Line of Sight (2012) User Reviews

Raw, street level record of Alley Cat Races worldwide

[JohnH9 · 9/10 · 12 August 2016]

This film has minimal narration and is edited to give the viewer the look and feel of actual Alley Cat races. The film spans the world and many cultures and styles of Alley Cats. The film should probably be preserved as a historic record, such film is rare. Clearly the cinematographer took great risks in following high speed reckless riders though busy city streets, sometimes against traffic and at night. My opinion of courier racers is that they are clearly some of the best riders anywhere in the world, however they are also a menace with a complete disregard for any others on the streets. I would have liked to see a more complete video including names, some insights as to the people and places, but that is not what the director intended. I felt the music did not enhance but sometimes distracted, but with virtually no dialogue, you can turn it down and play whatever you like while viewing. If you want an inside view of the dynamics and action of an Alley Cat race, this is probably as complete and well done as it gets. If, however, you want a deeper perspective on the lifestyle behind the race, this is empty and devoid of that. However, for what it is, it is profound, interesting, energetic, and transfixing.

What a waste of great footage

[thirdeyemedia · 5/10 · 17 January 2017]

This film is all well and good to be played in the background of bike cafe, but as a viewing experience for the dedicated watcher it is poor.

The lack of narration and the constant jumping around to different places means there is no suspense, emotional engagement or even attachment to images that you're viewing. You may as well be watching someone play a computer a game.

It would not have been difficult to get interviews that highlighted the history the sport and went briefly over the races that were shown.

I know bike messengers are monosyllabic cool kids but even they could have given this enough context to make it an interesting movie.

I am desperate to find out about the races, how they were started, who won them, how people plan out the routes, and what happened in each of the races that are shown in the movie.

Alas I am afraid I may never find out, and that is the true tragedy of this film.