Broke

First and foremost, not boring. The movie holds your interest from start to finish, and I for one find that the most important quality a film can have. I don't care how great a concept or idea is, if its deliverance has me bored while trying to get through it.

On the other hand, there's not a whole lot in this story, and certainly not much new. It's about a guy who never really found his place, but keeps trying. That's about it, so don't expect some huge mysteries, big revelations, gripping action scenes, haunting thoughts etc.

It is still interesting though, well made, well acted, so it's worth watching.

A little footnote: I personally loathe rodeos, and while stories involving rodeo people tend to be interesting, the sport itself feels vile to me. Watching human bodies flailing around violently on a bucking animal is almost physically painful to me. So if you're like me, expect lots of scenes showcasing slow motion bronc riding, and get ready to look away a lot.

Wow, Broke got under my skin. Wyatt Russell's True, a rodeo rider crumbling under pain and pills, felt like he was speaking my language. His spiral into illegal meds to dull the ache, hit hard - too many of us know someone caught in that trap, or maybe we've been there, numbing life's hurts. It's a story that screams America today, where so many battle pain, physical or not, and reach for quick fixes. The way the film flips through True's life, from rodeo highs to hospital lows, felt like my own moments of looking back, wondering where I went wrong. The Montana snow and gritty country songs wrapped it all in a vibe that's pure heartland, raw and real. Dennis Quaid's turn as True's dad, full of tough love and regret, dug up my own family fights we don't talk about. Broke nails that universal struggle - pushing through pain, chasing dreams, and picking up the pieces. It left me gutted but somehow lighter.

Acting was great, story was interesting and held my attention for the whole movie. I wasnt really looking for drama but it wound up being worth it in the end. This story has a western feel with the music and scenery showcasing what could be real life without any underlying messaging that would not have fit the characters like so many movies try to do today. So many movies lose me when something or someone is introduced because the writers or directors want to make a social statement that doesn't fit the storyline. This movie doesn't have any of that and is just pure entertainment with a stellar performance by all the main characters. Seems like my boy Danger Dave may have been an uncredited rodeo clown in this movie.

The story is simple, knowing its limits and never exceeding them. The actors are all great, the music is great, the scenery excellent. For a modern western, it fares much better than anything else I have watched.

Also, Russell proves himself to have calibre as an actor, knowing how to use his physique and looks, and even his eyes work perfectly to express emotion and thinking without having to overdo it. The female lead was great, as was the brother. The big stars of the film, Quaid and McDonald were fine, but nothing too much. What stands out though, even more than the beautiful scenery, is the script. A good, honest story. Will be looking for this director's next film.

'Broke' is a visually beautiful movie, featuring a masterclass in acting, by EVERY actor/actress within it!

There is not a wasted scene, throughout, that does not capture the raw emotions of everyone's lives.

The film flips between the main character, named True, who is in survival mode from the opening scene, and his 'before' life, as a bronco rider!

Those who have the patience to know the viewer will find out how the two connect, will not be disappointed!

Throughout this brilliant movie is a wonderful soundtrack!

If I could rate this movie HIGHER than '10', I certainly would!

Go see!!!