The Long Run Reviews

The Long Run is one of those lovingly constructed, lavishly produced sports dramas that can't miss -- unless you have no interest in long-distance running, South African racial politics, or intense coach-athlete relationships. But if you have an interest in any of the above, the movie will become an immediate favorite. The exotic setting adds a vivid dimension to the story, which works to the familiar formula of emotional lows alternating with highs all the way to the finish line, but successfully so. There is subtlety in the texture as the widower coach never succumbs to romancing the beautiful runner, and that alone makes the movie far nobler than most. But noble isn't always exciting, and, in truth, The Long Run could have used a bit more whimsy and better pacing to the climax. In fact, if it's cheap thrills you want, watch Rocky III again. But if you want to see a slow-building sports story and surprisingly confident acting -- particularly by an untrained, debuting amateur, Nthati Moshesh, who more than keeps up with the Oscar-nominated (for Shine) Armin Mueller-Stahl -- then The Long Run won't be much of a long shot.