I saw this movie in the theatre while stationed in Germany, and a few other times on Armed Forces Network, and while it isn't an award-winning effort, it was a perfectly cool movie...Michael Douglas is convincing as Michael Andropolis, a long-distance runner who had the potential to be great, but always found a way to mess it up...his cynical coach gave up on him, as did his wife, played well by one of my favorite actresses, Susan Anspach...and then Michael lucks into a chance to compete in the Olympics, once again coming up short at the end of the race...and then...you'll have to see the movie to get the finish...but I can tell you that it's worth the effort to see...Douglas plays the role of a non-conformist runner very well...in fact, this role is not unlike a lot of other roles that Douglas has played...yes, there are some flaws...there are some elements that are kind of goofy, but if you take this movie for what it is...entertainment, not documentary, then it's fine...
18 Reviews
An enjoyable story about courage and determination carried out by a man who tries to prove his worth by running
ma-cortes3 April 2020
An agreeable story about having the courage to be what you are. A film that bring you back everything , dealing with an American marathoner, Michael Andronopolis : Michael Douglas who effortly runs Marathons : 42 kilometers, a man whose main hobbie is running, the only real thing that make him happy, and he is subsequently appointed as US runner in the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. Previously, his marriage to Susan Anspach goes wrong . They have two children who shame their father who is contantly running across the city. He won't be discouraged, he won't be used, he won't be stopped from winning back everything he lost and loved.
An interesting film about hope, effort, determination and a strong fighting for getting his purports, in which a stubborn jobless runner gets the greatest success. Michael Douglas gives a nice acting as the runner whose marriage has fallen apart,and his two daughters have not due respect for him, but he gets redemption thanks to his partipation at the Marathons as Boston and especially the Montreal Olympic Games. As stock footage of this Game was used including stadium images and Marathon race throughout the Montreal streets. However, the real winner was a German athlete and nor a Canadian athlete as it shows up at the movie. To prepare his character Michael Douglas had to train, and he had to get fit, as well as he lost weight and gave up smoking approx two packets of tobacco a day . He is well accompanied by a good support cast in brief appearances from Chuck Shamata, Eugene Levy, Lawrence Dane, and look at TV secondary stars as Giancarlo Exposito, Tony Rosato and Gordon Clapp.
It contains an evocative and atmosphetic cinematography by Lazslo George, shot on location in New York , the known Boston Marathon and Montreal, where runner Michael Douglas trains, he runs and he eventually competing. As well as an anticlimatic and unappropriate musical score composed by means of synthesizer. The motion picture was competently directed by Steven H Stern. He was a good craftsman who directed a lot of fims as TV as cinema, such as : Harrard summer, Young love first love, Anatomy of a seduction, A small killing, Miracle on ice, Draw, The devil and Max Devlin, Mazes and monsters, Forbidden love, Obssessive love, The ambush murders, Getting physical , Undergrads, Murder in space, Rolling vengeance, Not quite human, Weekend war, Final notice, Personals, Love and murder, Morning glory, Black Fox , Breaking the surface. Being his most successful movie : This park is mine with Tommy Lee Jones. Rating 6/10. Decent film that will appeal to Michael Douglas fans.
An interesting film about hope, effort, determination and a strong fighting for getting his purports, in which a stubborn jobless runner gets the greatest success. Michael Douglas gives a nice acting as the runner whose marriage has fallen apart,and his two daughters have not due respect for him, but he gets redemption thanks to his partipation at the Marathons as Boston and especially the Montreal Olympic Games. As stock footage of this Game was used including stadium images and Marathon race throughout the Montreal streets. However, the real winner was a German athlete and nor a Canadian athlete as it shows up at the movie. To prepare his character Michael Douglas had to train, and he had to get fit, as well as he lost weight and gave up smoking approx two packets of tobacco a day . He is well accompanied by a good support cast in brief appearances from Chuck Shamata, Eugene Levy, Lawrence Dane, and look at TV secondary stars as Giancarlo Exposito, Tony Rosato and Gordon Clapp.
It contains an evocative and atmosphetic cinematography by Lazslo George, shot on location in New York , the known Boston Marathon and Montreal, where runner Michael Douglas trains, he runs and he eventually competing. As well as an anticlimatic and unappropriate musical score composed by means of synthesizer. The motion picture was competently directed by Steven H Stern. He was a good craftsman who directed a lot of fims as TV as cinema, such as : Harrard summer, Young love first love, Anatomy of a seduction, A small killing, Miracle on ice, Draw, The devil and Max Devlin, Mazes and monsters, Forbidden love, Obssessive love, The ambush murders, Getting physical , Undergrads, Murder in space, Rolling vengeance, Not quite human, Weekend war, Final notice, Personals, Love and murder, Morning glory, Black Fox , Breaking the surface. Being his most successful movie : This park is mine with Tommy Lee Jones. Rating 6/10. Decent film that will appeal to Michael Douglas fans.
