Man on Wire is a stunning achievement in documentary film making. No scratch that. It's a stunning film achievement in film making period. Although it should be dually noted that if you're scared of heights–which I am–some scenes might make you a little nauseous.

Recounting tightrope walker Philippe Petit's infamous, daring, and death defying tight rope walk from one World Trade Center Tower to the other in 1974, Man On Wire proves to be mesmerizing, haunting, and incredibly inspiring.

Some might be quick to point out that on paper, the idea of somebody trying to pull off such a stunt is both crazy and stupid. Yet Petit's actions don't come across that way in this film.

Through stock footage, stunning photographs, a stirring score, crafty re-creation, and current interviews with the individuals who pulled this incredible stunt off, Man On Wire weaves an emotionally powerful tale about a man taking life by the horns.

There's a lot going on in this majestic, stunner of a film. There's a love story, a tale of friendship, a glimpse into the world of celebrity, and an exploration into trust and team work but mostly, Man On Wire is just plain thrilling. There are moments of undeniable tension in this picture that are just as palpable as anything you've seen in a big Hollywood production.

Petit proves to be a most fascinating documentary subject. He oozes swagger and charm and he certainly knows how to tell a story. The film would have probably worked had adept director James Marsh simply set the camera up and shot Petit and his cohorts stationary for ninety minutes.

Man on Wire has moments of unexpected drama and even the recreations are extremely well done. By the end of the picture, when Petit reaches his seemingly unreachable goal thus forging a new chapter in his life, I couldn't help but be inspired. After all, this film is really a metaphor for living your life to the fullest, and that message comes across loud and clear.

A beautiful, unforgettable film that ranks right alongside Young At Heart as one of 2008's very best documentaries.