USA – 2011 – 89 MIN – COLOUR - FEATURE - IN ENGLISH
A FILM BY CINDY MEEHL
BUCK, a richly textured and visually stunning film, follows Brannaman from his abusive childhood to his phenomenally successful approach to horses. A real-life “horse-whisperer”, he eschews the violence of his upbringing and teaches people to communicate with their horses through leadership and sensitivity, not punishment.
Buck possesses near magical abilities as he dramatically transforms horses – and people – with his understanding, compassion and respect. In this film, the animal-human relationship becomes a metaphor for facing the daily challenges of life. A truly American story about an unsung hero, BUCK is about an ordinary man who has made an extraordinary life despite tremendous odds.
This film, BUCK, was created to move people to make changes in how they deal with horses and life's challenges. Buck Brannaman is a true cowboy who has overcome tremendous personal odds. This film intends to inspire, motivate and teach through principles of respect, partnership and trust rather than anger, fear and intimidation.
Buck possesses near magical abilities as he dramatically transforms horses – and people – with his understanding, compassion and respect. In this film, the animal-human relationship becomes a metaphor for facing the daily challenges of life. A truly American story about an unsung hero, BUCK is about an ordinary man who has made an extraordinary life despite tremendous odds.
This film, BUCK, was created to move people to make changes in how they deal with horses and life's challenges. Buck Brannaman is a true cowboy who has overcome tremendous personal odds. This film intends to inspire, motivate and teach through principles of respect, partnership and trust rather than anger, fear and intimidation.
"BUCK, a richly textured documentary, follows Brannaman from a painful childhood to his inspiring work as a trainer. He possesses near magical abilities as he dramatically transforms horses - and people - with his deep understanding, compassion and respect. Saved from a violent father, Buck found a safe haven when he was sent to a loving foster family. There he learned the life lessons that he would later apply to his teaching--rejecting the use of fear, cruelty and intimidation and instead creating bonds of trust, tolerance and empathy. He often compares redirecting the minds and energy of troubled horses with the trials of raising children."
- DOCSPACE
"It’s enough to break your heart, even as it heals his own."
- NOW MAGAZINE
"A worthy prizewinner at Sundance and an audience favourite at Hot Docs, BUCK is a superior sort of horse tale."
- THE GRID
"BUCK a heart-warming documentary of a true horse whisperer"
- VANCOUVER SUN
"Is this 2011’s best documentary?"
- INMOVIES
" ...would be hard-pressed to find a viewer that didn't feel at least a tinge of empathy or compunction."
- EXCLAIM!
"Inside the world of the horse whisperer"
- THE GLOBE AND MAIL
Interview with Buck Brannaman
- THE TORONTO STAR
"BUCK is, at its heart, one man's story of perseverance and the tranquility he found. It's quite affecting in being just that."
- VUE WEEKLY
"...a documentary that will satisfy viewers who have no interest in saddles and stables"
- THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT
"BUCK certifies that living legends take many forms. And while Brannaman’s extraordinary horsemanship is duly celebrated, Meehl understands that it’s his ability to transcend his hardships that’s his more remarkable accomplishment. While the man’s talents are a marvel to watch, it’s his hard-won sense of peace that’s truly captivating."
- WE VANCOUVER
"BUCK’s message aimed at more than fans of the Horse Whisperer"
- THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT
"BUCK a heart-warming documentary of a true horse whisperer"
- VANCOUVER SUN