Film review: Closer To The Edge

Over the past few years I have become a rather keen motorcyclist. Yes, I understand this is an automotive magazine, but once the bug has bitten you, or you understand what motorcycling is all about, you can’t help but appreciate those that have acquired the fine art of racing these machines.

Ask me, I have been reporting on/riding test bikes since 2006 and still my knee hasn’t met the tarmac through a corner like it should.

When I saw the trailer of the documentary film Closer To The Edge, I knew this was a film I simply couldn’t miss.

Just watch the trailer below, and if you have any level of “petrolheadedness” in you, you should understand what I am referring to.

So, this past holiday I finally got the chance to watch it. It wasn’t so easy though. One of the main characters, Guy Martin, has a very strong accent, and several times during the movie my wife and I turned to one another with serious frowns furrowing our foreheads.

The movie is based around the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) race that takes place on an annual basis on the island. Public roads are closed down and the whole island’s community focuses on the races that take place over the following days.

The footage is spectacular and you have to tell yourself over and over that there are no special effects and that these racers are not super human, although it seems so, on several occasions. Throughout the film the makers of the movie as well as the characters share some interesting – and thought provoking – statistics about the race, and one that stood out for me is the fact that over 230 racers have been killed since the first race that took place in 1907.

The documentary film is filled with passion, excitement and emotion. It features normal, everyday guys that feel the burning need to get on their motorcycles to race at a lap average of over 200 km/h through villages, past sidewalks risking their lives to win what is without a doubt the ultimate and most dangerous motorcycle race in the world.

Make sure you get the DVD and prepare yourself for sweaty palms.

http://youtu.be/QldZiR9eQ_0