more downplayed, subtler roles of the other principals.

Let Robert Towne do whatever he wants, I will come and watch.

Fairly balanced and comprehensive, and interesting

[I_Ailurophile · 7/10 · 27 February 2023]

I don't think there's any film genre less appealing to me than the sports film; that this is a biographical picture about a sports figure, well, I suppose that splits the difference. This isn't just a sports bio though, is it? It's a title that's primarily about premier runner Steve Prefontaine, a name that by the time I was growing up was only a name known to other runners. At the same time that 'Without limits' focuses on one man, though, we also get a tiny bit of an "inside track" on the politics of the running world in the late 60s, and of events within Prefontaine's career. Moreover, the story here isn't one of total inspirational triumph, and absolute victory, but rather of indomitable spirit; it has a rather different feel not just from the average sports film, but from the average biography, too. Such as it is I don't think this is such a riveting, essential viewing experience as to demand viewership, but it's well made, and enjoyable.

I find myself surprised in some measure, because this picture tries to be a little bit of everything. There's equal focus on Prefontaine's life generally, on his running career, on his relationship with Bill Bowerman, and on his relationships with the track world and his fellow runners. It tries to give a comprehensive look at who the man was, and to the credit of filmmaker Robert Towne and co-writer (and friend of Prefontaine) Kenny Moore, I think the screenplay is very well balanced. It might even feel a bit more natural in its storytelling for the fact of it as no one aspect gets treatment superseding another. At the same time I wonder if that approach doesn't somewhat diminish the whole; as a small portion of strength is depleted from each of several foci, none contain the utmost power that they could have had for the viewer. I think the feature is quite good, but it never strikes an especial chord, so it's never great.

That ethos seems to have been applied to much of 'Without limits' at large. Everyone involved makes a fine contribution - the impressive cast, all the crew operating behind the scenes, the editing team, cinematographer Conrad L. Hall, composer Randy Miller and the music supervisor who compiled the soundtrack. Is it just me, though, or does it seem like every facet is practicing restraint? All is good; nothing leaps out, unless one has a particular reason to pay attention to it (e.g. I'm a fan of Amy Jo Johnson, so I was watching her for supporting role, and she didn't disappoint). Donald Sutherland possibly gives the strongest performance of anyone in front of the camera, yet his is also a subdued bit of acting compared to anything we've seen from him elsewhere. Perhaps this is all in keeping with the tactic that Bowerman tried to instill in Prefontaine during his career, maintaining a (relatively) slow and steady gait until the psychological moment, though with that said, this movie never has its psychological moment to burst out of the pack.

Maybe I'm splitting hairs, though. The film wanted to tell the story of a major sports figure, and it has done so very well, both in its writing and in its craft. The end result is modestly absorbing and entertaining, if not perfectly grabbing, but sometimes that's enough. Unless one is a diehard fan of someone involved, or an avid athlete themselves, this might not be something to go out of your way to see. If you do have the chance to watch, though, 'Without limits' is a pleasant, interesting movie, and worth checking out.

Best biography in years-****

[Walter Gamble · 9/10 · 13 November 2000]

I have always been a huge fan of Robert Towne ever since I first saw Chinatown. I haven't seen a disappointing film of his other than Mission: Impossible 2, Without Limits was far from a letdown.

I'm not sure how much poetic license Towne used to make the film, for I never have been a fan of running or any other athletics and so have never really known anything about the characters, but like in the cases of The Insider or Quiz Show I truly don't care as long as he didn't get too muddled up in fiction.

The story is well told with great performances and a superb soundtrack, the greatest treat of all being Donald Sutherland's fantastic performance as Bill Bowerman. This bit of acting makes me wonder how once again Sutherland could be forgotten by the Oscars. With a career including such great roles as in M*A*S*H, Klute and Ordinary People, the fact that he is still cheated of even a nomination bewilders me, especially when this film came in a year where the only true competition for such a performance was Geoffrey Rush's scene stealing work in Elizabeth. (To all of you who agree with James Coburn's win, I haven't seen Affliction.)

The best runner movie ever made!

[DesertFlamingo · 10/10 · 19 December 2020]

The performance of Billy Crudup and Donald Sutherland are outstanding. Highly recommend! 🏃

Be thankful for your limits! Their about as limitless as they can get in this life!

[sol-kay · 10/10 · 7 November 2009]

**SPOILERS** Both heart lifting as well as heart breaking true story of Amerian running sensation Steve "Pre" Prefontaine played by, Steve's almost identical twin look-alike, Australian actor Billy Crudup.

