TT3D: Closer to the Edge

This film tells it like it is, through a racers eyes, all the blood sweat and tears of road racing at its fastest, and sometimes, with its most brutal side for all to see. Once the island has got in your head, it is very difficult to shake it out, to these guys it is like a drug, which they keep going back for more and more, no matter what happens. It is without doubt the best bike orientated film I have ever seen. The TT is a mecca for most motorcyclists, this film gives an insight into why we all go to visit year on year. The choices of focus are well chosen, with three distinct types of rider. Guy Martin, who tells it as he sees it, yet to win a TT event. But a win cannot be far away for Martin. John McGuiness, the hardened 15 times TT winner, bags of experience and guile and no mean rider, very skillful. Ian Hutchinson, cool, focused, a very fast rider. When the film was made Hutchy went on to win 5 races in the TT week, a feat never done before. This mix of character helped make the movie an unmissable experience. To give you an idea how good a movie this is, my wife ain't into bikes, but she was glued to this from start to finish. one word describes it..............Brilliant.

Just got back from seeing this in a packed house at the local fleapit, and it seemed most of the crowd were as impressed as I was, although to be fair most of them were probably predisposed to enjoying an hour and a half of on- and off-track action from the run-up to the 2010 TT, and the event itself.

The Isle Of Man TT Races are familiar to motorsport fans around the world as the Holy Grail of roadracing, an astonishing course set over, in, through and around 37 and a bit miles of the Isle Of Man's countryside, mountains, towns, villages and 'road furniture'. Riders blast through narrow country lanes with stone walls, lamp-posts, kerbs...at speeds approaching 200mph.

To some people in this risk-averse age, the obvious question is "Why do these men (and the odd woman) risk their lives?". The majority of the non-racing scenes in the film give the riders point of view on this; it will not spoil anything to say that the consensus is that riding is a thrill like no other; riding at the extreme is something else beyond that. The passion for the race is all-consuming.

When considering the risks these riders take, it is worth bearing in mind that for many of the riders (and their crews) this is not a full time job. They are not millionaires like formula 1 drivers. While other people get a look in, the focus and star of the show here is Guy Martin, the part-time lorry mechanic, part-time superbike racer, full-time charismatic rebel who has the talent, drive and popular support of a great champion but has never won a TT. Will he do it this year ? Those who follow the sport know the answer, those who don't will be willing him on during the film's race scenes.

I would recommend this without hesitation to anyone who is into motorsport, anyone who wants to understand why other people are into it, and most strongly I would recommend it to anyone who has the slightest interest in learning about other people, what makes them tick, and what you can learn from them.

What an amazing film. It was everything that I Superbiker wasn't. Has made me love Guy Martin even more (if that was possible). I had read that the film focuses too much on the deaths and crashes that have been present through the history of the race. I disagree; I think they dealt with them well and in a way that really does bring home what this circuit means to all those who race there.

I certainly don't think this is just a film for the boys (being a female motorcyclist myself) and I don't even think you need to have a love of bikes. Right from the start you care about the characters, the race footage and interviews etc keep you on the edge of your seat, with your heart in your mouth throughout the film I hope this film does a lot for for the world of motorcycle racing; both circuits and road racing alike.

Went to see this last Wednesday with a few friends and the Mrs. We all thoroughly enjoyed the film, and Guy Martin provided plenty of entertainment throughout the film. Gives a brilliant insight into the TT and those who race there, and is done so in a way which doesn't alienate people who are not into bikes or the TT. The film doesn't shy away from the danger of the race and goes a long way in explaining why racers take such a risk, and the passion that many people have for the races.

Will be bought on DVD as soon as it is release, I can only hope that more films like this will be released.

Get it seen

The first film that has affected me enough to bother writing a review. Excellent throughout, tense, terrifying, well filmed and good narration. Much more than just another bike documentary.

Few weak spots - narration, although technically good, was in a weak American tone, not ideally suited to something as British as the Isle of Man. Some of the solo footage of Guy riding was a bit weak. He was obviously not going fast, but made to appear so. The on boards were incredible. The atmosphere incredible. The passion incredible.

Never has a cinema completely full of men (99%) been so quiet for so long. The film finished to a stunned silence.

Excellent