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!