With a passion in going to the limit of his endurance in order to win Steve set running records in races from 2,000 to 10,000 meters during his short but unforgettable armature running career that ended with his tragic death in an auto crash on the evening of May 30, 1975. Steve was only 24 at the time and was in the process of making a comeback in the forthcoming 1976 Montreal Olympics to both face and defeat the "Flying Finn" Lasse Viren, Pat Porter,in rematch of their sensational race in the Munich Olympics back in the summer of 1972. It was Viren who defeated Steve back in 1972 in the terror filled Munich Olympics where 11 Israeli athletes were murdered by their Arab kidnappers.

In the film "Without Limits" we get to see how Steve pushed himself to the absolute limits in order to win. Like he told his girlfriend Oragon University coed Mary Marckx, Monica Potter, the reason that that I win is not that I'm the best runner in the race but the one who's willing to take the most pain in order to win it! And pain Steve took to the point of almost crippling himself, with a torn muscle, in order to win one of the many races that he competed in. Brash and sure of himself Steve found his coach of the Oragon University track & field team Bill Bowerman, Donalnd Southerland, detrimental to him in Bowerman wanting to change his unorthodox style of running. Bowerman wanting Steve to pace himself instead of burning himself out had to finally convince Steve to change his take the lead running style in the unforgettable 5,000 meter race at Munich. Holding back for the first two miles Steve finally exploded taking command with a mile left in the race. But with Steve's top competitor in the race Viren having enough left in not having to overextend himself against Steve, who was in the middle of the pack, for the first two miles he managed to pull out a victory and Olympic Gold Medal by passing and beating Steve in the last 200 meters of the race.

Washed up at age 21 with no intentions to continue his running career Steve went into a deep depression until both Mary and Bill Bowerman finally talked him into getting back on the race track and train for the 1976 summer Olympics in Montreal. As things were to turn out Steve never lived to participate much less win in them!

Great film about a truly great athlete Steve Defontaine who more then anyone else represented the Olympic spirit of selfless and honest competition among top athletes of the world's community of nations. Never looking for fame or fortune Steve only wanted to prove to himself and those who watched him preform-as well as participated against him-on the track that he was by far the best there was and ever will be in the field of middle to long distance running. The most fitting tribute for Steve was given at his memorial service by his tearful coach Bill Bowerman who finally, at the Munich Olympics which Steve lost, realized what a unique person as well as athlete Steve really was: "What Steve thought me is that the real purpose of winning a race isn't winning. It'as to test the limits of the human heart. And that he did. Nobody did it more often and nobody did it better".

Without Limits: Well-made and acted film draws fervent fan - again!

[thedinmother · 10/10 · 1 December 2000]

While I did not know Steve Prefontaine personally, I am the age he would be now and I remember him and the incredible records he set, as though it happened yesterday. I routinely devoured the sports pages to read anything about him. And, from all that I do remember, this film was made based on truth. It was also extraordinarily well-cast and well-acted. Donald Sutherland is the consummate character actor, literally BECOMING Bill Bowerman. Billy Crudup, as well, WAS "Pre"! And he has a stunning future (he was great in "Almost Famous"). I would like to see more of Monica Potter, who is quietly making a name for herself. I enjoyed the reality of the script by Robert Towne and Kenny Moore. And Towne's direction assured that no one overacted, as I believe occurred in another docu/film on the same subject recently. The cinematography made me yearn for Oregon once more, and the editing, as it is supposed to do, completed the work with its continuity: I never felt as though I wasn't brought naturally from one scene to the next. I have seen this film a half-dozen times and could watch it again and again - if only for the "race" footage! Steve Prefontaine, after all, was this country's best middle and long distance runner, and moreover, its quintessential athlete - American to the core.

A film for fans of Pre, or of running.

[jaak-2 · 5/10 · 31 December 1999]

Unless you are a fan of running star Prefontaine, or have an abiding interest in the sport of running, or come from Oregon, this film has little appeal. The central character is unpleasantly arrogant without the saving grace of having achieved the greatness he strived for, an Olympic gold medal.

The film does engage your interest in places. The races are very well done, in particular the mixing of slow with normal motion.

Donald Sutherland plays, for once, a seemingly normal person. For a coach he appears to be very distant from the person being coached, to the extent of being a 'non-coach'.

Viewed from the point of view of a dramatic work rather than as a biography, the film is overly long at 114 minutes (on video) and the pacing is uneven. Ultimately, a flawed film about a flawed person, but there are much worse films than this on current release.

