Buck (2011) User Reviews

Taking the Reins

[bmmellen · 8/10 · 11 September 2015]

Remarkably raw, thought-provoking, and engaging, Buck sheds a new light on the long-standing relationship between man and horse. Never before, have I seen any fault in the ignorant and generalized view of horses. For most of my life horses have just been animals that are utilized for transportation and sport. But I've never considered how wrong I have been.

Buck Brannanam, "the Horse Whisperer", brings a new perspective to the table. Rather than continuing the tradition of beating horses into compliance, he recognized at a young age that horses must be treated with more respect and empathy. Unfortunately, the idea was to "break down the horse" (Brannanam). However, Buck inquires, "why let an animal live in fear?" (Brannanam). He understands that there needs to be mutual understanding between horse and man, since they are also sensitive creatures.

This genuine empathy that Buck has for horses almost appears to be a reflection of Buck's escape from his traumatic childhood of horrific abuse. He suggests that how one handles their horse reflects how they handle their loved ones. He further ads that, "People's horses are a mirror into their soul" (Brannanam). Similar to how one must have control over their temper with a child, one must also control their emotions when training their horse.

Likewise, this philosophy reflects how Buck interacts with the horse owners at the clinics. As much as his job is to train the seemingly difficult horses, it's also to train the people how to respect the horse. He believes that when horses seem to fail at learning and becoming compliant, the human is generally the one at fault, failing the horse.

All in all, I found this documentary entertaining and enlightening, and would most certainly recommend this movie.

Buck will Change your Perception of Yourself

[jkaugust · 9/10 · 10 September 2015]

Most people are unfamiliar with the unique bond one can have with a horse. However, Buck Brannaman is very unlike most people.

The foundation of the film lies within Buck's violently disturbing back story. We find out, early on, that he was abused by his father throughout his childhood. As the documentary progresses, we learn more and more about Buck's incredible journey of self rebuilding. He has gone through extreme hardship to become the outstanding man that he is today.

Buck's history and inherent sensitivity allow him to relate to horses in ways the majority of us cannot. As, experienced horseman know, horses are remarkably sensitive and perceptive creatures. So much so, that they can sense a person's emotional state and recognize their personality. With this, Buck shows us how he builds an unbreakable relationship with his horses based on trust and mutual respect. At one point Buck is questioned about a particularly naughty colt.

He responds with, "That horse is a mirror. All of your horses are a mirror to your soul. And sometimes you might not like what you see in the mirror. Sometimes you will."

Buck is a cowboy that understands the true depth of these animals. No horse is inherently evil. Just as Buck knows, if one is only given punishment they will lose all trust in others. A person has failed a horse when that horse loses faith in human kindness. Buck, however helps us to succeed in gaining this trust. Not surprisingly, he advises us to start with self reflection.

The film makes one contemplate one's own character and emotions. Horses can teach us more about ourselves than any other organism on this earth. The message of this documentary is clear and backed with extreme validity. Buck teaches us to take a look inside ourselves before judging the world around us.

Cowboy Zen

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 25 June 2011]

Greetings again from the darkness. I made a point to attend the opening night of the film as its subject, Buck Brannaman, was slated to hold an audience Q&A after the film. Unfortunately, he was running a bit late, so we only got about 8 minutes of his time. Still, this remarkable man made an impression ... an impression of authenticity and realism. He may perform a "show", but his is no "act".

The inspiration for, and technical adviser on, the film "Horse Whisperer", Buck Brannaman explains early in the film that a horse views a human tossing a saddle on his back much the way he would view a lion attack. Such is the manner in which this man makes his points to the eager and often doubting horse owners who attend his clinics. Buck then proceeds to win over horse and human alike with wit, strength, character, kindness and toughness.

First time documentarian Cindy Meehl does a decent job of presenting the similarities of horse training and child-rearing. Buck's philosophy stems from the earlier work of Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt, but is further influenced by the less-than-stellar parenting tactics of his father. Buck and his brother Bill (stage name Smokie) were child rodeo stars who performed rope tricks under the firm hand of their dad. It is clear from the footage that they feared their father. In an unlikely twist of fate, the boys are rescued from the abusive environment thanks to the actions of a football coach and deputy sheriff. To fully understand the brave actions of these two men, one must take into account the normal custom in rural America of minding one's own business. These men didn't do that and Buck was given a new life.

Watching a quick clip of the "old" horse training techniques really brings home Buck's more gentle and understanding style. He stresses the importance of understanding the horse and being clear with one's affection and intentions. His flag waving and lead rope actions can win over a horse in a short time. The surprising part is that the horse's owner learns every bit as much as their horse. Buck is clear in that the issue with most "problem" horses can be tracked right back to the owner. The same can be said for most kids. Just as he says trying to bribe a horse with carrots and sugar leads to a spoiled, unresponsive horse, the same argument can be made for that type of parenting approach.

