Wednesday, 25 August 2010

Breaking away.

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.

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.


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9 comments:

Little Stalky said...

Mystical Roo and I will have to see if we can find it in the Video Ezy.

Cro Magnon said...

LS. Maybe you could watch it whilst ironing!

Unknown said...

Great movie Cro! One of those movies that you always remember.
If you are in the mood for another small, old feel-good movie watch Best of The Best.

Amy Saia said...

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!

Glenn said...

I 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).

Tess Kincaid said...

You 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.

Daisy Daddy said...

This movie inspired a generation of american cyclists, including me.

Cro Magnon said...

I'm so pleased that so many have both seen and enjoyed this movie; I'd thought I was the only one!

Lilbitbrit said...

I will have to watch this film. Yes do remember swimming in a quarry, lots of fun.

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