Breaking Away (DVD)

Breaking Away caused something of a stir back when it was first released in 1979. Notching up countless award nominations, and bagging a fair few of them including the Academy Award for Best Screenplay, it’s a bit of a shock this cult classic is only now finding its way to DVD.

The film follows four friends, all fresh out of high school and facing an uncertain future. At the forefront of the self proclaimed gang of “cutters” is Dave (Christopher), a cycling enthusiast with dreams of becoming a world champion. Meanwhile, best pals Mike (Quaid), Cyril (Stern) and Moocher (Haley) are just happy to be putting off the drudged demands of adulthood for a little while longer, whilst running afoul of a local college fraternity.

But however tightly the four cling onto their happy go lucky existence, life soon begins to get in the way. Moocher is thrown head first into the daily grind and quite literally finds himself punching in the clock, while the group’s ongoing feud with the local college jocks escalates. But the real blow comes when idealistic Dave’s dreams are shattered when, competing against his Italian idols, he’s cheated out of the race of his life.

Desperate and disillusioned, the downtrodden foursome eventually dust themselves off and look on the brighter side when they’re admitted to The Little 500, the local university’s annual bike rice. Pitted against their collegiate adversaries and with everything on the line; Dave and his friends must face their greatest challenge yet.

It’s not hard to see why Breaking Away met with such acclaim upon its initial release, or why it’s kept a loyal and loving fan base since then. It’s a truly heart-warming affair, and one that manages to transcend the usual contrivances of the coming of age tale.

This success is in no small way down to its award winning, and beautifully crafted script. It’s a story that packs just the right measure of adolescent angst and comedy, steering shy of overt caricatures and predictable predicaments, making for a classic tale packed full of timeless charm. The central cast members are all distinct enough, without feeling like a ramshackle troupe of comedy stalwarts. Dennis Christopher’s star turn as Dave is particularly refreshing; a likeable, but eccentric sort who’d likely take a back seat role in any given ensemble nowadays, but here thankfully takes the lead.

The direction is also superb, with the cycling sequences particularly noteworthy. With the soundtrack blaring out riotous Italian classics and the landscape blurring by as Dave pedals along at fifty plus miles per hour; it’s hard not to immerse yourself in his love for his sport, and generally not let the feel good vibes wash over you.

Overall Verdict: It’s getting along in years, and this DVD transfer isn’t the best; but Breaking Away stands the test of time and endures as a top of the class coming of age drama that’ll warm the cockles of many a heart for years to come.

Special Features:
None

Reviewer: David Steele