Menu

movie review: BUCK

Some years ago, Robert Redford made an excellent movie called The Horse Whisperer, based on Nicholas Evans’ novel. It turns out that a horseman named

Buck Brannaman helped inspire Evans to create the character that Redford played; he even worked on the movie. This new documentary shows that Buck’s real-life story is as compelling as any piece of fiction, and filmmaker Cindy Meehl has brought it to life with enormous skill and good taste. (Even Redford attests to—

— Buck’s amazing presence.)

Buck is a natural on-camera. We travel with him from one horse-training clinic to another, as he passes on his hard-earned wisdom and demonstrates how to work with the animals in a quiet, humane manner—so different from the way horses were “broken” out West for generations. He believes that if there’s a problem along the way it more likely reflects the owner than the horse. In the course of the film we learn first-hand how right he is.

Because Meehl reveals Buck’s story one layer at a time, I don’t want to give much away; everyone should have the experience of learning about this remarkable man who overcame many obstacles to become the tranquil and inspiring figure he is today. Buck is an exceptional movie.


 

Subscribe to our newsletter

MERCH

Maltin tee on TeePublic

PODCAST

Maltin on Movies podcast

PAST MALTIN ON MOVIES PODCASTS

Past podcasts

PATREON

Maltin On Movies Patreon

APPEARANCES/BOOKING

Leonard Maltin appearances and booking

CALENDAR

March 2024
S M T W T F S
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31