The frustrating part of the film is that it doesn't really climb inside the head of Buck. We see a glimpse of a man who has overcome childhood atrocities, but we also see a man who loves his family ... yet spends months at a time away from them. We see fire in his eyes as he addresses a horse owner who has the gall to keep 17 studs in her pasture. It's obvious he fights his own demons towards those who mistreat animals, yet as he lectures we wonder if his care is really for the horse more than the person. It was also strange that no real mention of his brother was provided in the film. We could say it's none of our business, but the film brings up the issue of childhood and then leaves us hanging on the brother.

Truly the inspiration to Buck's turnaround is his foster mother. She lights up the screen as she talks about Buck as a child and cracks wise with her observations and the telling of a joke. Her love for Buck is obvious and we hope he realizes just how fortunate he is to have had her in his life.

This is an inspirational man who is making a difference in the lives of people and horses. He has overcome childhood obstacles to make the world a better place. His cowboy philosophy is pretty simple. Everyone carries some darkness and baggage, and we can all make our own choices on whether to let that affect our value and enjoyment in life.

Horse Sense

[JohnDeSando · 24 June 2011]

"I'm helping horses with people problems." Buck Brannaman

If you love horses, Buck will not buck you. If you don't love them, this documentary will make you love Buck Brannaman, the inspiration for the novel The Horse Whisperer and technical adviser to Robert Redford on the film of the same name.

Interestingly enough, you don't see him whisper; he just snaps and waves a couple of red flags to convince the animal he cares about them. His results, even with the feistiest and most deadly horses, are remarkably successful. Buck is a soft song of praise to a wrangler psychologist whose gift with horses defies analysis, so unassuming is he, so gentle that he appears not to be working at all.

His interaction with humans is just as successful with clinics all over the West to show owners and trainers how to tame the liveliest colts. His loving relationship with his wife and daughter, who performs at rodeos with him, is a testimony to his belief that humans are key to the happiness of the animals.

His no nonsense advice is nowhere more effective than when he tells a rancher about the effect of her neuroses on the troubled horse he is attending to. Tough love.

When Buck asks, "Why let an animal live in fear?" it is apparent Buck has a connection with horses that goes beyond breaking them for riding. When he describes how a horse naturally fears a human on his back in the same way one jumped by a lion does, the lesson about empathy is clear.

Buck is a cowboy with a remarkably wry sense of humor and self-effacing pride. His tough love melts into a universal love that straddles the beast and human worlds.

The back story about his abuse by his father adds to his credibility and mitigates the otherwise thin deconstruiction of his persona. While I am frustrated because of the film's unwillingness to probe deeper into his talent and his psyche, what you get is what you get: a man gifted with horses—and humans.

Buck's candor and wit get under your skin and stick like a burr...

[Rocking DH · 10/10 · 4 July 2011]

Saw "Buck" today. Most memorable lines: "A horse can feel a mosquito land on its butt..." "You can move a horse with your energy. It's a dance." "I live in the moment." "I haven't grown up yet." In the film, Robert Redford says that Buck is the "real deal" and he is. Of the three men that Nicholas Evans based his popular novel, "The Horse Whisperer" on, Buck Brannaman is the sole surviving one. This biopic shows Buck's "day at the office" as he travels from ranch to farm, teaching groundwork, horsemanship, colt starting, ranch roping and cattle work. He misses his family but when together, it is obvious that it is quality time for all.

It may seem heavy-handed in our politically correct society to take someone's money for a service and then tell them something they may not want to hear. It may not seem like good customer service, but is it better to placate--the easier path--or to help? As someone with a lot of his own baggage, Buck recognizes it in his clients and knows it builds braces, hardness and even shut-down in their horses. He calls it as he sees it. Some can take it and learn. Others pack and leave.

Buck's candor and dry wit are reminiscent of another cowboy, Will Rogers. It gets under your skin and sticks like a burr in a blanket. It has a sense of timelessness, ancient wisdom, mystical, yet somehow, something that is known telepathically to herd creatures. He translates for the human.

"Buck" is a movie about a genuine human being who cares about others and--yes, more importantly--the horses who need an advocate to express their feelings. It shows that instead of letting a hard start in life be a stumbling block, it can be a challenge to a more elevated spiritual level. A win/win for all.

If some get the feeling that Buck prefers horses to humans, understand that horses speak truth. Their reactions reflect the treatment they have received and it can be read like a book. He says, "Your horse is a mirror of you. Some may not like what they see." Some might.

"Buck" barely flips the pages of Buck's life experience in the 88-minute final cut of the 300 minutes filmed, but that 88 minutes is intriguing to many--even those who have never touched nor owned a horse.

