On the Edge (1985)

75% of users liked it
(37 ratings)

Looking none the worse for his age, Bruce Dern convincingly plays an amateur long-distance runner in On the Edge. Banned from American competition for violating his amateur status, Dern decides to prove he's still got what it takes. The middle-aged athlete enters the grueling Cielo Sea race, which… More Looking none the worse for his age, Bruce Dern convincingly plays an amateur long-distance runner in On the Edge. Banned from American competition for violating his amateur status, Dern decides to prove he's still got what it takes. The middle-aged athlete enters the grueling Cielo Sea race, which has defeated many a man and woman half Dern's age. Our hero's obsession allows him to touch bases again with his former lover Pam Grier, his alienated father Bill Bailey, and his onetime trainer John Marley. It's Rocky for the rocking-chair set, but On the Edge is contagious in its euphoria. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 26 min.
Directed By: Rob Nilsson
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Jun 1, 1986 Wide
On DVD: Feb 8, 2005
Studio: Vestron Video

Critic Reviews

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
On the Edge may have a familiar formula, but it is an angry, original, unpredictable movie.
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.
James Plath, Movie Metropolis
On the Edge captures the runner's life with a blend of images, music, and point-of-view photography which creates a rhythm not unlike a runner's pace.