The Running Man
sol-14 July 2016
Dissatisfied with his meaningless job and depressed over his wife filing for divorce, a Canadian man decides to become a marathon runner with hopes of Olympic glory in this early career Michael Douglas drama. The begins well with Douglas having to overcome resistance from everyone around him, including his two daughters who find him embarrassing because he insists on running everywhere - including beside them as they cycle to school. The strained relationship between Douglas and Susan Anspach (as his wife) is curious too as he begins courting her (and she accepts his advances) once the divorce goes through. It is as if the they just needed the excitement of copulation outside of marriage to rejuvenate things. The second half of the film is unfortunately nowhere near as engaging though as Douglas finally qualifies for Olympic try-outs. It never rings true how all his naysayers suddenly begin cheering him on, and the film becomes sentimental to boot near the end, not helped one iota by a maudlin music score. In all fairness, the film's director, Steven Hillard Stern, does well visualising all of the running scenes with mobile camera-work and some atmospheric nighttime runs. Stern was never an especially remarkable director though with films like 'The Devil and Mex Devlin' and 'I Wonder Who's Killing Her Now' to his credit, and it is hard not to wonder what another director may have done with the material. Certainly there is a lot of interest in how Douglas wishes to live his dream beyond all social norms and expectations and Douglas is at least solid in the lead role.
One of the Best from Micheal
smoky-527 March 1999
I saw again Running last week-end and let me tell you this is one of the best from Micheal Douglas. Even this movie was made early in his carreer Micheal role as a marathon runner is just outstanding. But the best things about that movie is the music score by a unknown musician named Andre Gagnon. Early is the movie the music got to me and make me watching until the end. Watch yourself Mr. Williams or Mr. Horner because Andre Gagnon might take some work away from you. I know this movie is not available in video but watch your TV guide and let your VCR "running" to tape this movie because you will watch again and again. Bravo Micheal Douglas and Bravo Andre Gagnon you just made a Masterpiece.
The best scene in the movie had nothing to do with the plot.
mark.waltz23 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I really doubt that Olympic officials would allow athletes into the stadium before the event without supervision, and if they did, they wouldn't just be the two U. S. marathon runners. Others from around the world would be there too, trying to get a feel of the excitement awaiting them once that gunshot was fired into the air. One of the American runners is Michael Douglas, in by default because the American runner who should have gone was injured and couldn't attend.
This is enjoyable sports film that came out 3 years after the 1976 Montreal Olympics, probably in anticipation of the 1980 Olympics which the United States boycotted. Douglas is seen throughout the early part of the film, running through various neighborhoods of New York City, frustrated over a divorce from Susan Anspach which is friendly but irreconcilable. Because of that, he's been unable to concentrate on anything else so he runs and runs and runs.
The scene I mention in my intro concerns Douglas's visit to the unemployment office on a line that never moves which results in him exploding in anger at the insensitive workers who abandon their stations without replacement for a break. New Yorkers who have to visit city agencies will certainly appreciate this reference, but it has nothing to do with the film.
The point of the race for Douglas is to make it through, and that is challenged by a violent fall that breaks his arm. Douglas physically transforms his whole body and face to show the pain and exhaustion he feels, and it's a gripping moment. I had chills because like I'm "Rocky", it wasn't about just winning. Not great or original, but very moving, and an achievement that Douglas should be proud of.
This is enjoyable sports film that came out 3 years after the 1976 Montreal Olympics, probably in anticipation of the 1980 Olympics which the United States boycotted. Douglas is seen throughout the early part of the film, running through various neighborhoods of New York City, frustrated over a divorce from Susan Anspach which is friendly but irreconcilable. Because of that, he's been unable to concentrate on anything else so he runs and runs and runs.
The scene I mention in my intro concerns Douglas's visit to the unemployment office on a line that never moves which results in him exploding in anger at the insensitive workers who abandon their stations without replacement for a break. New Yorkers who have to visit city agencies will certainly appreciate this reference, but it has nothing to do with the film.
The point of the race for Douglas is to make it through, and that is challenged by a violent fall that breaks his arm. Douglas physically transforms his whole body and face to show the pain and exhaustion he feels, and it's a gripping moment. I had chills because like I'm "Rocky", it wasn't about just winning. Not great or original, but very moving, and an achievement that Douglas should be proud of.
Movie is much better when you're running AWAY from it
johnrp-119 August 2004
Warning: Spoilers
Okay, it's not the worst movie I've ever seen, but at least they tried, huh? Uneven writing, ridiculous plot, unconvincing acting, and not the best filmography either. But I do love Michael Douglas and if not for his being in the movie, I'm sure it would have never made it off the cutting floor.
