The Bikeriders is a plausible look into the nascent beginnings of motorcycle culture in the US. .Presented in a quasi-documentary style it is neither overly dramatic or overly sentimental. IMO, it feels just about right for events that may happened during the 60's in America.
Based on a book of the same title, the story takes place in Chicago and covers the Vandals MC. The Vandals were basically a bunch of guys who rode bikes and wanted to be part of a club that shared their passion about motorcycle riding. After a while, the club morphed into something that more closely resembled clubs such as the Hell's Angels. After this turn of events, the lives of the originals took a direction that they may not have been prepared for.
The cast of the movie is excellent especially Jodie Comer as Kathy, through whose recollections, the story unfolds. I really can't say enough about her interpretation of the character. The remainder of the cast strikes the perfect note of men trying to find their way in a new uncharted lifestyle.
The director takes a measured approach to the story. There is a requisite amount of drinking, drug use and violence, but, those never become the centerpiece of the movie. Rather, the movie revolves around the lives of those involved with 'outlaw' motorcycling.
A number of reviewers, voiced their displeasure over the lack of a straight forward narrative presentation of the story. I feel they are missing the point of the movie. This is not a boy meets girl, troubles ensue and all ends well type of movie. Instead it is a seemingly realistic look at one aspect of a subculture that rode the waves of the turbulence 60's in the US. If you are expecting a 2023 version of Easy Rider, you will be disappointed. Otherwise, take this movie for what it is and enjoy a ride on the 'wild' side.
Based on a book of the same title, the story takes place in Chicago and covers the Vandals MC. The Vandals were basically a bunch of guys who rode bikes and wanted to be part of a club that shared their passion about motorcycle riding. After a while, the club morphed into something that more closely resembled clubs such as the Hell's Angels. After this turn of events, the lives of the originals took a direction that they may not have been prepared for.
The cast of the movie is excellent especially Jodie Comer as Kathy, through whose recollections, the story unfolds. I really can't say enough about her interpretation of the character. The remainder of the cast strikes the perfect note of men trying to find their way in a new uncharted lifestyle.
The director takes a measured approach to the story. There is a requisite amount of drinking, drug use and violence, but, those never become the centerpiece of the movie. Rather, the movie revolves around the lives of those involved with 'outlaw' motorcycling.
A number of reviewers, voiced their displeasure over the lack of a straight forward narrative presentation of the story. I feel they are missing the point of the movie. This is not a boy meets girl, troubles ensue and all ends well type of movie. Instead it is a seemingly realistic look at one aspect of a subculture that rode the waves of the turbulence 60's in the US. If you are expecting a 2023 version of Easy Rider, you will be disappointed. Otherwise, take this movie for what it is and enjoy a ride on the 'wild' side.
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