This superb, small-town, coming-of-age, movie, 'Breaking Away', is now over 30 years old. And I've still never met anyone who has either seen it, let alone admired it.
'Breaking away' is about a bunch of post-school adolescents who are searching for their way in life. They live in Bloomington Indiana (USA) where they just hang around, or go swimming in a disused stone quarry.
'Breaking away' is about a bunch of post-school adolescents who are searching for their way in life. They live in Bloomington Indiana (USA) where they just hang around, or go swimming in a disused stone quarry.
One of the group, Dave (played by Dennis Christopher), is a cycling fanatic, and the film centres around his obsession with Italy, his botched attempts at wooing girls from the local university, and eventually a team cycle race.
If you haven't seen this film (which is more than likely), then may I recommend it for a wet sunday afternoon. It's not life-changing, but you will not regret your viewing.
I think Dennis Christopher's done a few bits since, but this is certainly the job for which he'll be remembered. A good film. Funny, simple, and tells a watchable story.
Mystical Roo and I will have to see if we can find it in the Video Ezy.
ReplyDeleteLS. Maybe you could watch it whilst ironing!
ReplyDeleteGreat movie Cro! One of those movies that you always remember.
ReplyDeleteIf you are in the mood for another small, old feel-good movie watch Best of The Best.
I have seen that movie and really liked it. It's one of those quirky, doesn't make sense until it all comes to the end, type of films. I want to see it again now!
ReplyDeleteI have fond memories of this film too. But don't forget Danny Stern (Home Alone), Jackie Earle Haley (Watchmen), or Dennis Quaid (Far From Heaven). I also remember quite a bit of Mendelssohn in the soundtrack (Italian Symphony, bien sûr).
ReplyDeleteYou know, I need to watch this one again. It's been ages since I've seen it. It really connects with me, since it's filmed in and around Bloomington Indiana and the lovely Indiana University, where my daughter did her undergraduate studies. Lots of fond memories there. Thanks for the reminder, Cro, I'm adding it to my queue right now.
ReplyDeleteThis movie inspired a generation of american cyclists, including me.
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased that so many have both seen and enjoyed this movie; I'd thought I was the only one!
ReplyDeleteI will have to watch this film. Yes do remember swimming in a quarry, lots of fun.
ReplyDelete