Review of Breaking Away (1979) by Waltertsolley — 03 Feb 2018

One of the best films of the 1970’s. An exceptionally well-written story about the lives of a group of young men as they transition from high school to adulthood. That their futures will likely be dictated by their families’ limitations, adds resonance to this thoughtful comedy, and also serves as an indictment of the American dream.

Children of quarry workers (known as “cutters”), in an Indiana town that is home to an Ivy League College, the economic disparity the boys are witness to daily only emphasizes their seemingly forgone futures.

There are moments in this film that literally had contemporary audiences leaping from their seats to cheer. And though the movie’s unabashed sincerity may seem naive today, it is no less effective than it was in 1979.

Superb performances, especially from Paul Dooley and Barbara Barrie, with breakout performances from Dennis Christopher and Jackie Earle Haley, it features an inspiring score, fantastic film editing, and brilliant direction.

A moving, funny, sometimes heartbreaking rumination on American youth and family, that is more hopeful than most films of the decade, and more eloquent that most films, period.