What a beautiful movie!

Memorable, crazy movie

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

'THE RIDER': Three Stars (Out of Five)A western-drama about a former rodeo star who now suffers brain damage due to a bullriding accident. The film was shot all in the badlands of South Dakota, and it was written, produced and directed by Chloé Zhao. The movie stars newcomer Brady Jandreau, Lilly Jandreau, Tim Jandreau, Lane Scott, and Cat Clifford. It has received nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics, but I only found it to be mildly amusing (at best). Brady Blackburn (Brady Jandreau) was a rising rodeo star, who got into a serious bullriding accident. Now he suffers from brain damage due to it, and constant seizures. Brady lives in extreme poverty with his father (Tim Jandreau) and his sister (Lilly Jandreau), and he also spends a lot of time with his friend Lane (Lane Scott). The doctors tell Brady he can never ride again, but he just can't give up the dream that easily.The film is beautifully shot, in a stunning way even. The performances are pretty good as well, especially coming from such inexperienced rookie actors. Being a vegan though, I have an extreme problem with animal cruelty, so I didn't really like most of what the movie's 'hero' stands for. I'll admit it's a well made film to an extent though, but it's also extremely boring.

After suffering a near fatal head injury, a young cowboy undertakes a search for new identity and what it means to be a man in the heartland of America. The Rider is once again a film that critics found great and pretty much act like they've never seen the exact same story playing out in much better movies over the years. The acting wasn't anything special, the characters were dull and most of all the pacing all over the place. Viewers who might like this kind of movies will enjoy it perhaps? But for everyone else? Is a pretty big no-no for sure if you ask me. (0/10)

This is a film about Oglala Sioux in the Dakotas today one century or so after the end of the genocide and hardly fifty years after the end of total segregation and ten years or so after the final lawsuit giving all Indian reservations the compensations and « reparations » they were entitled to get after all the treacherous exploitation they have been the victims of. If there is any improvement since Wounded Knee, it is because American Indians have taken their own lives and their own future in their own hands and have decided to claim their heritage and a fair position in society as well as a fair and just independence and freedom on their reservations that are theirs and no one else's. Yet nothing is simple since Trump has managed to authorize the crossing of Indian land in Montana and the Dakotas for a pipeline that has no guarantee not to be a polluting hazard. The film is beautiful and at the same time very sad. Beautiful because of the human feelings these men feel and express for each other and one another. Beautiful because these young men want to stand tall, speak out and be what they dream to be and become. But beautiful too because on this rough road there are accidents and one has to accept one's lot and one's neighbor's lot because that neighbor is a brother of sorts, a brother in humanity and in ambition or dream. When a horse is wounded in a way or another he has to be shot out of misery. But human beings are supposed to cling to life and everyone is supposed to help the wounded man to survive and even live with his dream, even if this dream is now frustrated.This humanity is rare among human beings but it seems to be a rule among these Indians. And the sister and daughter, who is slightly handicapped is made as comfortable as possible and is protected against accidents that could happen in this life, accidents that could come along with harassment or even worse.It is true it is a world of men, and women are not very present in this environment. That's probably the shortcoming of the film because Indian women are essential in this renascence, this rebirth of a nation beyond its annihilation, because they can bring the traditions back, the theater, the dancing, and the music and then women and men are equal and have original contributions that are absolutely complementary. But since the film is centered on rodeo and horse training, it seems obvious women are not very present in this activity. Cowboys are boys and cowgirls have not been born yet. Next generation might change this.This film is a dramatized real story in which the main actors more or less live their own real lives as if they were true fiction, true to life and yet fictional by the dream invested in this true life.Dr. Jacques COULARDEAU

Saw this at Sundance. Great film. None of the people in the film are actors. It aids in the realism but also is a testament to the director's ability. This is a subtle, emotionally impactful experience. By the end of it your heart breaks but is also hopeful. Good story of friendship and also coming to grips with not being able to do what you truly love to do. How does one make life meaningful?