I'm giving this film a 7 because it is so well done and unusual in its use of nonprofessional actors essentially playing themselves. In terms of entertainment or deep meaning, I would probably give this film a 6 or less.
I have ridden horses on an amateur level and briefly taught riding (English style). I did not identify with this at all as a riding movie. Rodeo trick riding and bronco busting are not only dangerous, which is the message of this film, but also abusive to animals, an aspect this film avoids. I don't think this is a movie for horse lovers.
I think we were supposed to come away from this film with an appreciation of the American West or something. In reality rodeos are entertainment and real cowboys did/do real work of herding cattle etc. I felt sorry for several of the characters, but I also saw them as macho types who make poor decisions. In some cases their decisions show a lack of regard for those close to them.
The movie is slow-moving and I wasn't sure what to make of the ending.
I have ridden horses on an amateur level and briefly taught riding (English style). I did not identify with this at all as a riding movie. Rodeo trick riding and bronco busting are not only dangerous, which is the message of this film, but also abusive to animals, an aspect this film avoids. I don't think this is a movie for horse lovers.
I think we were supposed to come away from this film with an appreciation of the American West or something. In reality rodeos are entertainment and real cowboys did/do real work of herding cattle etc. I felt sorry for several of the characters, but I also saw them as macho types who make poor decisions. In some cases their decisions show a lack of regard for those close to them.
The movie is slow-moving and I wasn't sure what to make of the ending.