Oddly enough, he does portray the lead character precisely as it was written. Screwed up. Messed up. Aimless. Hapless. Hopeless. He's a walking thesaurus of 'loser'.
The ending is horrible. Totally unbelievable and it misses the point. Finishing the competition was never his problem. Having the courage to start it was. I compare this to the mental challenge of diving off a diving board.
Making the leap is difficult. Going the rest of the way down to the water is easy.
Oddly enough, he does portray the lead character precisely as it was written. Screwed up. Messed up. Aimless. Hapless. Hopeless. He's a walking thesaurus of 'loser'.
The ending is horrible. Totally unbelievable and it misses the point. Finishing the competition was never his problem. Having the courage to start it was. I compare this to the mental challenge of diving off a diving board.
Making the leap is difficult. Going the rest of the way down to the water is easy.
The title is taken literally and figuratively...which should tell you what you're in for
moonspinner5511 December 2010
At a time when urban runners or joggers were seen as fanatics, Michael Douglas plays an unemployed, divorced thirty-something with two kids who sees running as a means of making it...and even more lofty than that, he hopes to enter the Olympics! Reels of film go by with nothing for us to look at except Douglas' desperately focused, determined face. The trouble with that is, this isn't really a character at all: our hero is nothing but a mouthpiece on the move. He's impatient hothead--a drop-out from both medical and law school!--plus a buddy to his ex-wife (Susan Anspach, who cheers him on), a role-model to his youngest daughter (whose schoolmates make fun of him), and an enemy for the people. Writer-director Steven H. Stern has apparently soaked up nothing but clichés in training for this exceedingly thin character study; he spits them right back at us, expecting us to cheer. *1/2 from ****
Not Everyone loved it
JLKenausis12 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this IN THE THEATRE when I was 15 and a recreational runner. I found it awful. Ony 2 movies that I ever saw were worse (theater viewings only).
The other two movies that were worse were The Other Side of the Mountain and some snowmobiler movie where the guy crashed after flying off a mountain and spent the entire movie crawling through the snow on his stomach. Among films where the main character does not fall off a snowy mountain while traveling fast, this rates as my absolute least favorite.
SPOILER:
At 15, I was already tired of the whole "Take this job and shove it!" type of films and Running was one of them. Michael Douglas, quits his job, wraps his tie around his head and goes out for a long run.
Then he works his way up to the Olympic team.
He falls during the Olympic marathon after stepping in a pot hole (yeah, there'd be one of those on the course!) and hobbles to the finish in darkness.
END SPOILER
I like fantasy. I like sports. I even run myself. I like rooting for real underdogs.
This film just gave me the dry heaves.
If you want to see a good film that revolves around running, check out Without Limits.
Steve Prefontaine was both real and mystical. Most of all, he was nuts!
The other two movies that were worse were The Other Side of the Mountain and some snowmobiler movie where the guy crashed after flying off a mountain and spent the entire movie crawling through the snow on his stomach. Among films where the main character does not fall off a snowy mountain while traveling fast, this rates as my absolute least favorite.
SPOILER:
At 15, I was already tired of the whole "Take this job and shove it!" type of films and Running was one of them. Michael Douglas, quits his job, wraps his tie around his head and goes out for a long run.
Then he works his way up to the Olympic team.
He falls during the Olympic marathon after stepping in a pot hole (yeah, there'd be one of those on the course!) and hobbles to the finish in darkness.
END SPOILER
I like fantasy. I like sports. I even run myself. I like rooting for real underdogs.
This film just gave me the dry heaves.
If you want to see a good film that revolves around running, check out Without Limits.
Steve Prefontaine was both real and mystical. Most of all, he was nuts!
Brilliant - happy but so sad too!
paulinewainwright28 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this film, having seen it in 2006 for the first time 27 years after its first release! It really showed Michael Douglas' early potential to become the Oscar winning star he became in the 80's, everything was there - nice guy, caring, all the mannerisms, facial expressions and voice intonations that he later did so well, but I think this was the absolute best of his early roles. OK so he was the messed up guy that he portrayed so often, but in this film he had an ambition that took over his life, almost to the exclusion of everything else. I really felt for his kids - embarrassed by him at first, but then so thrilled for him. And the finale - well, he could have won the gold medal, but that would have been unreal and wrong in the context of the film, instead we saw him battling it out to the very end - and I had tears running down my face when he finally entered the stadium. I rate this one of the best Douglas movies!
Someone should pay for this
mswinarski125 June 2018
I saw this when I was 14 and I almost walked out of theater it was so bad. It was about as exciting as watching an actual marathon, which unless it's close there's not a lot to hold your attention.
The main character (Michael Douglas) was just sad, he really didn't have anything to make you root for him. I have trouble watching other Michael Douglas offerings because of this film.
