TT3D: Closer to the Edge

If someone had shown this to me blind, as it were, that I didn't know it was a documentary, I'd be singing its praises as a superb action thriller, full of amazing characters, death defying stunts and at least three compelling narratives. That all of these are real people who actually did all these incredible things is mind blowing. Conveys speed, adrenaline, speed, danger, speed and speed. Absolutely compelling.

TT3D Closer to the perfect documentary, it should be called. Oh my God, was I left in awe. No falsely constructed goods and bads. None of the generally lesser feats of the docs genre. Pure fascination, ecstasy and true suspension drive this film - just as the riders on their bikes. Each and every character portrait is perfect, even the smallest. The footages just relentless. You won't ever be bored. You will quiver, yell, cry, look away and ultimately stop breathing. As will some of the riders.

take me to the edge

An insightful look at the TT races, highlighting the passion, risk and sheer determination of the racers, as well as the emotional strength of their loved ones. The tournament is presented as a joyful, life-affirming experience, not despite death being around each dangerous, life-threatening corner but even more so because of it. It's an overall interesting doc, not aimed exclusively at bike enthusiasts and with a bunch of fascinating moments being the icing on the cake.

[2d] Seen Martin on prime-time tv quite a bit so wasn't really prepared for the eccentricity that comes along with the obsessions from these guys. It's not deep but is entertaining until the extended race sequences -which may well have been better in 3d.

Captures the adrenaline rush and the mind set of the racers very effectively. Some incredible footage of the races.

Watch Senna instead, much more compelling.

Documentary about people who love the rush so much that they do something even more dangerous than cocaine addiction - motorcycle racing. A phrase 'not the brightest tool in the shed' comes to mind looking at those guys. But hey, like they said - everyone has his thing. I don't think people who don't care about racing will find this too interesting. Mindsets of the racers are (presented) simple, and even though racing footage is well shot it get boring soon.

I doubt there'll be any thrillers this year more tense than this doco. Looking at a selection of daring racers, including the stand-out Guy Martin who proves to be a real character (if you can understand what he's saying); his funny, oddly charming, passionate, simple, but can be selfish and boyish. The races themselves are seen as hugely exciting, pumping the racers with the life they live, but also dangerous enough for the serious injury and (near-)death they experience.

An insane and adrenaline fueled watch. Guy Martin is an absolute character and the star of the film yet the TT races themselves grab your attention with ease. Loads of fantastic footage and probably the most enjoyable documentary I've seen since Exit Through the Gift Shop.