A remarkable and insightful snapshot into a true U. S. cultural and sporting phenomenon. The film does a splendid job of showcasing the characters, their dreams, and the environment that engenders a passion for competition.
7 Reviews
Poignant and real human drama
Jutta_R11 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Why aren't there more stories like this out there? And why isn't this film easier to find and see? Although somewhat dated, it had me on the edge of my seat, rooting for every character. These are true modern day cowboys risking their lives and livelihoods, and supporting each other with a camaraderie that goes beyond racial and cultural divides. You couldn't have scripted a better Hollywood ending. Amazingly authentic and refreshingly unpolished. These are the types of stories and characters we need to be celebrating, especially in the context of our polarized world today.
This film gives a glimpse into real Americana beyond expected stereotypes and it does so in a way that is not dogmatic or polarizing - by simply following the lives of these athletes and the extreme lengths they take to make it to the top of their sport. There is something here reminiscent in the style and narrative of Hoop Dreams, although less focused on larger systematic issues, it still touches upon righting the past and the contributions of black cowboys in the making of the American West. Where it is stronger than Hoop Dreams, is a compact muscular drama with higher stakes sport action - these men are literally risking their lives - and it's spectacular, uplifting ending, where one rider will win a historical championship. In this way, it's a true "Hollywood" story with unconventional heroes challenging what it means to be an American cowboy.
I'm not a big sports fan, and I do question the treatment of animals in rodeo, but the camaraderie and love these riders and their families show for each other was incredibly moving. It had me in tears at the end.
One of the best documentaries I have seen lately, it's a shame it's taken so long to find!
This film gives a glimpse into real Americana beyond expected stereotypes and it does so in a way that is not dogmatic or polarizing - by simply following the lives of these athletes and the extreme lengths they take to make it to the top of their sport. There is something here reminiscent in the style and narrative of Hoop Dreams, although less focused on larger systematic issues, it still touches upon righting the past and the contributions of black cowboys in the making of the American West. Where it is stronger than Hoop Dreams, is a compact muscular drama with higher stakes sport action - these men are literally risking their lives - and it's spectacular, uplifting ending, where one rider will win a historical championship. In this way, it's a true "Hollywood" story with unconventional heroes challenging what it means to be an American cowboy.
I'm not a big sports fan, and I do question the treatment of animals in rodeo, but the camaraderie and love these riders and their families show for each other was incredibly moving. It had me in tears at the end.
One of the best documentaries I have seen lately, it's a shame it's taken so long to find!
Great humanistic portrayal of modern cowboy life
dralexbenchimol14 August 2022
This is a very moving and perceptive study of the contemporary rodeo circuit. The film has a real intimacy with its subjects that makes its depiction of their competitive struggles all that more compelling. We see them as complex, physically vulnerable athletes. This is a gem of documentary filmmaking that needs to be rediscovered and cherished.
An immersive, heartfelt and revelatory journey
smallworldpx-113 August 2022
This excellent documentary film resonates not only because it features
Danell Tipton, the first black bull rider to win a prestigious world title, but because it shines a light on modern-day cowboys beyond racial or conventional stereotypes, without dogma or lecturing, by simply documenting a year-long journey on the rodeo circuit with this community of men and the comradery they share, blowing up the exclusionary myth of a "white West" and what it means to be a cowboy.
It does all of this while keeping you on the edge of your seat with a classic sports-storyline climax.
It does all of this while keeping you on the edge of your seat with a classic sports-storyline climax.
Man vs. Nature
cristiano-3193315 August 2022
The film has all the elements of classical drama. By following the dreams and sacrifices of its protagonists we step into their world, the world of rodeo riding in a personal and unfiltered manner. The intensity of that lifestyle and in particular the violence of the bulls trying to reject mans domination with all their virulence is counterpointed with a calm and controlled pace of narration, a steady picture and incorruptible editing. A must see for anybody who likes interesting well calibrated real stories.
Shut up and RIDE this Pony!
justinconnor16 August 2022
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