Review of Buck

This movie "Buck" provides insight to Buck Brannaman's intriguing life. The way Buck was raised taught him the importance of gentleness, trust, and the connection you need to make with the horse in order to train it. Buck's dad had a horrible temper and would beat on Buck and his brother. They were entertainers who performed rope tricks at age three and became local legends after doing an interview on television. They turned professional at the age of six. Although, life was not all fun and games for Buck and his brother. Every night his dad would abuse them. Buck was too petrified to talk, move, or even make eye contact when around his father. At the time he didn't know it, but Buck learned a lot of hard lessons with his father that would eventually help him in the future with horses. Buck knew what it was like to be abused and mistreated. Instead of whipping the horses and forcing them to do commands, he would nurture them. He would form a relationship with them and help them understand what was right and what was wrong. Every touch, every word, and every little tug on the rope had an affect on the horses mindset and he was able to tap into that. He learned how to gain the horses trust. Which is a large theme presented throughout the film the ability to trust and have patience. With the people and horses he encountered. Once Buck's skills emanated he began to do shows and training sessions all over the country. For forty weeks out of the year he is driving around with his horses from place to place. The solitude gives him time to think and grow wise. He understands true values and uses them with horses effectively.

The cinematography in the film was adequate, although a bit repetitive with slow motion scenes of Buck riding a horse, and dramatic scenes of Bucks face. The interviewees helped provide good insight to Buck's childhood. I am curious as to what happened with Buck's brother which was never addressed in the movie. It would have been a great addition to get an interview from him.

Buck was a captivating documentary that brought me into a world I had not experienced. I recommend it as a must watch for anyone. Horse lovers will admire the majestic skills of Buck while non horse lovers will be enlightened in a field that is new to them.