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Breaking Away

6.8

1,220

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Original title

Breaking Away

Year

1979

Running time

101 min.

Country

United States

Director

Peter Yates

Screenwriter

Steve Teisch

Cast

Music

Patrick Williams

Cinematography

Matthew F. Leonetti

Producer

20th Century Fox

Genre

Drama | Sports. Cycling

Synopsis

BREAKING AWAY is a winning coming-of-age story with unusually well drawn characters, smart social commentary, and a terrific ensemble of fresh-faced actors soon to be famous. The rivalry between townies and college kids sets the scene for the story of four friends trying to figure out their future after high school graduation in Bloomington, Indiana. Raised together in the working-class quarry town, the boys consider themselves Cutters, proud of their father's heritage as limestone workers in the once prosperous factory town. But there is no future for the boys as Cutters, and not one of them has plans for college. So now that Mike (Dennis Quaid) is no longer a star quarterback, Moocher (Jackie Earl Haley) can't decide if he wants to break up or marry his girlfriend, and quick-witted Cyril (Daniel Stern) can no longer play the class clown, they have no idea what to do with themselves. Luckily, avid cyclist Dave (Dennis Christopher) knows exactly what he wants. He aspires to be one of the world's best bicyclists. There's only one obstacle: The leading racers are Italian, and Dave is not. A romantic dreamer, he races around his hometown, singing opera, speaking in an Italian accent, and stumping his parents with his newfangled Italian ways. When his affair with Katherine (an Italian exchange student) evokes jealousy from a few big boys on campus, Dave decides that a bike race is the only way to settle the score and prove that Cutters are not losers. The film features a remarkable performance from character actor Paul Dooley, who shines as Dave's befuddled and frustrated working-class father. Screenwriter Steve Tesich's script is an intelligent and humorous masterpiece, full of subtle humor and insightful dialogue. All the components combine to make one of the most charming comedies of all time.

Awards: 1979: Oscar: Best Original Screenplay. 5 Nominations

1979: Golden Globes: Best Movie - Comedy or Musical. 4 nominations

1979: BAFTA Awards: Most Outstanding Newcomer to Film (Dennis Christopher)

1979: Directors Guild of America (DGA): Nominated for Best Director

1979: Writers Guild of America (WGA): Best Original Comedy Screenplay

1979: New York Film Critics Circle: Best Screenplay. 3 Nominations

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Critics' reviews

"A wonderfully sunny, funny, goofy, intelligent movie that makes you feel about as good as any movie in a long time. (...) Rating: ★★★★ (out of 4)"

Roger Ebert: Chicago Sun-Times
"The cast is unknown, the director has a spotty history, and the basic premise falls into this year's most hackneyed category. Even so, the finished product is wonderful"

Janet Maslin: The New York Times
"A lucid depiction of familiar adolescent uncertainties and social tensions in an authentic mid-american setting, the movie is affectionate but never sappy, neat but never overcalculated, unobjectionable but never innocuous"

Gary Arnold: The Washington Post
"Fast, funny and very fresh. In a surprising change of pace from the torpors of The Deep, director Peter Yates has made his most enjoyable film since Bullitt."

Newsweek
"Though its plot wins no points for originality, Breaking Away is a thoroughly delightful light comedy, lifted by fine performances from Dennis Christopher and Paul Dooley."

Variety
"One of the best, funniest, most surprising and likeable American films of the year."

Jay Scott: The Globe and Mail
"The film is fun and stirring; a robust portrait of youth at the crossroads and a bittersweet salute to the town at its centre."

Xan Brooks: The Guardian

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User history

Breaking Away

1979

Peter Yates

6.8

(1,220)