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.

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.

Carlyle Eubank's "Broke" centers on True Brandywine (Wyatt Russell), a bareback bronc rider grappling with the twilight of his rodeo career. The film immediately immerses the viewer in True's solitary struggle against a sudden and brutal spring blizzard. Trapped by the unforgiving elements, True must confront not only the immediate threats to his physical well-being but also the underlying circumstances that have led him to this precarious and isolated existence. The narrative subtly suggests a deeper story of past choices and present consequences, hinting at an internal reckoning that unfolds alongside his desperate fight for survival.

Wyatt Russell delivers a compellingly physical and emotionally raw performance as True. He embodies the weathered resilience of a seasoned rodeo athlete pushed to his absolute limits by the harsh environment. His portrayal captures both the outward grit required to battle the storm and the inward vulnerability of a man facing his own mortality and regrets. While Dennis Quaid's presence adds a layer of seasoned gravitas to the film, the core of the narrative rests firmly on Russell's ability to convey the protagonist's isolation and his internal battle for survival and self-reflection.

Comparing Russell's acting style to the veteran Dennis Quaid reveals distinct approaches. Quaid often brings a certain confident energy and seasoned presence to his roles. Russell, particularly in this isolated survival scenario, leans into a more grounded and emotionally exposed portrayal, allowing the audience to witness the character's internal struggle and physical deterioration.

Considering Wyatt Russell's work in relation to his father, Kurt Russell, reveals both shared intensity and individual nuance. While Kurt often imbues his characters with a charismatic and sometimes larger-than-life quality, Wyatt frequently opts for a more introspective and emotionally vulnerable approach. In "Broke," this translates to a portrayal of True that emphasizes his quiet resilience and the internal battle he wages alongside the external one. This nuanced depiction of a man confronting his past while fighting for his life showcases Wyatt's distinct talent for conveying complex emotions through subtle yet powerful means.

Ultimately, "Broke" is a stark and intense character study set against the unforgiving backdrop of a natural disaster. Anchored by a compelling performance from Wyatt Russell, the film delves into themes of survival, resilience, and the arduous process of self-confrontation. It promises to be a raw and emotionally resonant cinematic experience, focusing on one man's desperate fight against the elements and the internal reckoning that accompanies such extreme isolation.

'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!!!

Highly recommend this film. I truly enjoyed the story. It's honest without being preachy, which is rare these days. I appreciated how this shows the truly human side of being broken in many ways. No money messes with your head and your relationships. It creates feelings of true depression, true sadness, and true loss. I also understood the feelings of saving face even when things are falling apart in your everyday life.

Eubank doesn't try to fix everything with a neat bow at the end, which I respect. Real life is messier than that and art needs to reflect real life, even when it isn't fun and beautiful.