Breaking Away Review

Messages: Dave escapes into an Italian fantasy world and pretends to be Italian because he doesn't think the girl he likes will like him as he is. There's a lot of class tension, with college kids making fun of the working-class "cutters." In the end, Dave learns to be himself and to pursue his dreams despite discouragement and sabotage from those who are threatened by him.

Violence: A lot of fighting and threats of violence between Dave and his friends and the local snobby college guys. Mike initiates a cafeteria-wide brawl after some college guys beat up Cyril off-screen. Lots of punching and kicking. Some blood is seen but no one is seriously injured. There are also some bike-related injuries: bruises, cuts, bleeding, and a near-miss with a car. During a swimming race, Mike hits his dead on a rock and almost drowns. Katherine slaps Dave.

Sex: Dave and Katherine kiss once.

Language: Several swear words are used, including "s--t," "hell," "t-ts," "goddamn," "bastards," "son of a bitch," and "dammit." Characters also call others "retard," "p---y cop" and "s--thead."

Consumerism: The guys pass and comment on a very large billboard for Marlboro cigarettes.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Mike pretends to smoke cigarettes but doesn't. Others do smoke.