The Long Run (2000) from Tuna

The Long Run (2000) is a South African film that had a limited US release, and didn't do well enough to move to more markets. It is a familiar sports formula story. A German born running coach is obsessed with the Comrades Marathon. His company has allowed him to train young athletes as part of his job, but when he is given early retirement so they can hire a black executive, he is out of both a job and a passion. Along comes Christine, who is an illegal immigrant with incredible natural running ability, but no formal training and no race experience. She becomes his life. Eventually, we find out why he is obsessed with this race. We also learn that Christine is her own woman.

While the plot is familiar, colorful African landscapes and picturesque cities coupled with first-rate photography elevate the film above the genre. The film focuses more on the characters than the race, which also makes the story more interesting. South African star Nthati Moshesh as Christina has wonderful presence, and creates a very believable character.

NUDITY REPORT
see the main commentary

DVD info from Amazon.

  • Widescreen anamorphic, 1.85:1

  • no meaningful features
Little is available on the net about this film. Christina is naked swimming in a water tank, She stays under water, but you get various views of her breasts and buns, and possibly a hint of bush. Take away any of the positive elements, and this would be just another sports story, but with the production value, character development, and performances, it is an easy watch. B-.

The Critics Vote

  • no major reviews on line

The People Vote ...

  • With their votes ... IMDB summary: not enough votes for a score
  • with their dollars ... the film had a brief release in Seattle, has not been seen elsewhere

 
IMDb guideline: 7.5 usually indicates a level of excellence, about like three and a half stars from the critics. 6.0 usually indicates lukewarm watchability, about like two and a half stars from the critics. The fives are generally not worthwhile unless they are really your kind of material, about like two stars from the critics. Films under five are generally awful even if you like that kind of film, equivalent to about one and a half stars from the critics or less, depending on just how far below five the rating is.

My own guideline: A means the movie is so good it will appeal to you even if you hate the genre. B means the movie is not good enough to win you over if you hate the genre, but is good enough to do so if you have an open mind about this type of film. C means it will only appeal to genre addicts, and has no crossover appeal. D means you'll hate it even if you like the genre. E means that you'll hate it even if you love the genre. F means that the film is not only unappealing across-the-board, but technically inept as well.

Based on this description, this film is a B-

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