An absolutely fascinating and entertaining film about the real life "Horse Whisperer". Non horsemen (like me) will like it. I say A

[cosmo_tiger · 8/10 · 27 September 2011]

"God had him in mind when he made the cowboy." A documentary following the real life "Horse Whisperer" Buck Brannaman. Talking a little about the movie, but mainly focused on how he starts the horses and how and why he does what he does. I've ridden a horse once in my life, and it was on a Yellowstone led ride so I don't think that counts, so I was watching this just because I saw Buck on Letterman and because he lives out here. This is one of the most fascinating documentaries I have ever seen, and this is a movie that appeals to all people, not just horse people. It's hard not to like Buck after hearing his story and listening to him talk. This is a definite must see. Overall, there is a line in the movie that sums it up best..."I went in convinced I wasn't gonna appreciate anything I saw." We were both wrong. Very good film. I give this an A.

Would I watch again? - I think I would *Also try - Horse Whisperer

A Disarmingly Satisfying Documentary

[crdunsto · 6/10 · 9 September 2015]

8/10 Informativeness 5/10 Cinematography 6/10 Interviews 2/10 Breadth of Info presented 9/10 Depth of Info presented 5/10 Replay Value

Buck proves to be as enlightening and disarmingly satisfying a documentary as you will find. In regards to the cinematography, there is certainly a lack of any nostalgic, sentimental or tonal quality. There are many straight-up, "man on the street"-esque shots. A more creative or dynamic approach would have been appreciated—think National Geographic or NFL Films.

However, despite the disappointing cinematography, one cannot overlook the searing humanity of Buck and his journey. Many of the events seen in the documentary speak for themselves and require little extra pomp or dressing to make their impact known. Take, for example, a brain damaged horse that Buck encounters during one of his exhibits.

The score isn't imposing, allowing for the raw, passionate and intimate moments to stand free of what would otherwise be spin (Several documentaries are rife with things like this.) or melodrama.

If I could give two major complaints, though, they would be:

A: A lack of other, more in-depth moments with people around buck, notably his students.

B: The redundant hearkening back to Buck's troubled past.

The documentary's strength isn't Buck's personal journey or biography, but his remarkable gifts, which he uses to help other people find out who, beneath the fleshly incompatibilities, their horses really are. In turn, many of his pupils either begin on or progress in their own paths to self-actualization. With an open mind, one begins to understand the immense symbioticism that man shares with animals and the world as a whole, and the empathy, respect, and admiration that they deserve.

Overall it was a solid, informative documentary that really snatches the viewer into a world that, if one happens to not be familiar with would be happy to learn about. I gained perspective from viewing this documentary and certainly consider myself more educated and enlightened after viewing it.

Buckling for Buck

[shokonator · 8/10 · 10 September 2015]

If you are looking for a movie to get pumped for and to watch with a bunch of your friends, do not watch this movie. "Buck" serves as the perfect film for a moviegoer who wishes to enjoy a moving yet informative film that will make you rethink everything you know.

Buck Brannaman is has drastically changed the lives of many horses. Touring across the United States for nine months out of the year, Buck provides four day clinics in which he helps fellow horse lovers how to interact with horses in a structural yet caring way. He helps individuals see healthier ways to train their horses, rather than use dangerous techniques or have a dangerous attitude. In the past generations, people would torture horses in order to make them tame. They would use torture, ropes, whips, and many other scary devices to try to conquer the animal's soul by force. These practices were inhumane and a stain on our relationship with animals. Thank goodness that these are not common practices today, however, most of us are still not able to conquer the challenge of training a horse in a perfectly tame and respectful manner. Buck Brannaman understands horses and truly wants others to be able to understand their horses as well. In his clinics, he compares horse emotions to that of human emotions in a way that people can understand.

Buck Brannaman says at one point in the movie that your "horse is a mirror to your soul." You may wonder where that idea may come into play in a documentary about some horse whisperer, but this idea of introspection and finding your inner self comes into play every once in awhile. Some other interesting discussions that arise throughout the film include the ideas of speciesism and the close comparison between child rearing and horse rearing.

I started watching this movie, hoping that I wouldn't fall asleep from the knowledge that I couldn't grasp with my mind's butterfly net. But thankfully, "Buck" ended up becoming one of the the most interesting and captivating documentaries I have ever seen. This movie is the bomb and be careful when you watch it because your mind will explode.

"Respect isn't fear. It's acceptance."

[tafranklin · 7/10 · 10 September 2015]

Buck excellently demonstrates the empathy needed to have a positive and intimate relationship with a horse. This documentary demolishes the idea of men "breaking horses" during training using a brutal form of communication because it is seen as an untamed beast.

