The film, with its grim Nottingham setting and working class milieu, must have seemed fresh in its day. Now, though, it looks and sounds like a relic from a bygone era.
Comment
10/07/02
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962)
74
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:19
Fresh:14
Rotten:5
Average Rating:7.2/10
Consensus: Dry and full of angst, this British New Wave classic features potent social commentary and a star making performance by Tom Courtenay as a textbook example of the "angry young man."
Theatrical Release:11-10-2002
Synopsis: Alan Sillitoe's autobiographical novel about a rebellious 18-year-old living in dreary Lancashire proved to be the perfect material for Tony Richardson to adapt in the early 1960s. The film stars... [More]
Starring: Tom Courtenay, Michael Redgrave, Avis Bunnage, Peter Madden
Director: Tony Richardson
Reviews for The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner
1 - 19 (sorted by critic A-Z; UK critics are listed first)
Top CriticThe counter-Hollywood bloody-mindedness packs a knockout punch.
11/19/02
Top CriticUltimately, Richardson’s pot-shots at consumerism and class have lost some urgency, but the nihilistic, punky buzz packs an immortal wallop. Classic.
08/04/08
It's provocative and enjoyable, but not a classic.
03/30/03
Top CriticA landmark in British cinema, which not only launched Courtenay's career, but also continued the trend of assertively incorporating contemporary social issues into film drama.
02/10/04
Top CriticMost of the period hallmarks of the British New Wave are paraded here.
06/24/06
Top CriticAn iconic representation of a time, less so now.
02/28/07
If anything contributes to its lasting influence, it's not all this lefty stuff, rather the brilliant performance by Tom Courtenay.
04/14/03
While this show of compassion may not sit comfortably with those who distrust social agitation and too easy sympathy, it must be said that a splendid presentation is made by Mr. Richardson.
05/20/03
Top CriticMore allegory from the depths of the British kitchen sink.
01/01/00
Splendidly directed by Tony Richardson (just before Tom Jones), this highlight of the working-class British cinema (aka "Young Angry Men" films) features a stunning debut performance by Tom Courtenay that put him at the forefornt of British actors.
02/14/07
In attempting to straddle dramatic realism, Richardson tried hard to avoid moralizing on the hypocrisies of adults or exaggerating the experiences of youth, but in striving for the middle ground, he also strive for mediocrity.
08/04/08
The performance of Tom Courtenay and the imaginative, if sometimes overfussy, direction of Tony Richardson, plus some standout lensing by Walter Lassally makes this a worthwhile pic.
08/04/08
Top CriticOne of the best of the British 'Angry Young Man films.'
08/04/08
Top CriticNo review available.
05/14/04
No review available.
04/01/04
No review available.
02/20/05
No review available.
09/29/07
1 - 19 (sorted by critic A-Z; UK critics are listed first)
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