Buck

2011

Buck

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

89%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 103

89%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 4,780
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Movie Info

"Your horse is a mirror to your soul, and sometimes you may not like what you see. Sometimes, you will." So says Buck Brannaman, a true American cowboy and sage on horseback who travels the country for nine grueling months a year helping horses with people problems. BUCK, a richly textured and visually stunning film, follows Brannaman from his abusive childhood to his phenomenally successful approach to horses. A real life "horse-whisperer", he eschews the violence of his upbringing and teaches people to communicate with horses through leadership and sensitivity, not punishment. Buck possesses near magical abilities as he dramatically transforms horses - and people - with his understanding, compassion and respect. In this film, the animal-human relationship becomes a metaphor for facing the daily challenges of life. A truly American story about an unsung hero, Buck is about an ordinary man who has made an extraordinary life despite tremendous odds. -- (C) IFC Films
  • Rating:
    PG (for thematic elements, mild language and an injury)
  • Genre:
    Documentary, Special Interest
  • Directed By:
    Cindy Meehl
  • In Theaters:
     limited
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Box Office:
    $4,023,123
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    IFC Films

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Cast

Buck Brannaman
Bibb Frazier
Betty Staley
Shayne Jackson
Robert Redford
Gwynn Turnbull Weaver
Nevada Witt
Reata Brannaman
Mary Brannaman
Gary Myers
Betsy Shirley
Johnny France
Tina Cornish
Dan Gunter
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Critic Reviews for Buck

All Critics (103) | Top Critics (31)

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Audience Reviews for Buck

  • Nov 23, 2012
    While not exactly the most substantial of documentaries, "Buck" still has plenty to say about the human condition, through horses, no less. As Buck Brannaman says in the clinics he conducts all over the country nine months out of the year, it is not the humans with a horse problem he is trying to help but horses with a human problem. Growing up, he and his brother were severely phyiscally abused by their father. With luck and the help of caring foster parents, Buck turned out okay and sensitive to the concerns of others and the odd episode of Oprah.(I had to check out the deleted scenes on the DVD to find out how Buck's brother turned out.) As a parent, Buck feels it is okay to discipline one's children but only in an encouraging, not discouraging way. As alone as he is a lot on the road, he looks forward to returning home to his family, with his eldest daughter, Reata, now joining him for the summer.
    Walter M Super Reviewer
  • Jan 02, 2012
    Sometimes people's stories are just leaps and bounds better than anything Hollywood could produce. This doc is a mesmerizing and heart-warming look at a good and gentle man who took the pain of his childhood and turned it into grace. It may sound cliche and boring, but I'll be damned it you can watch it and not be moved.
    Reid V Super Reviewer
  • Nov 04, 2011
    Buck's philosophies could apply to many aspects of life. Get ready to see the world's best horseman.
    Wu C Super Reviewer
  • Oct 26, 2011
    Buck Brannaman truly represents the best of how a person can turn despite facing a great deal of abuse in their childhood. A revolutionary trainer of horses who may perhaps have his own failings as a father who is constantly on the road, he is nonetheless an inspiration in his own quiet reclusive way.
    John B Super Reviewer
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