Customer Reviews

Bull Riders: Chasing the Dream [VHS]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Even though I was born and raised in Texas and have spent plenty of time on ranches, I've never really understood why someone would want to mount a ton of angry beef and try to hold on for eight seconds. Then a friend recommended this documentary as an answer to that question - and he was right. I get it now. This video is more than just stock footage of throws and cowboys in trouble - it goes beyond the spectacle to the human heart of the sport. Don't get me wrong, it's full of dust-kicking/hair-raising/bone-cracking action, but it never loses sight of the question: why? The answer is funny and sad, noble and arrogant, heroic and humble, all at once, and the metaphor of clinging for dear life in times of raging uncertainty has never been clearer. See this video, learn the answer, and be inspired.

This film does more than just show you awesome clips of world-famous riders getting their world rocked by the meanest bull in the biz - Bodacious; it takes you to the ranch where Bodacious (now retired) and is busy making baby bulls. It takes you to bull riding school where the instructor is full of all kinds of country-tested wisdom. You'll learn a little about the equipment they use (kevlar jackets??) And even your heart strings get a tug or two when the mother of the bull rider that died a few years ago tells his story. In short, a well-made documentary of crazy sport. The soundtrack's not bad, either.

This documentary provides an excellent introduction to the sport of bull riding. The viewer learns everything from the history of the sport to what it would be like to actually attempt to ride a bull (thanks to an insightful attempt by one of the producers). The footage of current bull riding is first rate and provides the viewer with enough information on today's stars to be a knowledgable spectator at a rodeo. While this film is historically accurate, there are many light moments which make this movie humorous even for those with little or no interest in the sport. Whether a longtime fan of bullriding, or not, this is a well shot and enjoyable film.

This is one of the best, if not THE BEST documentary on bull riding. It covers the full spectrum from the bulls to the top world class riders, to the newest young men just starting on the circuit. It gives you an insight into the riders emotions and how a young rider matures through the circuit. My favorite part was when the film's producer decided too a ride on a bull just to see how difficult bullriding can be--he soon found out. There were many other funny and heart warming experiences depicted in this film. It is well worth the price. My wife is British. We show this film to all our european guests to give them a close up view of Americana.

If bullriding is in any way your thing, this is one inside story that must be seen. More than just a behind the scenes look, Chasing The Dream illustrates the gritty nature of being in the business... from the personalities of world class riders to the wickedly rough and tumble nature of the sport. The movie also takes you to bullriding school, where those of us who think we might be able to handle it witness, first hand, how over-confident most of us probably are. I tip my straw hat to all the folks involved with this production. Ride on!

Attach a seat belt to that recliner and get ready for a wild and furious ride. Chasing the Dream is a complete film that gives you all the power and punch you might expect from riding a 2,000 pound animal, combined with history, and the more personal side of the cowboy's crazy enough to call this their sport. I spent half the film clenching the arm rest, half the film laughing and a moment or two wiping a tear from my eye. Watch this film!

Definitely a MUST SEE -- whether you've been to 1,000 rodeos or not a single one, you will enjoy this up-close look at one of the toughest, wildest physical sporting events around -- bull riding. When some of the nation's top riders are asked simply just why they do what they do (specifically why they repeatedly strap themselves to 2,000 pounds of pure strenth?), the responses and film editing produce one of the most hysterical sequences I've seen in a long time! You'll laugh, you'll learn, you'll cringe. No doubt about it. With the amazing footage offered in this unique production, you not only have a front-row seat to bull-riding competitions, but you have an uncensored look at the life of and mentality of the unbelievable athletes we call Professional Bull Riders. You've got to see it to believe it.

A wild ride through an incredible sport. Whether you're a fan of bull-riding or not, this video offers insight into a world most sane people will never see.

But the best things about Chasing the Dream are the people profiled in the film. You get to see just exactly what in the world makes someone put themselves on top of several tons of dirt-stompin', snot-snortin' angry beef. A strange and brilliant little film - definitely one for the collection.

Having never actually been to a rodeo before I had no idea of the combination of power, grace, skill and guts that goes into riding these multi ton creatures. A friend of mine had seen the video and forced me to put it on my "must see" list. I wasn't disappointed. I was particularly rivited by the man versus beast subplot played out by Tuff Hedamin, the then current world champion, and "Bodacious", a bull who seemed to take pleasure out of crushing those who dared to ride him.

The director and cast of this production's foray into the ring is incredible. Even for those unfamiliar (like me) with the sport of bull riding, this documentary is very approachable and inviting. The ups and downs that literally come with the territory draw the viewer in and we are there at the Championship with the riders. And, we share the pain of learning as Jeff rides the bull. The documentary's dual focus on the professional side and the actual experince side makes this movie a must see.