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Breaking Away (1979)

Director: Peter Yates

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2 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out Film Guide

Class conflict and small town chauvinism are the subject of Yates' ingenious youth movie, a film which intrigues as much by its portait of working-class America bitterly opposed to the affluent society as by its large measure of lovingly-crafted fantasy. Hero Dave (Christopher) and his mates try to win the annual 'Little Indy' team cycle race in their home town (Bloomington, Indiana), as a gesture of defiance to the richly privileged college boys. Scripted by Steve Tesich, it's Yates' best film since The Friends of Eddie Coyle and displays the kind of unsentimental optimism that went out of fashion with Hawks.

Author: DP

Time Out Film Guide


User reviews of this film

  • stephen jones said...
    Posted on Jun 08 2011 12:07 This little gem has all the charm of 'Singing in the Rain', the rhythms of 'When we were Kings' and the fun of the 'Back to the Future' stories.
    It deserves another viewing, so it's goodbye from me.
    Report as inappropriate
  • Jerry Connolly said...
    Posted on Jul 11 2010 16:15 This film rewards a second look and more. It is very very good on class and generational divides and the erosion of craft skills and the dignity, if you like, of being working class. Also, it is very funny
    Report as inappropriate

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