Breaking Away (1979)
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Cast
as Dave Stohler
as Mrs. Stohler
as Mr. Stohler
as Mike
as Cyril
as Moocher
as Katherine
as Rod
as Nancy
as Suzy
as Doctor
as Mike's Brother
as French Girl
as Girl
as Race Announcer
as Race Official
as Race Official
as Mr. York
as Italian Rider
as Italian Rider
as Black Student Leader
as Fight Spectator
as Owner of Car Wash
as Anthem Singer
as Race Starter
as University President
as Blond Guy
as Team Captain
as Homecoming Car Kid
as Stonecutter
as Stonecutter
as Stonecutter
as Stonecutter
as Stonecutter
Critic Reviews for Breaking Away
All Critics (35) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (33) | Rotten (2) | DVD (5)
There are a few moments when the picture's easygoing pace turns into wobbliness, but these are insignificant compared with its many moments of shrewd insight into the lives of amusingly shaded but very recognizable human beings.
Though its plot wins no points for originality, Breaking Away is a thoroughly delightful light comedy.
Peter Yates, previously typed as an action director, lends the film a fine, unexpected limpidity, and the principals are mostly excellent.
Displays the kind of unsentimental optimism that went out of fashion with Hawks.
Breaking Away is a wonderfully sunny, funny, goofy, intelligent movie that makes you feel about as good as any movie in a long time. It is, in fact, a treasure.
Here is a movie so fresh and funny it didn't even need a big budget or a pedigree.
Audience Reviews for Breaking Away
A feel-good, inspirational story concerning an offbeat teenager who discovers his love for biking, despite his non-supportive father (Paul Dooley) wanting him to grow up and accept adulthood as a member of the "cutter" class. While it suffers from a couple scenes that come across as over dramatic and one of the plot points is just downright awful, this movie is still hard not to love given the energetic lead performance by Dennis Christopher, as well as the fact that this is a great coming of age story. Sure, it's absolutely corny at times, but if you really don't fall in love with this movie, especially the last big race scene - something is wrong with you.
Super Reviewer
The essential biking film! If you're into sports movies, love riding bikes, or compete in bike racing yourself, you will love this movie. It's a great sports drama about both bikes and growing up.
Super Reviewer
This film really impressed me the first time around. But since I haven't seen it since then (about 1984 or so), my rating is based on fond memories. If I see it again and it doesn't hold up, I'll re-evaluate.
Super Reviewer
Breaking Away Quotes
| Moocher: | You're not the quarterback here, Mike. |
| Mr. Stohler: | I don't care if the second coming's coming! |
| Mr. Stohler: | He's never tired. He's never miserable. |
| Mrs. Stohler: | He's young. |
| Mr. Stohler: | When I was young I was tired and miserable. |
| Mr. Stohler: | When I was young, I was tired and miserable. |
| Mr. Stohler: | REFUND?! |
| Mr. Stohler: | Refund?! |
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