OK, I’m going to be 100% honest, I was not sure that this would be my type of film as I haven’t really watched a western since I was a kid. I have lovely memories of being snuggled up watching a good John Wayne film with my dad and I remembered that I did enjoy them so I had a peep at the trailer for The Rider…
The Synopsis
I watched this film, not realising that it is a true story, this just makes it even more moving.
Below is the synopsis written by Sony Pictures;
Based on his a true story, THE RIDER stars breakout Brady Jandreau as a once rising star of the rodeo circuit warned that his competition days are over after a tragic riding accident. Back home, Brady finds himself wondering what he has to live for when he can no longer do what gives him a sense of purpose: to ride and compete. In an attempt to regain control of his fate, Brady undertakes a search for new identity and tries to redefine his idea of what it means to be a man in the heartland of America.
My Thoughts
This is not like any western film i’ve ever seen before.
The film touches on so many themes, such as Identity, Brady struggles to find a new identity for himself – a new self-image. In his head, he is a Rodeo Rider and I can only imagine how he must have felt when he was told he will need to stop for health reasons, especially as he was just reaching the real heights of a career he loved.
It was clear that this was not just a job or a career path for him, he had real passion – he WAS a rodeo rider, that who he was, who he is and now what will he do? Who will he be?
In a society where we are all labelled to the most part by what we do – Student, Lawyer, Banker, Teacher etc… It all comes with it’s own identity and stereotypes. Society makes assumptions about us based on ‘what‘ we do, then we tend to fall into the person that our society believes us to be.
But there is a deeper level to this, when you ‘feel’ that you were born to do this, this is the level of self-identity that Brady has in the film, I can relate totally to this, as I do feel that I was born to teach dance and if this path was cut short, I would be absolutely devastated!
The other strong theme in the film was relationships, Brady had a beautiful relationship with his sister, Lilly, who has special needs, he is the perfect protective big brother, particularly as their mother has died and they are both missing her.
His relationship with his dad is a bit rocky, especially post-accident when he stubbornly clings onto any ray of hope of reviving his career and his dad, lovingly but sternly disapproves.
His friends are quite supportive and they seem like the great support network that he needs at times, just to take time away from his family and have a breath of air.
A friendship in particular is of great importance to him, Lane Scott, he is Brady’s idol and best friend who has suffered a terrible accident that has left him in a hospital, unable to feed, dress or look after himself in any way. The love that Brady shows him will melt the hardest of hearts ❤
If you like a film with some deeper meaning than just the stereotypical cowboy, rodeo thing than this film will be for you. It has some real touching moments, the scenery is amazing and now I actually want to go and see a real rodeo if I can one day.
This film is truly inspirational. I have so much respect for Brady.
Warning: You may need some tissues. (Yes, I cried at the end)
The Rider Opens in UK Cinemas on Friday 14th September 2018 (Previews from 13th September)
Enjoy and thanks for reading!
Chanel x
Chanel Williams