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Drama

The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

Year
1962
Length
Not established

A young offender’s talent for distance running becomes a reform-school governor’s favourite proof of success.

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Language
English
BleakTense Great first watch · Moderate Drama
A lone runner follows a red track from an institutional yard into open countryside.

Image: Monocurator · source · Original Monocurator artwork

What to expect

Tony Richardson uses running as both freedom and discipline. Colin’s body can leave the institution behind for miles, yet every race is tied to class authority and the demand that his effort validate somebody else’s system.

How to ease in

The timeline moves between the institution and the events that preceded it. Let the rhythm of training connect them: each run gives Colin time to decide what winning would mean.

Heads-up

A quick, non-exhaustive note Includes youth detention, class prejudice, theft, police pursuit, family conflict, and institutional coercion.
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I understand why the governor sees a finish line and Colin sees a contract. The question is not whether he can win, but who would get to claim the victory if he did.

— Momo

Momo thinking about this film

Credits & versions

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