Buck's philosophy is about engaging with a soft, comforting manner with horses. "Everything is a dance," meaning like a dance, training a horse should not be choppy but fluid, not hard but firm. Although they call him the horse whisperer, there's almost no verbal communication, but rather quiet physical exchanges, like soft pats on its mane, so it realizes that it is indeed safe and loved. By teaching this method at his clinics, Buck is certainly "helping horses with people problems" as he calls it.

"Respect isn't fear. It's acceptance." Buck continues to teach that like children, horses do not learn through anger or bribery, but through their mistakes. They cannot fear making mistakes because of any possible repercussion. In other words, horses should not fear their owners but view them as equals.

An "Under The Radar" Documentary

[kyleleimeister · 8/10 · 10 September 2015]

Honestly, I was not expecting Buck to be a movie which I would thoroughly enjoy, but I was presently surprised by this documentary. I believe this movie is well composed and in some cases a step above a lot of other documentaries. Throughout the film there are emotional transitions that seem rough, but are placed well to give the movie a good cadence. To add to the cadence of the film personal stories from people who have had their horse tamed by Buck Brannaman are added and give insight to how Buck is so inspirational to them. Humor is sprinkled throughout the film, by Buck, to emphasize how such a scared soul can heal and overcome the hardships he endured in his younger years. He does this with his hard work and dedication to better himself and save an animal he understands so well.

As Buck Brannnaman puts it, he doesn't help people with horse problems, but instead horses with people problems, and throughout the movie this statement becomes more and more believable. Classic movie clips are given to show how horses used to be treated by humans and the physical and emotional pain we put them through. In one extreme case presented in the movie we see the more stern side of Buck when he confronts a woman who has let her horse become dangerous and in turn now endangers the horse, and as Buck puts it "the human has failed the horse". A relationship between a horse and its owner is that of up-most respect and this is what Buck instills in people he teaches so the horse no longer feels it has a people problem.

Overall this was a successful documentary that didn't have the big Hollywood feel to it. Cindy Meehl's first shot at directing is one that punches above the waistline and should be watched by anyone who has been searching for an off-the-beaten track film.

Americana Hero Worship

[yamadakenji · 6/10 · 10 September 2015]

Buck Brannaman, the film's subject and namesake, may be the greatest horse trainer alive today. Traveling from state to state for the better part of the year, he runs an open clinic to apply, test, and maybe even show off his skills. He is at once hyper-masculine and hyper-sensitive, well-built and soft, with a near-impossible rapport with horses. Upon being introduced to him by way of interview, he appears as the sort of figure so Americana that one must wonder if it is possible for him to exist at all. This near-mythical quality is not diminished throughout the course of the film, but rather amplified. This proves to be both its greatest strength and, ultimately, its undoing.

The first thing established is that Brannaman's skills are utterly peerless. He is far more than a "horse whisperer": his equine interactions are more like complete conversations, almost contracts with the animals. He is able to approach nearly any horse with ease and form one of these contracts in a matter of seconds. He looks at a horse and instantly understands its entire past. We see Brannaman's customers look on with awe, nodding along as he uncovers and unpacks horses' entire histories, like some sort of ultra-Americana Freudian. The onlookers' awe is captured with grace by the film, most likely because it is shared by the documentarians themselves. Problems only arise when the film tries to draw itself in closer than the star-eyed spectators.

The film is simply unable to keep up with Brannaman. The central voice of the film is Brannaman's, and the documentarians barely offer any interpretation at all. This is absurd: one cannot narrate a documentary about one's self without destroying the possibility of an external voice. The stark obedience is suffocating. As he describes his methods and his influences, the film barely budges from the generic, much-maligned "talking heads" style of documentary. We are occasionally treated to stray images and footage of Brannaman's past and influences, but these feel detached. The film is clearly not on Brannaman's level, and so it resorts to simply listening to Brannaman. This becomes particularly problematic when we learn that Brannaman was physically abused as a child. We are presented with interviews with the foster parents that rescued him from his broken home, footage of he and his brother, dead-eyed and on television beside their towering, quietly menacing father. The material is indeed terrifying when seriously considered, but it is presented in such a detached and almost random matter as to feel nearly weightless. We may sympathize with poor Buck and applaud his rise to equestrian greatness, but only in the same manner that we may sympathize with a fictional hero destined to victory. This superficiality is, when considered, both terrifying and immediately understandable, given the mythical manner in which Brannaman is presented. A better documentarian could have truly humanized Brannaman, going beyond simple talking heads and slides, but this crew is simply too in awe of Brannaman to show his grief as it is. Every time we come close to truly reaching a revelation about his character, it pulls back to his amazing talents, and he remains too far above us to be seen.

The film closes with a vignette about an oxygen-deprived stud horse who exhibits severe aggression, inciting rage from Brannaman directed at its owners. The horse is finally put down as Brannaman makes a speech about how it could have been more with proper care and attention. This sequence is both microcosmic of the film's issues, and an apt metaphor for the film itself. Once again, Brannaman's words reign supreme, destroying any hint of objectivity or any possibility of real analysis of his character. Pathos is almost induced, but constantly falls flat in the face of lack of direction. The horse being taken away to euthanasia is perhaps like the film itself: it could have been something far greater if the caretakers weren't so scared to get closer.

