Faster Than Own Shadow
Faster Than Own Shadow

Movie spotlight

Faster Than Own Shadow

1980
Movie
91 min
Russian

Petr Korolev is a metallurgical engineer and a runner member of the Soviet Union Olympic team. Thanks to his perseverance and willpower, he earned the right to participate in international competitions in athletics. During his preparation for the Moscow Olympic Games, an unforeseen event during a race caused his rival, a world record holder in long distance running Rolf Schmidt to leave the race. When realizing the accident, Korolev also leaves and helps Schmidt to get up. From that behavior is born his friendship with the rival runner. Korolev's consecration takes place right at the Olympic Games in Moscow, where he gets the gold medal, beating his world-record friend.

Insights

IMDb6.9/10
Director: Alexei GervisGenres: Drama, Sport

Plot Summary

A young boy who dreams of becoming a great swimmer faces numerous challenges and setbacks in his pursuit of athletic excellence. He trains rigorously under a dedicated coach, pushing himself to his physical and mental limits. The film explores his personal sacrifices, the support and obstacles he encounters, and the emotional journey towards achieving his goals.

Critical Reception

The film was met with a generally positive reception, particularly praised for its emotional depth and portrayal of athletic struggle. It resonated with audiences for its relatable themes of perseverance and the pursuit of dreams, making it a notable film within Soviet cinema of the era.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its emotional resonance and depiction of the dedication required for athletic achievement.

  • The film effectively captures the personal struggles and triumphs of a young athlete.

  • Seen as an inspiring story of perseverance against odds.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in the Soviet Union and gained a modest following for its realistic portrayal of sports training and the psychological aspects of competition.

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