Engrossing biopic with an extremely physical performance from Billy Crudup

[long-ford · 28 February 2009]

'Without Limits' is an engrossing biopic on famous long distance athlete Steve Prefontaine. Billy Crudup is completely believable in the lead and captures Prefontaine's energy and his passionate desire to never give up. The role is an extremely physical one as Crudup shows us the gut-wrenching trauma Prefontaine went through. The film is straightforward and there are no subplots to detract from the storyline. Donald Sutherland is effective as his coach Bill Bowerman. The role may be clichéd but Sutherland is refreshing and has some great dialog as well. A solid entertainer and a must for sports buffs.

Overall 7/10

A fascinating and unique story.

[mhasheider · 10/10 · 23 July 2001]

A fascinating and unique story of the legendary American distance Steve Prefontaine, who is portrayed here by Billy Crudup. To be honest here, I haven't seen the other film that was based on Pre's life ("Prefontaine"). This film places the majority of its' attention solely on the relationship between Pre (Crudup) and his coach in college and the Olympics, Bill Bowerman (Donald Sutherland). Like Crudup, Sutherland is near perfect here and should rank as one of his best performances. The monologue that Sutherland gives after showing television news footage of the infamous massacre that tarnished the Summer games in Munich is just...flawless. Monica Potter is fine here as the girl who Prefontaine had the most interest in. Look for director William Friedkin appears early in the movie in a small role. The film's director/co-writer, Robert Towne is wise in how to handle the drama and tension here and shows what a genius he is. Now that I look back at the film, I wonder if there'll be another great distance runner to come from the U.S.. The answer might come in Alan Webb? I don't know.

Amazing

[RunningisLove · 10/10 · 19 July 2006]

I love this movie. I was never really into running until I met all the amazing people on my high school track team. and then I became great friends with them and One introduced me to Prefontaine, and this movie. Ever since Its been my motivation to keep running. when I get down I watch it and i immediately want to go out for "an easy ten" and even though I never get to 10 it still motivates me to work my best. and to make me push myself to the greatest extent I can. Throughout the movie Bowerman's quotes and just words to Steve and the other runners are great advice and a great way to bring your team together. It worked for my team and If you're a runner maybe it would work for yours too. Prefontaine is a group hero and role model for my entire XC and distance track team and it really brings us together. Pre was an amazing runner and his legacy will live on in runners hearts and lives forever. Pre was and is an American running hero.

Go Pre!

[Treyroo · 9/10 · 9 June 2013]

What's the difference between winning and victory? Is it semantics, like religious and spiritual? Maybe there isn't one. On the other hand, some would say there's all the difference in the world.

Steve Prefontaine (played by Billy Crudup), was a distance runner in Eugene, Oregon with scholarship offers from Yale, Brown, Villanova, Princeton and Nebraska. The one school he wishes to attend, however, has remained silent. Two distance runners from the school and its assistant coach make a personal visit to his home but Prefontaine (Crudup) is not impressed. In the less-than-three week period between that visit and the date when he must sign his letter of intent, Bill Bowerman, head coach of the University of Oregon track team, sends a genuine plea to young Prefontaine asking him to attend. On his first day, he shows an amazing inability to notice the obvious by asking a female student, Mary Marckx (played by Monica Potter) to direct him to an area that is clearly visible ahead of him. He enters the building and sees a long line of fellow team members who recount tall tales of Bowerman's exploits in the military. He is summoned from another room and, on the floor in front of him, he finds his head coach. Bowerman (played and earlier voiced by Donald Sutherland) is making outlines of his runners' feet on tracing paper for the purposes of making shoes specifically for them, explaining that taking an ounce off a runner's shoe amounts to pounds they won't have to carry during a race. The freshman athlete sarcastically compliments him and that is the end of their first interaction. The next day, during a simple workout, Steve gives one hundred percent, finishes ahead of his teammates, and, according to Bowerman, with a pulse rate north of one hundred and ninety. So begins the struggle that would define their relationship: a coach's desire to instruct and an athlete's desire to put forth his best effort, regardless of the consequences.

Much has been made of the fact that Without Limits and Prefontaine, a Disney film covering the same subject matter from a different perspective, were released within months of each other. The general consensus seems to be that, while Prefontaine is more accurate, Without Limits is the better film. As I have not seen the former from beginning to end, all I can tell you is that Without Limits is a masterpiece. Sutherland is mesmerizing as Bill Bowerman and Crudup, in the first role I ever saw him play, is just as entertaining, if not more so. The conflict between them rings true and while you understand the position of the coach, you root for the runner who seeks to leave the field knowing he's done his best. I have seen this film many times and, if you haven't even seen it once, you should. Now.