3/5

Horsemanship: A Way of Life

[tatianakawar · 8/10 · 11 September 2015]

"Fine horsemanship becomes a way of life." For Buck, this could not be more true. As one interviewee in the documentary stated, horsemanship becomes about how you treat your spouse or how you discipline your children. It becomes about how you treat people and how you treat horses.

The astounding 88 minute documentary "Buck" follows the life of a soulful and wise cowboy who runs horse training clinics around the country. The documentary investigates the connection between man and horse. Because of the physical abuse Buck's father put him through as a child, Buck connects with horses. He found safety and companionship in horses.

Buck demonstrates a method of horse training which advocates mutual respect between cowboy and horse. Buck discovered this style of horsemanship from Ray Hunt, who was a sort of father figure and mentor for Buck. Instead of using abuse and intimidation, Buck uses his energy to move horses. Buck experienced first hand that abuse and intimidation is no way to raise a child. Buck teaches that a horse is like a child and that you have to be a parent to the horse. Instead of dwelling on his childhood or becoming like his father, Buck transcends his childhood and becomes the father he never had. He treats horses the way he should have been treated by his father.

Although Buck and others tell his story, the documentary would not have as much value if you didn't see the connection between his present and present in almost every frame. Buck's story may seem to be repetitive, but it gives the audience a deeper understanding as to why Buck is the way he is and why he treats horses the way he does.

Buck has learned to control his emotions and resolve personal problems when dealing with horses. His approach to horse training is as much about people as about horses. You see that when people bring their horses to Buck's clinics, their own personal problems come out.

Towards the end of the film, a beautiful but dangerous stud who was oxygen deprived and was raised in a house was brought out. The horse cannot be trained, and the decision to put down the horse is made. Buck teaches that humans are always at fault and that it is never the horse's fault for how his life has been. Buck reprimands the owner of the dangerous stud for the way the horse was raised. He advises her to work on her own problems when he learns that she owns a group of studs because horses are "mirrors to your soul."

Overall, the film is entertaining and inspiring. You learn that taking care of a horse has a lot in common with raising a child and how you treat others. Even if you don't have a horse, you can apply Buck's horse training philosophy to raising a child or relationships with others.

Buck Brannaman doesn't horse around

[steventhanna · 7/10 · 10 September 2015]

Anyone who has been around horses will appreciate the power of Buck. If you haven't been around horses, prepare to watch how simple concepts used to train horses directly correlates to life, and the human mind. Experience Buck Brannaman's personal blend of natural horsemanship as he teaches the horse's owners as much about themselves, as he does about their horse.

Buck explores Buck Brannaman's past and present in a conglomerate of old film reels, personal interviews, and live horse clinics. Buck's philosophy regarding horses was shaped within him from a very young age. His guiding principle revolves around fear, but it strays from the method that traditional horse trainers rear colts. "Why let an animal live in fear", Buck explains to participants in one of his four day training clinics across the country. "Respect isn't fear, it's acceptance." Buck learned that lesson the hard way, as he suffered from an extremely abusive father. Still, Buck relates everything in his life to horses. "Abused horses are like abused children. They trust no one and expect the worst. But patience, leadership, compassion, and firmness can help them overcome their pasts."

In terms of filmography, Cindy Meehl, the director, did a great job for her first time directing a major film. That being said, there were several filmographic components lacking throughout the documentary. There was very little camera movement, and the director did not follow many simple techniques, such as utilizing the rule of thirds in interview shots as well as using different aperture settings to create a more blurred effect in order to keep the viewer focused on a single subject. For all I know, Buck could have been shot on an iPad, and edited in iMovie. The film would be much stronger if it was shot in a similar style as a National Geographic Documentary.

However, the underlying lessons and philosophies still shine through. The viewer truly gets a sense of the emotions pouring out of Buck, his friends, and his family, while showing how human and horse can coexist peacefully. Buck's charisma, honesty, and no nonsense attitude draws viewers into the film, which has resulted in several awards, most notable was the U.S. Documentary Competition Audience Award at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Buck embodies the true essence and spirit of a cowboy as Buck shares his personal experience in this truly captivating documentary.

This documentary is about Buck Brannaman, a cowboy who travels across the United States to host horse training clinics.

