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Over The Limit DVD Review

“Over The Limit” is an eye-opening documentary.

In the 2017 documentary film “Over The Limit,” viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at a Russian rhythmic gymnastics athlete (Margarita Mamun) training for the Olympics under coach Irina-Viner Usmanova who harshly hurls insults at her and pushes her to the point of exhaustion and beyond.

Under the direction of Marta Prus, “Over The Limit” smartly takes a fly-on-the-wall approach which makes the movie all the more engrossing. Had the film contained interviews or what not, it would have interrupted the intense and shocking drama on screen. I say shocking because the drama within the movie doesn’t seem like it’s real. Coach Irina may get results and create mental toughness, but does she push too far and cross a line? That’s the real question as her actions could certainly be seen as bullying (not to mention verbally and mentally abusive). Even the dynamic between the coaches (Irina and Amina) seems wildly over-the-top.

Some viewers may feel cheated by not being able to see the Olympic performance that the movie is leading up to, but I think it was purposefully left out. It wasn’t about the results, it was about how Margarita was treated, the pressure she endured, her mental and physical exhaustion and her sacrifice for the sport.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1. How does it look? Couldn’t ask for a better standard definition transfer for a documentary.

Audio Track: Russian 2.0 Stereo. How does it sound? The track is a bit muted, but adequate enough.

Extras: Film Movement trailers and a Chinese short film titled “Iron Hands” about a young girl trying out for the typically male Olympic weightlifting team.

May 3, 2019 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | documentary, Olympics, Over The Limit DVD Review, Rhythmic Gymnastics