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Buck Review

  • Release Date: Jun 17, 2011
  • Rated: Mild elements, thematic elements and an injury
  • Runtime: 1 hr. 28 min.
  • Genres: Documentary
  • Cast:Buck Brannaman. Full cast + crew

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 4.0
    76

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Generally favorable reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 100

    out of 100

    Wall Street Journal Joe Morgenstern

    It keeps you fascinated, even enthralled; elicits astonishment, even wonderment, and makes you grateful for the chance to meet someone remarkable.

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  • 70

    out of 100

    Village Voice

    Meehl finds the real story in Brannaman's fractured past as a child celebrity trick-roper who, along with his older brother, Smokie, was systematically abused by his alcoholic father.

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  • 70

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter

    A quietly captivating portrait of an unlikely character, Buck is as modest as its subject and wins viewers over just as easily.

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  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    What I was left with was the goodness of Buck Brannaman as a man. He was dealt a hand that might have destroyed him. He overcame his start and is now a wise and influential role model. He does unto horses as he wishes his father had done onto him.

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  • 80

    out of 100

    Variety Dennis Harvey

    Warmly engaging Buck is a portrait of Buck Brannaman, a trainer whose remarkable way with equines provided a model for "The Horse Whisperer" in both novel and movie forms.

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  • 80

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Betsy Sharkey

    The film is deeply moving yet never maudlin in telling this hard-knocks-but-hope-infused story.

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  • 90

    out of 100

    The New York Times Manohla Dargis

    In some sense it was beauty that saved Mr. Brannaman, that of his conscience and that of horses, which, having been tied to humans long ago, became companions, workers and for some, as this lovely movie shows, saviors.

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  • 91

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum

    The result is a portrait that expertly mirrors its subject: Buck is shaped with the same economy, restraint, and unfussiness as the man, to unexpectedly inspiring effect.

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  • See all Buck reviews at Metacritic.com

Fan Reviews provided by

5

Excellent movie by cvilleheather
My husband and I and our 11 year old daughter went to see this movie. We were a little concerned about taking her but she is a horse lover and was very excited to see it. Some of the details of Buck's childhood were more mature than she had been exposed to before, but there was not any graphic detail, which helped. Overall just a beautiful movie which I would very happily see again. One of the best I've seen in quite a while.

5

buck by letsbefrank01
It is a wonderful movie about how people can make choices in their lives to become a better person. It's not just about horses, it's about life.

5

Buck review by cleoleigh
This film was beautifully done!!! Can't say enough good things

4

Buck review by lighteningboltantennas
The cowboy is cute and that's all that matters....He can be speaking incoherently and cleaning out the stable for 2 hours and I'll stay and watch. Great movie! Whoever did the casting should be commended.

5

Buck by cathykona
Unbelievable! A must see movie. Such an amazing man, didn't want to leave the theater when the show was over.

5


5

Inspiring Film by JudyHebb
This is a well done, feel-good documentary. You'll come out of this film with a smile on your face :-)

5

Finally!! by gayliffemovie
I found this movie through Fandango during a DESPERATE search for something besides the usual summer movie schlock. What a fresh breath this is! A story about a real man pushing through the pain of terrible circumstances, then choosing to live a better life. An authentic life. Thank you!

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