149 of 1001 Movies: Breaking Away (1979)

It's like the family film of the 70's except with tons of cursing. Peter Yates though does really somehow make this oddball story of a kid who needs to grow up somehow alluring even though you would be worried to if he was your kid. This movie also only shows one career that might have been launched by it, Dennis Quaid, and he wasn't even a huge part.

Summary: Dave loves cycling. After graduating high school he took a year off to spend with his friends and relax. Now that year is coming to a close and him and his friends are feeling a little pressure to actually grow up and stop being bums. Dave seems to aspire to live in Italy, but after an encounter with Italians and delving more into the biking world he seems little dented in his hopes. Mike seems to not feel any pressure to get a job though, and he prides himself on just driving around and torturing the college students that come through and have the belief they are better than the locals. Cyril is sort of a nerdy, but creative guy who seems like he has found an interest that lures him in, but it doesn't come without teasing from his friends. Then there is also Moocher. He has found love, and is getting married, but he also needs a job as well.


Acting: I think what this movie is missing is fun from the actors. They take themselves a little too seriously, especially as young men, and get really dramatic. They have fun times of course, but they almost just seem moody all the time. Dennis Quaid is a young guy who has graduated, but it is now jealous of the guys who gets to be quarterbacks as they are living in the spotlight he had. I guess for me the character just seems odd to me. He is living off something in high school and it just seems sad.There is also Dennis Christoper as the lead guy and cyclist, Dave. He has a really likable persona, but as the other guys he is living in a dream. Everything just turns out so super chipper that it is actually too feel good for me.

Filming: The filming does really have some intense moments. Particularly when Dave is riding his bicycle and getting in some intense races. Besides the cycling scenes there isn't anything that particularly just blew me away though. What is cool is that the director basis the movie on the set of the university it is based on, and it does cover real events that do take place there.

Plot: The plot will be cheesy for some and maybe for younger audiences one they can relate to. It's normal to feel a little out of place after college and I think this movie does capture that well. You're used to how it is as a teen when your dreams can be big, even in the 1970's but yet you still need to realize you have to grow up and adjust to real life too. That may mean doing a job you aren't fully into, but it also doesn't mean you fully let go of your dreams. Dave may never be a Italian cyclists, but there are always ways he can enjoy his hobby outside of what his future career might be.

Breaking Away isn't nearly as inspiring for me as it may be for others. I think if you're the right age group it is much easier to relate to, and the good thing is that the theme of transitioning from teen to adult is still present today despite the changes in time especially since with the student loan crisis many people are reconsidering the necessity of college much like in this movie. All the lead characters are likable despite the one dimensional vibe as well.

Rating 7 of 10.