Watch Breaking the Limits

Breaking the Limits is a biographical sports film set in the late 1980s and early 1990s in Poland, directed by Łukasz Palkowski. It stars Jakub Gierszal as Jerzy Górski, a young man from a small town in Poland, who dreams of becoming a professional marathon runner despite facing numerous obstacles. Jerzy's life is not easy growing up. He lives with his mother and abusive stepfather, who constantly puts him down and discourages him from following his dreams. However, Jerzy's passion for running continues to grow, and he trains tirelessly on his own, despite limited resources.

One day, Jerzy's talent is discovered by a local coach, Włodzimierz Różański (played by Arkadiusz Jakubik). Różański, who is a former Olympic marathon runner, sees something special in Jerzy and takes him under his wing, becoming his mentor and coach.

Jerzy begins to train with Różański's team, alongside some of the best runners in Poland. He quickly becomes one of the team's top performers, winning several local races and setting new personal bests. However, Jerzy's success is threatened by his own insecurities, as well as the incompetence of the Polish athletic federation, which makes it difficult for him to secure sponsorship and participate in international competitions.

Despite these challenges, Jerzy remains determined to achieve his goals, and is eventually given the opportunity to compete in the Berlin Marathon. However, his hopes are dashed when he suffers a serious injury during the race, which threatens to end his career and leave him paralyzed.

The injury takes a toll on Jerzy's mental health, and he falls into a deep depression, losing his motivation and will to continue as a runner. However, with the help of Różański and his family, Jerzy eventually finds the strength to get back on his feet, both physically and mentally, and make a remarkable comeback.

Breaking the Limits is a gripping and emotionally charged film that depicts Jerzy's journey as a testament to the human spirit and the power of perseverance. It explores themes such as determination, passion, family, loyalty, and the sometimes cruel realities of chasing one's dreams in the world of athletics.

The film is aided by strong performances from its cast, particularly Gierszal, who brings an intensity and authenticity to his portrayal of Jerzy. Jakubik is also excellent as Różański, imbuing the character with a sense of wisdom and experience that comes from years of competing at the top level. The supporting cast, including Janusz Gajos and Zofia Wichłacz, also deliver in their respective roles.

The cinematography is another highlight, capturing both the natural beauty of the Polish countryside and the gritty intensity of the races, with dynamic camera work and vibrant colors. The soundtrack is also well-chosen, featuring a mix of Polish and international music from the period, which helps to establish the film's nostalgic and evocative tone.

Overall, Breaking the Limits is a moving and inspiring film that should appeal to both sports fans and general audiences. It tells an important story about a determined and resilient young man who overcomes immense challenges to fulfill his dreams, and serves as a reminder of the power of the human spirit to triumph over adversity.

Breaking the Limits is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.