Breaking Away

1979 • 100 minutes

About this movie

This charming, Academy Award winner (1979, Screenplay) cycles high on comedy as four friends come to terms with life after high school. When top-notch cyclist Dave (Dennis Christopher) learns that the world's bicycling champions are always Italian, he attempts to turn himself into an Italian, driving his parents (Barbara Barrie, Paul Dooley) crazy. But everything changes after he meets the Italian racing team-an encounter that ultimately leads him and his friends (Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern, Jackie Earle Haley) to challenge the local college boys in the town's annual bike race.

Ratings and reviews

Not bad, can see Dennis Quaid's beginning years as an actor. I think Dennis Christopher was in Chariots of Fire as the USA Olympic runner the film that was made shortly after this. Lot of actors from the 70s and 80s who went on to star in other movies. Nice feel good movie. Don't like the use of God's name in vain. Could have used a better story line. But mostly a good movie.

One the great American movies ever made... How Paul Dooley wasn't nominated for Best supporting actor is beyond me. . .This movie is a classic!!

Initially saw this movie as nothing else was on. However it turned out to be a really great movie that has become one of my favorites.