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Amazon.co.uk Review
One of director Sam Peckinpah's lesser-known and little-seen outings, Junior Bonner is actually one of his most interesting for being so relaxed. Yet it deals with the themes that always interested him: the man who has watched the world pass him by and realises that his time is gone. In this case, it's rodeo rider Junior Bonner (Steve McQueen), who returns home to try to win top prize in the bull-riding competition to raise money to stake his father (Robert Preston) to a future. As easy-going and good-natured as you'd like, with a delicious chemistry between Preston and a feisty Ida Lupino as Junior's estranged parents, who are still able to strike romantic sparks. Great rodeo footage captures both the violence and beauty of the sport. --Marshall Fine, Amazon.com
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is one of Mcqueen's lesser known films and also one of his best. He again teams up with Peckinpah (after the very different but equally good The Getaway) and produces an effortlessly cool yet powerfully charismatic performance - I would go so far to say that it's one of his best.
The film centres around the world of rodeo and JR's waning powers in it. Before you're put off by the rodeo stuff like I initially was, the film actually manages to portray the sport in all its glory and beauty with spectacular shots, clever editing and amusing asides, so much so in fact that by the end of the film you're almost wanting to get on and have a go yourself!
Peckinpah allows the ensemble cast to shine by developing all the characters and coaxing superb performances from all. It is still Mcqueen though who quietly dominates the film in his typically understated and laconic way. Having said that you don't have to be a Mcqueen fan to enjoy this one - it is simply an excellent film regardless.
So if you haven't seen this yet do yourself a favour and buy it - it won't break the bank and you'll cherish it forever for the piece of sophisticated cinema that it most definately is...
The film centres around the world of rodeo and JR's waning powers in it. Before you're put off by the rodeo stuff like I initially was, the film actually manages to portray the sport in all its glory and beauty with spectacular shots, clever editing and amusing asides, so much so in fact that by the end of the film you're almost wanting to get on and have a go yourself!
Peckinpah allows the ensemble cast to shine by developing all the characters and coaxing superb performances from all. It is still Mcqueen though who quietly dominates the film in his typically understated and laconic way. Having said that you don't have to be a Mcqueen fan to enjoy this one - it is simply an excellent film regardless.
So if you haven't seen this yet do yourself a favour and buy it - it won't break the bank and you'll cherish it forever for the piece of sophisticated cinema that it most definately is...
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
While this film is a near masterpiece of visual storytelling, Peckinpah's vision is given a mauling by the Freemantle dvd release. The opening credits are reproduced in the Todd A O original aspect and offer a tantalising idea of how the film should look, the main body of the film is rendered unappealing by its 4.3 aspect. A real shame because this is a film of classical proportions, taking place over 24 hours it offers a typically eligaic glimpse of anachronistic men still searching for the myth of a bygone period.
When it is released in a more honest aspect ratio, it will rate 5 stars.
A wasted opportunity.
When it is released in a more honest aspect ratio, it will rate 5 stars.
A wasted opportunity.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
The film itself is interesting enough, even to those not interested in its core subject of Rodeo, and it's a story that I think most viewers can get onside with. The title character played wonderfully by Steve McQueen returns to his home town of Prescott, Arizona, to find that the family he left behind is now fractured and that age has caught up with him and his Rodeo life.
It's a very up and down piece that on the surface doesn't seem like a directed effort from Sam Peckinpah. But there's some very special treats in the film to look out for. I have never been to a Rodeo so I have no frame of reference as regards the power of the Rodeo scenes here, but they certainly hit the spot of this particular viewer, in fact, I was transfixed by them. The film is also dotted with interesting and nicely drawn characters that are thankfully well realised by the acting talent on show. Ida Lupino, Robert Preston & Ben Johnson all help to keep the film way above average, but ultimately it's Steve McQueen turning in a memorable lead performance that actually deserves a better film than the one it ends up being. So 7/10 for the film as a whole, but a genuine 10/10 for the affectingly deep turn from McQueen.
It's a very up and down piece that on the surface doesn't seem like a directed effort from Sam Peckinpah. But there's some very special treats in the film to look out for. I have never been to a Rodeo so I have no frame of reference as regards the power of the Rodeo scenes here, but they certainly hit the spot of this particular viewer, in fact, I was transfixed by them. The film is also dotted with interesting and nicely drawn characters that are thankfully well realised by the acting talent on show. Ida Lupino, Robert Preston & Ben Johnson all help to keep the film way above average, but ultimately it's Steve McQueen turning in a memorable lead performance that actually deserves a better film than the one it ends up being. So 7/10 for the film as a whole, but a genuine 10/10 for the affectingly deep turn from McQueen.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Steve McQueen lives!
I have not actually watched this DVD yet, but I have seen the film before, and wanted to add it to my collection. Agreat film.
Published on 28 Sep 2009 by Mr. A. J. Doggett
Save your money.
The only people I can imagine enjoying this are rodeo fans.
'Steer' well clear.
McQueen is like watching paint dry as usual.
'Steer' well clear.
McQueen is like watching paint dry as usual.
Published on 8 Sep 2009 by MrViewer
A Peckinpah Film with a Difference
I watched this film a long time ago as part of a film studies course, and was more than pleasantly surprised. Read more
Published on 5 April 2009 by Bob Salter
A Peckinpah Film with a Difference
I watched this film a long time ago as part of a film studies course, and was more than pleasantly surprised. Read more
Published on 31 Mar 2009 by Bob Salter
A mostly laid back affair.
The pairing of Peckinpah and Mcqueen always provided the right kind of screen chemistry. This is a story of a man past his prime, a man once on top of his game but due to injury... Read more
Published on 17 May 2001 by C. B. Softley
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