Breaking Away | Inspiring People | The Critique

Why they make sports movies? A short answer would be 'to inspire people'. Breaking Away, loosely based on life of cyclist Dave Blase, serves the purpose. It inspires average people to think beyond their capabilities and arc their backbone to limits. It inspires exceptional lot to participate in the greater cause rather than mulling over small failures. Breaking away is a simple story which rises above the mediocrity and excels on motion pictures.

 

The core story deals with a cyclist - Dave, with ability to ride for long at good pace. Influenced by Italian cyclist, he develops a taste to Italian culture. His father, belonging to lower strata in local social structure, is a car dealer with dubious credentials. He doesn't support his son. However, Dave continues his passion. When Italian team comes to town, he rides with them and give them good contest. This is not appreciated by Italians who beat him by cheating. He moral is down. In a different set of events, he and his friends are challenged by college students of elite section. This happens when Dave tries to woo a girl by telling her that he is an Italian. However, he is exposed and embarrassed. To give them back, his friends decide to participate in Little 500 race. Initially reluctant, Dave participates.

 

Rated 8th on AFI America's 100 Most Inspiring Movies, it was also rated 8th on AFI Top 10 Sports Movies list. This alone speaks volumes about this movie. Movie is very well written. The dialogues come out natural. They convey the message without being preachy. Race is perhaps the strongest element; life of people in Bloomington, Indiana is perfectly wired. The way city is explored without emphasizing is remarkable. Performances, direction and the 'feel good' stays with you long after the end-credit rolls. 

 

Side Note: Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander was apparently inspired by Breaking Away. They took the message too seriously.

 

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh