“The Rider”, 2017
Director: Chloé Zhao
A contemporary Western drama that centers on a young cowboy named Brady, who suffers a near fatal head injury during a rodeo competition. As he faces the reality of his life without rodeo, he embarks on a quest for a new identity and what it means to be a man in the heartland of America.
Starring: Brady Jandreau, Mooney, Tim Jandreau, Lilly Jandreau, Leroy Pourier, Cat Clifford, Tanner Langdeau, James Calhoon, Lane Scott, Cameron Wright;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, western;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The Rider” on the website imdb.com
“Bull Rider”
Director: T. Lee Beideck
(Note: While there's no prominent film exactly titled “Bull Rider” from 2006, this could be referencing “Cowboy Up”, known internationally as “Ring of Fire”, a film about the world of professional bull riding. It tells the story of two brothers competing for the world championship while also dealing with personal conflicts and romance).
Starring: Matt Bush;
Genre: comedy;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
“Junior Bonner”, 1972
Director: Sam Peckinpah
Directed by Sam Peckinpah, this film stars Steve McQueen as Junior “JR” Bonner, an aging rodeo rider who returns to his hometown to participate in the annual rodeo. The film explores themes of family, aging, and the changing American West.
Starring: Steve McQueen, Robert Preston, Ida Lupino, Ben Johnson, Joe Don Baker, Barbara Leigh, Mary Murphy, Bill McKinney, Dub Taylor, Sandra Deel;
Production year: 1972;
Genre: drama, western;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Junior Bonner” on the website imdb.com
“My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys”, 1991
Director: Stuart Rosenberg
The story follows an injured rodeo star, who, upon returning home, finds that his family is falling apart. He decides to try and save his family's ranch while reviving his professional rodeo career.
Starring: Scott Glenn, Kate Capshaw, Ben Johnson, Tess Harper, Gary Busey, Balthazar Getty, Clarence Williams III, Mickey Rooney, Cynthia Mackey, Bill Clymer, Benjamin Rosenberg, Megan Parlen, Jim Robnett, Jennifer Johnson, Jan Hoag, Dub Taylor, Harold Suggs, Will Hussung, Dennis Fimple, Clu Gulager, James Terry McIlvain, Robert Knott, David Honeycutt Hamilton, Theresa Bell, Rex Linn, Sarah Bratton, Clem McSpadden, Don Endsley, Richard A. Buswell, Payton Dunham, Brandon E. Jackson, Bryan Payne II, Kevin Rushing, Gary Sievers;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: drama, western;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
More information about the film “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” on the website imdb.com
These films are just a few examples of how rodeo has been portrayed in cinema, offering audiences compelling narratives set against the backdrop of one of the most traditional and enduring sports in history.
In conclusion, films about rodeo encapsulate the rugged, enduring spirit of the American West, delving deeply into themes of courage, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams against the backdrop of one of the most physically demanding and culturally rich sports. Through a blend of heartfelt narratives, breathtaking cinematography, and authentic portrayals of the rodeo lifestyle, these films offer audiences a glimpse into the lives of the cowboys and cowgirls who risk it all in the arena. Whether through the lens of documentary realism or the heightened drama of fictional storytelling, rodeo films capture the essence of human striving and resilience, resonating with anyone who appreciates the complex dance of man, beast, and the wild, untamable spirit of freedom that defines the heart of rodeo culture. In doing so, they not only entertain but also preserve and celebrate an integral part of American heritage, ensuring that the legend of the rodeo continues to inspire future generations.
