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Buck

Play trailer Poster for Buck PG Released Jun 17, 2011 1h 28m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 102 Reviews 89% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
American cowboy Buck Brannaman has a unique way of communicating with horses, and it's exactly this unorthodox style of training that inspired the novel "The Horse Whisperer." In this documentary, director Cindy Meehl gets to know the real-life Buck as she reveals his fascinating story about how an abusive childhood helped teach him the compassion and insight needed to train horses, not with punishment but by treating them the way he would treat humans -- with respect.

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Buck

Critics Reviews

View All (102) Critics Reviews
Chris Norris Film Comment Magazine Meehl roots this redemption tale in carefully observed demonstrations at his clinics, even as the gorgeously shot landscape reminds us why stories like this are Hollywood's very lifeblood Nov 7, 2013 Full Review Catherine Shoard Guardian There's a whole heap of Americana to wallow in here, but it's testimony to the director and subject that Buck still trots along at such a lick. Rated: 4/5 Apr 27, 2012 Full Review Derek Malcolm London Evening Standard An unforgettable film about an extraordinary man. Rated: 3/5 Apr 27, 2012 Full Review Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com How did no one think to make a documentary about this guy before? Rated: 3.5/4.0 Sep 4, 2020 Full Review Felicia Feaster Charleston City Paper Buck offers a good-natured amble through one man's compelling life path. Jan 17, 2020 Full Review Mattie Lucas From the Front Row It has a strange and enigmatic beauty, bringing the myth of the American cowboy to startling and compelling life. Rated: 2.5/4 Aug 5, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (317) audience reviews
Daniel B "Buck" is a compelling documentary that delves into the life and philosophy of Buck Brannaman, the real-life inspiration for "The Horse Whisperer." Directed by Cindy Meehl, the film offers an intimate portrayal of Brannaman's journey from a traumatic childhood to becoming a renowned horse trainer who advocates for gentle, empathetic methods. The documentary skillfully intertwines Brannaman's personal history with his professional endeavors, highlighting how his past experiences shape his compassionate approach to horse training. The cinematography captures the serene beauty of the American West, providing a fitting backdrop to Brannaman's work. "Buck" is not just a film about horses; it's a profound exploration of healing, resilience, and the transformative power of empathy. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in human-animal relationships and personal redemption. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/05/24 Full Review Jerod S Documentary on a true horse whisperer. I'm not a docu guy - but his ability with horses was intriguing. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/05/24 Full Review george s Outstanding! You won't want it to end. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member A good documentary is entertaining, educational, informative and usually makes you leave the theater thinking long after the movie has ended. While many documentaries have a political or moral stance, it is the rare documentary that fulfills all of the criteria for a good documentary, yet really has no purpose other than to enlighten. "Buck," is the documentary of real-life horse whisperer Buck Brannaman, his path to the life he chose, the lessons he learned as a child and how he took the right path as an adult in spite of his past. "Buck" was timely for me as it represented what is in my heart at the moment. Wanting to enjoy each moment as they come. Not dwell on the past. Turn the negative things that have happened to me into positive things for the future. While the documentary did serve to tell Buck's story, as well as give insight into the amazing work he does as a horse trainer, it did much more. It displayed immense insight into fatherhood, parenting, patience and living for the positive things in our short lives. While watching, I frequently thought of my estranged father-in-law, whom I believe would love this movie. Not only as a father, but also as a love for the roots of what makes a good cowboy. "Buck" is a beautifully shot film with a captivating, heartwarming, as well as heartbreaking, story. I couldn't encourage seeing it more. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/16/23 Full Review Audience Member Would have been 4 stars until he blew it badly (SPOILER ALERT!!! STOP!!)--by telling that poor woman to have her gorgeous but crazy stud killed. Some horseman. And no, don't let an assistant threaten & scare him into attacking (that's NOT how you sack out a green horse! Slow & gentle! But no one tried that with this horse.) If they're just going to give up on him, why not geld him, pull his shoes & turn him out with older horses? (Plenty of land.) Wrongly handled thru-out. Next time give him to Hempfling. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 02/05/23 Full Review Audience Member Not only it's generally insightful on the fresh subject that shows potential in being inspiring, the best aspect is being a captivating titular profile on Buck Brannaman like you're witnessing his gift as a horse whisperer and attending his clinic session, backed-up with depth of his life story that's stretched to his present. (A-) (Full review TBD) Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Buck

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis American cowboy Buck Brannaman has a unique way of communicating with horses, and it's exactly this unorthodox style of training that inspired the novel "The Horse Whisperer." In this documentary, director Cindy Meehl gets to know the real-life Buck as she reveals his fascinating story about how an abusive childhood helped teach him the compassion and insight needed to train horses, not with punishment but by treating them the way he would treat humans -- with respect.
Director
Cindy Meehl
Producer
Julie Goldman
Distributor
IFC Films
Production Co
Motto Pictures
Rating
PG (Thematic Elements|Mild Language|An Injury)
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 17, 2011, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 21, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$4.0M
Runtime
1h 28m
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