Somewhat unrecognizable Billy Crudup does a great job playing the arrogant Prefontaine (seriously, why don't they cast him for more major roles?!). I first saw it at an award pizza party with my cross- country team, but unlike most movies from my youth, I can actually go back and watch this one over and over without it getting overly-campy or boring; maybe because it was a true story!? Runner/phenom Steve Prefontaine earns his popularity not only for his talent, competitiveness, and great one-liners, but he actually stood up as a major advocate for runners' rights against the Amateur Athletic Union, which is still a major issue today between athletes and their governing bodies. Throw in pretty-face costar Monica Potter and a well-done comple"mentor"y role as coach Bill Bowerman and real-life founder of Nike, who is considered more of a legend than Prefontaine by some....way to go Donald Sutherland!!! Not necessarily a happily-ever after situation, but this real life account of his life stands as a stern warning on a rather serious subject, possibly making them consider learning from his mistakes, and leaving any athlete feeling inspired to go out there and "give nothing less than their best!". Highly recommended, especially for student athletes!

Knowing exactly when you're gonna die, as Edward Bloom realizes in Tim Burton's Big Fish (2003), can give you courage and strength to endure everything else in your life. Nothing you encounter then seems as awful or impossible. But most people live their lives as though they believe they're going to live forever. Pre must have had a premonition of his early demise as he lived every day as though it were his last. He refused to "pace" himself as his wise coach Bill Bowerman attempted to advise him and as all us mere mortals must do if we hope to make the "finish line." Though Pre was not limited by conventional concerns or constraints as an athlete, he did have definite obstacles to overcome as a person. These seemingly negligible human concerns can sometimes trip up and cripple even the most gifted athletes, and Pre is almost undone by his own negligent hubris. But, as if on a divine mission, he heroically persisted in his own unique quest for excellence, for immortality.Thanks in no small part to this fine film, Pre may in fact succeed at his lofty goal of immortality, as anyone who has had the good fortune to experience Without Limits will never forget it. While it excels as a fairly accurate portrait of a truly remarkable individual, it absolutely soars as a tribute to that indomitable spirit that moves men to greatness. Robert Towne has captured the essence of the mystery of our competitive natures, of how it's more than just about winning, or being the best, or being known for it. There's still something else undefinable that drives athletes, that eludes description, just beyond the grasp, but of which we all somehow have intimate knowledge. This is Without Limits' most admirable attribute; it's subtle and graceful exploration of the human soul. People oblivious to this aspect of Towne's creation will likely find the film to be only average or even dull. That's their loss.Billy Crudup inhabits the role of Steve Prefontaine so effortlessly, and is so physically similar that it's still jarring for me to see actual footage of Pre; the two are indiscernible. Donald Southerland as the curiously mannered coach is a delight, so relaxed yet commanding. Monica Potter is very attractive and alluring as Steve's main squeeze. That Pre would die at 24 in a car crash is almost fitting for someone who lived life so fully, so intensely. But he wasn't reckless, he wasn't self destructive, and that's why his death is all that more tragic. There are so many people that had it all and threw it away out of pride, ignorance, fear, or weakness, but Pre seemed to have conquered his demons and was well on the right track to a life of genuine meaning and joy when he was suddenly cut down in his prime. It's a tragedy of epic proportions, the stuff of legends.

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