The Age of Commercialism

It's complicated... I really like the directing, acting and writing but, there are issues with the way it's shot that I just can't deny. As much as I love the storytelling and the fantastic performance but, there are also certain scenes that didn't need to exist.

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

Rented this movie based on high reviews. This movie is slow. It drags on forever. There is no real story line and the actors are terrible.

Brady Jadreau's performance is unique; he plays himself with an intensity and belief that is reminiscent of the greatest of actors - the ensemble add and support to the performance and the grand, simple, elegiacal story weaved by Chloe Zhao. Brady's Dad - a superb and subtle rendition by another Jadreau - had me thinking that this was surely one of the great supporting actors that Hollywood is famous for - but no .....This film is superb in that it is a small, dramatic tale of love, lost dreams, loyalty, tradition and the bond between human and horse - see it, be moved ....

//Revelation Film Festival Review//A touching portrayal of a rodeo star, Brady (Brady Jandreau), who finds his way of life wrangled away following a freak riding accident. Unable to mount up again, Brady goes on a journey of self-discovery while looking after his financially stricken sister and father in the harsh South Dakota badlands.What elevates the film's already strong story is the decision to cast a real family of bronc riders instead of professional actors in the main roles. As they draw on their own experiences in bringing the script to life, The Rider feels hauntingly real in its depiction of a hard-bitten way of life. While some parts in the middle feel a little slow, by the end the film leaves a devastating emotional impact that lingers long after. A definite highlight of the festival so far.

The Rider by Director Chloe Zhao. Is the tale of a young upincoming rodeo star Brady Blackburn. (Portrayed by real life inspiration of the film Brady Jandreau) who's career and basically purpose of being comes to a deviating halt. After suffering a horrible head injury. He tries to find new meaning of what life has in store for him. During the run of the film I couldn't help but to be reminded of other movies similar to the one I front of me. (The Wrestler was a big one) the trials of both Physical and mental the main character is faced with. The over whelming feeling of sympathy along with the underlying tale of battling with depression. All of which are familiar. What sticks this film out in both good and bad ways is the casting of non trained actors (it's all jandreau family members and friends playing themselves as far as I know ) a bit distracting at some point but also so real at others making powerful enough to feel the weight the main character is going through such as the case of Brady paraplegic friend. As for the film making aspect, I highly appreciated the use of natural lighting throughout the project. The use of the the sun in the background in some shots were very pleasing to the eye. The shots on site locations where amazing. One Particular scene comes to mind were there is a lightning storm in the background. And the bronco riding scenes were just captured in such a raw way. They demand your attention. Unfortunately, a big down fall by far goes to the audio. Some of the dialect you could barely hear compare to the booming audio dubbed of the sister lily. It really stands out which starts taking you out of the movie. If I could leave you with anything from this film I can say it not the crowd pleaser that I could see the usual movie goer to last through. But it's a story I was grateful to ride out to the end. I give it a 7 out of 10.