The Bottom Line
The PBR is once again the subject of a fantastic and engaging documentary that has just been released on DVD. RANK takes its viewers to the PBR World Finals where Justin McBride, Mike Lee, and Adriano Moraes are each poised to take home bull riding's most prestigious title. But there can be only one champion, and 8 seconds aboard the best bulls in the business stand in their way.
RANK is a first rate film from John Hyams and IFC. This movie has perhaps the best behind-the-scenes action of any bull riding doc that I've seen recently, giving us an interesting look into bull riding's biggest stars. RANK is a must see.
Pros
- Introspective style gives us a unique insight into the dangers of this sport.
- Eye-opening behind the scene footage with the riders families.
- This film bristles with the personalities of the riders.
Cons
- The strong language may not be suitable for some viewers.
- Graphic injuries may make some quesey.
Description
- Check out a Journey Inside the World of RANK
- RANK
- A John Hyams Film
A Jon Greenhalgh Production - Features Justin McBride, Mike Lee, and Adriano Moraes.
- Special Features:
Filmmakers' Commentary
Cowtown: Bull Riding Sessions
Recording the Music for Rank
Spanish Subtitles - Not Rated (But I'll give it a PG rating for graphic scenes)
- 95 minutes
Guide Review - RANK - Documentary Film Review
RANK opens with a look at the D&H Cattle Company who provide some of the best bucking bulls in the business. The stylized camera work immediately sets the tone of this film. Images of white fence, the grizzled face of Dillion Page, a large and rain-soaked sky give you sense that you are watching an epic and lonely Western rather than a documentary. A haunting score (not something you would expect in a film of this subject) only adds to that feeling.
Scene after scene the filmmakers build on that as they take us deeper into the bull riding world and through the 2004 PBR World Finals. This film is not just a bunch of chronological scenes put together as they happened, but instead is a journey through a story. So what you do get is a real strong sense of character and drama that you don't necessarily get from watching the Series stops on Versus, much to the filmmakers credit.
The highlights of this film come from the family members of the riders. The unforgettable and touching scene between Justin McBride and his Grandmother is worth the price of admission. Not to mention the great scene with Mike Lee's father or hanging out with Adriano Moraes and the Brazilians.
The film culminates in the flurry of the 2004 PBR World Finals, which was one of most dramatic Finals the sport has ever had. Of course being a rodeo sports writer took away some of the dramatic quality as I knew who was going to win but reliving some of the excitement was good enough. The new fan or interested viewer will surely feel the rush of uncertainty.
RANK should serve as a great way to open the door to this wonderful sport. One needs not be a 'cowboy' or 'western' to appreciate the courage and hard-work of these modern day gladiators. RANK delivers on all levels and every fan of good film should check this one out. PBR or rodeo fans must see it, or better yet own it.