[alixsantos · 5/10 · 10 September 2015]

Buck Brannaman professionally performed rope tricks by age six, had his mother die at a young age, and was abused continually by his father, yet through this documentary the viewer is shown a man who uses his background to relate to and help other people and their horses. This documentary follows Buck on his journey across the country hosting clinics to help people with their unruly horses. Buck is described throughout by those close to him as authentic, polite, and no-nonsense, and the film clearly shows these traits. Many people who train horses have adapted the idea of "breaking" the animal, however after seeing Buck clinics many people realize how severe and brutal this common treatment is. Buck experienced first hand the effects of brutality and is therefore able to use his experiences to help others. Although at times repetitive, the documentary really shows what Buck believes and how he developed into the person that he is. Buck believes that horses are a mirror into a human's souls, and although you sometimes don't like what you see, it is necessary to accept our personal insecurities and issues and learn from them. Through analyzing Buck's life and decisions we can see how important it is to not live in the past and to learn from what has happened to us. In my opinion the parts of the documentary that are most worthwhile are the interviews with Buck himself. Although a majority of the documentary consists of what other people have to say about Buck, I think that many of these parts are unnecessary or repetitive.

An Inspiring Look into a World you may not have known about

[danlabella · 8/10 · 10 September 2015]

The documentary "Buck" follows Buck Brannaman, the man most known for being a "horse whisperer" and working with Robert Redford on a movie with the same title. He runs four day training camps across the country 40 weeks out of the year in order to help people and their horses get along. The thing that really struck me with this movie was the look into another world. Now, I say another world, but what I really mean is a different kind of culture, the one you might think of when you think about old western movies. Cowboys, cowgirls, horses, and cows. Well, its not exactly the wild west, but it's as close as you're gonna get nowadays.Buck Brannaman is sort of an icon in this world. The film delves deep in to his life, the struggle he had as an adolescent, and how he conquered his life and himself. "Buck" really drives home a message of moving past the events that previously happened in your life. Through interviews of loved ones and filmed demonstrations of his, it really shows the affect he had on other peoples and their horses lives because of his own struggles. Many things from the films such as the music and the way it followed him and his family, showing his love for people and horses made the movie both interesting and heartwarming. "Buck" is an inspiring tale about a man who loves horses. It is a wonderful film experience for people who do and do not know about Buck Brannaman and his world.

Respect

[dfgremnants · 9/10 · 10 March 2012]

Informational, moving and just an awesome documentary, I always wanted to ride a horse or own one in the future and I thought that the whole breaking aspect would require me to beat the living crap of the horse or just show him that I am more powerful than him. Boy I was wrong, this documentary taught me a lot of things, it helped me to understand more about horses and how they respond and behave. From what I learned, they're just like little kids who need to be taught or guided. You can beat the kid or you can form a relationship where he can understand what's right and wrong. It also gives you an insight about how animals behave and how much your energy molds their behavior. Buck isn't a miracle worker, he is just a human being who is sensitive to Animals, if you focus hard enough and spend some time you can have the same bond as Buck has with the horses. It's all about respect, guts and love.

All your horses are a mirror to your soul, if they behave badly, if they bite or attack others it's probably because you're the same way, the more humble, kind and loving you are, the more the Animal would be like you. Buck is honestly a real humble human being, considering his past and what has been through, it's amazing how different he is and that simple fact inspires me that I can be different, I can be good and loving to my future sons or daughters. I suggest you give this a watch; it's really something that will help you understand some simple yet essential things.

www.totseans.com

A Lesson About Horses AND People

[jukwok · 10 September 2015]

From the start of the documentary, Buck's calm, quiet, and humble demeanor captures our attention. His low voice encourages you to edge your seat forward, just so you can hear what he's saying-almost as if he's whispering a secret into your ear. Buck maintains eye contact with horses more than he does with people, simply because he understands them better. He cares for them, nurtures them, and loves them with all his heart, so much so that he sacrifices family time for a life of solitude so that he can hold clinics across the country.

Buck is truly an inspiring person. No matter how violent a colt may be when entering his clinic, Buck is always able to build a rapport with it without the use of words. He comforts and pets the horse, almost as if to say, "You're okay. Don't be afraid to let your walls down." Buck is able to show the horses that he is there to love them and that no one is there to hurt them. He even patiently ushers a violent, uncooperative 3 year old horse into the truck. Buck wants people to be able to relate to the horse before asking the horse to do something for them. He wants to help build strong and understanding relationships between horses and people.

Buck's clinics not only show how people should treat horses, but also reveal how this is about a person's life and the people in it. Buck shows others how there is always an alternative path-whether it be the way a person treats a horse or the choices a person makes in his/her life. Buck grew up with an abusive father, but refused to grow up like him. Although this seems like a gruesome childhood, Buck never needed the sympathy of others-not even when his foster father handed him a pair of beautiful working gloves the very first day he arrived. Buck shows that like people, horses are vulnerable and are capable of shutting down. He says that usually, it is the human who fails the horse through neglect and mistreatment. Towards the end of the movie, Buck regards the unfortunate event between the violent horse and its crestfallen owner, "A horse is a mirror-a mirror into your soul." This quote is truly breathtaking because it shows that not only are the participants learning about the horse, but the horse is also teaching the participants aspects about themselves that they may not realize until someone breaks the truth to them.

