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Man on Wire

Play trailer Poster for Man on Wire PG-13 2008 1h 30m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 159 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
Using actual footage from the event seamlessly mingled with new re-enactments, filmmaker James Marsh masterfully recreates high-wire daredevil Philippe Petit's 1974 stunt: performing acrobatics on a thin wire strung between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Plotting his feat like a master cat burglar, Petit enlists the help of a motley group of friends as he calculates every detail, from acquiring building access to stringing up the wire, and manages to pull off an astounding crime.

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Man on Wire

Man on Wire

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Critics Consensus

James Marsh's doc about artist Phililppe Petit's artful caper brings you every ounce of suspense that can be wrung from a man on a (suspended) wire.

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Critics Reviews

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Catherine Wheatley Sight & Sound 07/06/2010
The tension builds incrementally, reaching almost unbearable heights at its dizzying climax. Go to Full Review Ann Hornaday Washington Post 05/07/2009
It all makes for an absorbing, mischievously amusing yarn, whose climax unfolds with unexpected emotional force. Go to Full Review Jonathan F. Richards Film.com 11/10/2008
In this exhilarating, palm-moistening documentary by British filmmaker James Marsh (Wisconsin Death Trip), the twin towers are back to celebrate one of their finest moments. Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Nov 9
3/4
Present-day interviews and modern re-enactments provide the piece with its structure, but it's the awe-inspiring archival footage that makes this a giddy watch. Go to Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Oct 2
4/4
At the center of Man on Wire, aside from the bold recital of incomparable performance art, Petit is The Great Storyteller reeling us into his foolhardy personal adventure. We go willingly, joyfully, in awe. Go to Full Review Graeme Tuckett The Post NZ 09/27/2021
Man On Wire is an astonishing, adorable, playful and absolutely unforgettable film. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Stephen N @Ste_nut Jan 9 A good documentary but not great. A story of a tight knit group of friends telling the tale of an incredible heist and feat but ends with a talented man finding fame and selling out those he once loved. Greatness let down by ego, left me feeling disappointed in humanity rather than amazed by what we can accomplish collectively. I doubt the film makers told this story with this narrative if the reviews are anything to go by if they did then genius. Still of documentary isn’t my fave, series of interviews telling of stories, some actual footage mixed with dramatization footage. See more Lorenz L @Lorenz1060 Aug 29 I was there when it happened. I remember watching the news coverage on the little black-and-white TV in my bedroom. Somewhat ironically, I was also in NYC the day the towers were destroyed in 2001: after three months in Europe I had just landed at JFK Airport about 36 hours before the attack. This is just an incredible celebration of life. I have easily watched it 20 times and I cry like a baby during/after each screening at the utter joy it brings. See more Gareth v @geewah Aug 5 This is a breathtaking and poetic documentary that transcends its subject matter to become something deeply human, moving, and awe-inspiring. One of 2008's best movies. See more Phillip D @phildub 02/25/2025 Very good. Artsy but it didn’t lose me. See more Gnr E @RT37822449 07/27/2024 So exciting movie! I enjoyed it See more Geke g @RT40239519 07/27/2024 Remains speechless. Perfect directing skill. See more Read all reviews
Man on Wire

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Cast & Crew

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James Marsh

Director

Annie Allix

Self

Jean François Heckel

Self

Philippe Petit

Self

Simon Chinn

Producer

Nick Fraser

Executive Producer

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Man on Wire

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Man on Wire

Man on Wire (2008) Man on Wire (2008) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Using actual footage from the event seamlessly mingled with new re-enactments, filmmaker James Marsh masterfully recreates high-wire daredevil Philippe Petit's 1974 stunt: performing acrobatics on a thin wire strung between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Plotting his feat like a master cat burglar, Petit enlists the help of a motley group of friends as he calculates every detail, from acquiring building access to stringing up the wire, and manages to pull off an astounding crime.
Director
James Marsh
Producer
Simon Chinn
Distributor
Magnolia Pictures
Production Co
UK Film Council, Discovery Films
Rating
PG-13 (Some Sexuality|Some Nudity|Drug References)
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
British English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 25, 2008, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jun 17, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$3.0M
Runtime
1h 30m
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