Over The Limit is a 2017 documentary film that explores the life of Russian rhythmic gymnast Margarita Mamun and her coach, Irina Viner. The film follows Mamun as she trains for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The film begins by introducing the audience to Mamun, a quiet and reserved young woman who has always dreamed of becoming a rhythmic gymnast. The daughter of an Olympic champion, Mamun has been training since she was a child and has developed an incredible talent for the sport. As the film progresses, we see Mamun in training and competing in various competitions around the world.
Throughout the film, we also learn about Mamun's relationship with her coach, Irina Viner. Viner is a legendary figure in the world of rhythmic gymnastics, known for her tough training methods and dedication to her athletes. As Mamun's coach, she is determined to make her into a champion, pushing her to her limits both physically and mentally.
As the Olympic Games get closer, tensions begin to rise between Mamun and Viner. Mamun is struggling with injuries and the pressure of representing her country on the world stage, while Viner is determined to get her athlete to the top of the podium. The film shows the intense training sessions, the physical and emotional strain on Mamun, and the countdown to the Olympics.
What makes Over The Limit a truly captivating film is its ability to capture the complexity of the athlete-coach relationship. On one hand, Viner seems like an overbearing and sometimes abusive figure, pushing her athletes to the brink of exhaustion. On the other hand, she is truly dedicated to her athletes and has an intense desire to see them succeed. Mamun, too, is a complex character, torn between her love of the sport and her desire for freedom and independence.
The film also explores the darker side of the world of rhythmic gymnastics. As Mamun is pushed to her limits, we see the toll that the sport takes on her body and mind. The pressure to succeed is intense, and the film shows the lengths that athletes will go to in order to win. In addition, the world of rhythmic gymnastics is shown to be highly political, with athletes being judged not just on their skill but on their nationality and other factors beyond their control.
Throughout the film, we see Mamun and Viner's relationship deteriorate, culminating in a dramatic moment at the Olympic Games that will leave the audience on the edge of their seats. The film is a powerful exploration of the cost of greatness and the often-tense relationship between coach and athlete.
Overall, Over The Limit is an intense and gripping documentary that will appeal to anyone interested in sports, psychology, or the human experience. The film expertly captures the complexities of the athlete-coach relationship and the pressures faced by athletes at the highest level of competition. Through its intimate portrayal of Mamun and Viner, the film sheds light on the darker side of the world of rhythmic gymnastics and the toll that the sport takes on those who pursue excellence.
Over The Limit is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes.
It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 91.