He opens the public's eyes to how a person and a horse can become so incredibly connected that they become one mind and one body. By simply leaning back and forth atop a horse, Buck is proof that people can gain the full cooperation of a horse without a single touch! Buck's voice and actions will seize your attention the way they did with mine.

Adversity can be positive

[imdbcuse · 7/10 · 10 September 2015]

Everybody has to face adversity. However, not everyone can conquer it quite like Buck Brannaman. The documentary "Buck" takes you through the daily life of Buck Brannaman, the acclaimed "horse whisperer." Although Buck's life seems simple and peaceful at first, you quickly learn of the adversity that he had to face to be in that position.

When Buck says, "I'm helping horses with people problems," various people could interpret it in many ways. In this documentary we learn that Buck had a very troubled childhood. He was forced to work at a young age for an abusive father, and things only got worse when his mother died. Things got so bad that Buck eventually moved into a foster home to get away from his father. It was in this home where Buck met his new "mother." She was one of the few people to actually care and help Buck, and because of this, they developed a very close relationship. This is very similar to what Buck is doing to these horses. You could simply swap out Buck for a horse, and his foster mother for Buck and you will have a very similar situation.

All in all, this documentary is about a man who passes down life lessons of care down to others.

When life gives you lemons, become the Horse Whisperer

[wasabisasaki · 8/10 · 10 September 2015]

"You can discipline and discourage, or you can discipline and encourage." Buck Brannaman, better known as the Horse Whisperer, is really good at the second half of that quote.

Buck Brannaman has had to go through a lot in order to become the person who he is today. This spellbinding documentary follows the life of the Horse Whisperer and the awe he carries with him wherever he goes. He is the psychiatrist that works on the relationship between the horse and the human. It's Buck's story, though, that really sets him apart from others that might be like him. He has had to overcome numerous mountains in order to be the person people know him as.

Every interview that was shown in the documentary was emotional and truly heartfelt. The people that truly know Buck really understand the difficulties that he had to go through.

Switching gears, the music and camera work were on point. The shots that were captured and the music that was played with every interview, every story, every moment made the documentary what it is, outstanding!

Buck the Overseer

[ingyingraham · 7/10 · 10 September 2015]

This movie "Buck" provides insight to Buck Brannaman's intriguing life. The way Buck was raised taught him the importance of gentleness, trust, and the connection you need to make with the horse in order to train it. Buck's dad had a horrible temper and would beat on Buck and his brother. They were entertainers who performed rope tricks at age three and became local legends after doing an interview on television. They turned professional at the age of six. Although, life was not all fun and games for Buck and his brother. Every night his dad would abuse them. Buck was too petrified to talk, move, or even make eye contact when around his father. At the time he didn't know it, but Buck learned a lot of hard lessons with his father that would eventually help him in the future with horses. Buck knew what it was like to be abused and mistreated. Instead of whipping the horses and forcing them to do commands, he would nurture them. He would form a relationship with them and help them understand what was right and what was wrong. Every touch, every word, and every little tug on the rope had an affect on the horses mindset and he was able to tap into that. He learned how to gain the horses trust. Which is a large theme presented throughout the film the ability to trust and have patience. With the people and horses he encountered. Once Buck's skills emanated he began to do shows and training sessions all over the country. For forty weeks out of the year he is driving around with his horses from place to place. The solitude gives him time to think and grow wise. He understands true values and uses them with horses effectively.

The cinematography in the film was adequate, although a bit repetitive with slow motion scenes of Buck riding a horse, and dramatic scenes of Bucks face. The interviewees helped provide good insight to Buck's childhood. I am curious as to what happened with Buck's brother which was never addressed in the movie. It would have been a great addition to get an interview from him.

Buck was a captivating documentary that brought me into a world I had not experienced. I recommend it as a must watch for anyone. Horse lovers will admire the majestic skills of Buck while non horse lovers will be enlightened in a field that is new to them.

Not Your Normal Cowboy

[ryancarmody · 8/10 · 10 September 2015]

Much can be said about Buck Brannaman, he's a father, a husband, a friend, and of course a cowboy. However Buck is different, he is has a talent, one in which he uses in order to help people all around the United States befriend their horses. This documentary truly dwells into the life that Buck lives day to day. Buck, coming from a rough childhood inspires people to be kind not only their horses but also to others and themselves. He believes that "a horse in the mirror to the riders soul" and through many examples throughout the film, his belief in greatly supported. With an underlying message on "kindness" the film tries to teach viewers that kindness truly is the way to befriend, and work with nearly anyone and anything. In the movie Buck is able to gain the trust of nearly every horse he come in contact with, believing that they should be treated as if it were a child and you were its parent. This message is able to get across to the viewers and truly make you think about how treat one another. Overall a good movie with a great underlying message.

