Review of Breaking Away (1979) by Katrina D — 25 Feb 2007

Breaking Away arrived in 1979, just before the 80s would produce many films that dealt with similar themes. Yates' movie looks at the alienation four 19 year old's feel in their town as they are ridiculed by the college kids that attend the university. Stuck in between ideas of leaving home, relationships, working life, family and the pursuit of happiness and a sense of place, these four characters use their friendship to beat their demons.

This excellent teen coming-of-age film is a great introduction to what was to come out of the genre in the 1980s with the likes of Better Off Dead, The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo's Fire, Say Anything, and Sixteen Candles.