The script was transparent, I was 14 and I was calling events, especially the ending which you can see coming from a mile away. If I could've given it negative stars, I would have.
One of the Best Canadian movies ever made.
Smokey-1915 August 1999
Yes I do agree with Castor from Victoria, Running is an outstanding achievement. This movie should be on video so can anyone can see it. The story is good, the performance of all actors are great and yes the music score is out of this world. After the movie I did have to go for a jog while "running" the music score into my head. Watch your TV guide for running and set up your VCR to tape it. You will be happy to add this movie to your collection.
One of my favorites!
richard-65015 August 2004
This is one of my favorite films. I saw it about 1981 on a premium channel, and recently went to great lengths to obtain this film on DVD. Apparently it hasn't been released in the U.S.. Though the production itself is lacking,(especially the music) I think the story itself is one of the best ever brought to film with the old "quitter finally triumphs" plot. Michael Douglas really brings his character to life. What jogged my memory about this film was the "running" portion of "Forest Gump". After watching the DVD of "Running", I can't help but think that section of "Forest Gump" was derived from this movie. This is especially apparent in the scene where Michael is training and the neighborhood kids join in on the run. The extras could have been cast to be more realistic, but if you'll look past the production, you'll find a truly inspiring story!
I was eight when this movie came out.
asier_922 July 2004
My memory of this film is probably not congruent with the reality, but for an eight year old kid I was deeply impressed. The story is of about a talented but grandiose marathoner runner who's fear of failing keeps him form fully engaging in commitments. He is under-employed, separated/divorced and estranged from his children. He pins all his hopes and identity on becoming an Olympic champion but intentionally slacks off during the close finish of the Olympic trials coming in fourth. His self-esteem being incapable of surviving an honest defeat. But after an injury to one of the other runners he is selected for the team anyway. During the actual race it seems that he plans to make good on his talents and takes a commanding lead until he slips and falls on the wet pavement dislocating his arm. At this point my memory is a little vague but for some reason he finally gets it: his self worth can't be determined by the alloy of his medal but by the test of character that is the highest symbolism of all athletic competition, and so he decides to finish the race for himself. The man who couldn't bear to ever be second only shot, now, is last, and he is alone running against himself. In his defeat he wins the victory of redemption and walks away with a prize far more valuable then an Olympic Gold Medal. I would very much like to risk the disappointment of seeing this film again as it was probably, outside of Black Beauty, the biggest cinematic impact on me before I turning ten.
Find me a copy of this movie.
GCavaiani22 February 2003
I saw this movie with my Dad in 1979. In 1994 I ran my first marathon with my Dad and I think that was the first time I recalled seeing this movie. I have run four other marathons with him since and have been in an on and off again search of this movie for over 9 years. It is nastalgic to me know and I am hoping someone is out there who can help me locate a copy. Any assistance would be appreciated.
One of the best for Michael Douglas
smoky-520 March 1999
Running is one of the best movie from Michael Douglas. Even if that movie was made early in his career Michael Douglas was outstanding in his role as a marathon runner Michael Andropolis. But the best feature about that movie is the music score by a little French Canadian named Andre Gagnon. Careful John Williams and James Horner because Andre Gagnon might take your job. The story is also pretty good but because of the acting by Michael Douglas and the music of Andre Gagnon made that movie a not to missed.
Saw this movie in '79
peachandrudy7 March 2001
I went to this movie because I am a runner. I think I was the only one in the whole theater."As Mike Douglas so aptly put it "No one came" as in "some came running...get it...well...The movie was a big disappointment. First of all, the lead men in the Boston Marathon scene could never have built like football players. to be honest, Michael was the only one who looked like a legitimate runner. It started off with him getting up in the wee hours, guzzling down orange juice, and running fully clothed for his job to work. I believe he would have had a good case of heartburn by the time he got there!And the end when he is heroically crawling to the finish line after everyone else has gone...too much . The only realistic aspect was his relationship with his wife, who couldn't handle this business of her husband running, not working and taking care of the family. It seems he couldn't do both.
I loved this movie. How can I get a copy, it's discontinued.
GCavaiani3 June 2002
I loved this movie, I saw it when I was kid. My Dad took me to it when he was training for marathons. I have been searching for it for years. Now that I have found it. it is impossible to obtain a copy since it has been discontinued. Looking for assistance!!!
Pretty good movie
hikers9912 December 2003
This was not a great movie but I enjoyed it. There are lots of running scenes. It is about a guy who has been a failure at everything all his life, including running, and who decides to do what he really wants to do, despite what everyone thinks. So he devotes himself to making the marathon team for the USA in the Olympics. It is uplifting. I found the ending kind of hoaky but all in all it was enjoyable.
I taped it
I taped it
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