A True Horse Whisperer

[robbie910 · 7/10 · 11 September 2015]

Buck Brannaman is your go-to guy for horse training. He is one of very few people who can help train your horse with absolute respect for it.

If you want to see how a single man can train horses of all kinds and how he became the horse whisperer, then this is the movie for you.

Throughout this documentary, you get a glimpse of Buck's life and how he became the horse whisperer. His past does not define him because he completely changed his life around.

This man goes across country to help so many people with any horse problem. He teaches them to respect the horse like you would respect another human. "A horse is a mirror to the owner." All of his teachings really pay off, and it only take a few days at the most before he is on the road to another teaching.

Every person this man comes across all have mixed feelings about how he is able to train so many horses. After spending time and watching him do his work, they all come to love him. Every person sees how much respect he has for these horses and change their whole perspective on him and on these horses.

The Equine Reflection of Man

[mariguti-69406 · 9/10 · 10 September 2015]

Buck Brannaman's way of fixing troubled horses will make you evaluate your perspective of yourself. By working at horse clinics all over the country, Buck teaches people how interactions with horses goes way beyond horse and horseman but the energy transmitted between the two. Years of abuse throughout his childhood taught Buck that empathy is key when it comes to any being, not just human and he sends the message out to you that (just like a child) why break a horse when you can fix it? The movie connects the similarities between horses and people and teaches you how a horse will mirror the energy you transmit to it. I really liked this movie because even though I am an animal lover you don't have to be one to love it; the movie starts to become more about yourself than the horses. As you get more into the movie you start to see how just like a horse mirrors who you are, you also see yourself in the horse (maybe Buck sees himself in scared horses when he was abused as a child). What I liked most about this movie is that you can either take the literal plot of how Buck fixes horses or learn a deeper lesson of the importance of family, empathy, and how you treat animals.

Buck the horse expert

[jlucas-62194 · 7/10 · 10 September 2015]

An intriguing and fascinating documentary about the amazing and strong willed horse trainer named Buck..At a very young and tender age, Buck began to perform rope tricks along with his older brother and soon became a local star. People lined up to see Buck and his older brother perform. Although the boys seemed to have a wonderful life, their life behind the scenes was terrifying. Their father treated them very harshly and made living with him a horror. Buck's mother hindered his aggressive behavior but after she died the father unleashed his full wrath on the kids causing Buck to leave his home and begin his professional career with horses.

"To be great you must be sensitive". Buck advocates a very benevolent approach to horses. One of Buck's strong beliefs is that the way you treat horses resembles the way you treat other human beings and any inner conflict problems one has with his or herself. This documentary teaches life lessons and general respect for animals rather than simply forcing a horse to do as one wishes. If a horses is broken in using harsh methods, the horse is going to be very aggressive in response and extremely unhappy. This movie provides a different yet effective method of approaching horses. The comments of other horse owners further strengthen Buck's reputation by advocating his methods and stating how efficient and productive they are.

As an individual who hasn't been around horses, i can't compare or even being to comprehend how strong and skilled Buck truly is. Even so, this movie gave me a taste of how skilled and powerful Buck is. This documentary is not the most exciting but as a viewer who knew nothing about horses, I felt this documentary was definitely intriguing,informative and interesting to watch.

Unexpected Gem

[nickpinard96 · 8/10 · 10 September 2015]

This documentary tells the story of Buck Brannaman a cowboy who's understanding of horses seems to be unmatched. Buck tours the country for months of the year providing seminars for horse owners everywhere. This documentary follows him to many of his different seminars where they capture Buck doing what he does best. What makes this film unique, and worth watching is the unique way Buck treats the horses he works with. Along with that comes the ability for these horses to seem a lot smarter than most horses, and trained to another level than the average horse. The training seen in the opening minutes of the film leaves a certain wow factor on the viewer. These awesome events are the prologue to the inspiring story to come. As the film progresses it begins to describe Buck's childhood, which was a very troubled one and formed him into the man he is today. Buck's childhood is directly related to the work he does today. It was the events of his past that helped him form some of the techniques he uses in his demonstrations. Buck often describes horses like "children" he uses this analogy to describe the way they must be raised. Buck's respect for these animals is touching to say the least. This film combines Buck's love, with life lessons for all to learn. The lessons apply to more than just horses, this film teaches you how to live your life in such a way that you positively affect everyone you meet. Every interview in the film shares the same message about how wonderful Buck is, and through watching this film you too can share this awesome opinion. The director does a wonderful job at capturing the magic that is Buck Brennaman, and I would recommend this film to anyone and everyone.