Some say this film is slow, I say it takes the time to envelope you in the characters and environment. It gives you the space to understand the players and develop your own opinion of them as it goes.
Each character is very distinct except Crystal, who is developing and burgeoning. She knows her world is limited but also knows she needs to do something to make a life for herself.
It reminds me a little of Winter's Bone, although the lead actor isn't quite as impressive as Jennifer Lawrence, she does hold you engaged as her story plays out.
You can't help but feel sympathy for her but also recognise her stoic resolve.
It's a matter of fact film with a positive view of the world. I loved it.
28 Reviews
Comfortable 7/10
mike_olley23 April 2020
Confused as to why some would think this film contained animal cruelty...!!! Maybe I'm not that tuned into "first world sensitivities and problems".
Strong relational film with convincing characters. Harsh depiction of working class American lifestyle - perhaps that's the focus if you do have societal concerns, one should give focus to.
Steady slow burner that will resonate.
Strong relational film with convincing characters. Harsh depiction of working class American lifestyle - perhaps that's the focus if you do have societal concerns, one should give focus to.
Steady slow burner that will resonate.
no bull here
ferguson-619 March 2020
Greetings again from the darkness. A film focusing on an unlikely intersecting of cross-generational dead-end lives in a mostly ignored poverty-stricken area on the outskirts of Houston may not seem like much of a pick-me-up during these challenging times. And while it's not a crowd-pleaser, it is pleasing in a high quality independent filmmaking kind of way - especially to those of us who thrive on such projects. Writer-director Annie Silverstein's first feature film was co-written with Johnny McAllister and Josh Melrod, and it never tries to impress with any cleverness or trickery, and instead allows us to wallow in the harshness of a world that has its inhabitants grasping for hope.
We first see 14 year old Krystal (Kris) and her little sister messing with a chicken that's been killed by their pet pit bull in their backyard. The chicken belongs to their African American neighbor Abe, who threatens to shoot the dog if it comes in his yard again. Kris spends an inordinate amount of time taking care of her little sister. They live with their constantly annoyed grandmother while their mom is incarcerated. Jailhouse visits begin with hugs, and end with frustration. Kris seizes on an opportunity while neighbor Abe is gone for a weekend rodeo. She invites her friends over and they raid Abe's liquor and pain pills, and trash his house. The kids all have fun, but Abe is understandably upset when he returns home.
In a show of mercy towards Kris' grandmother, Abe agrees to allow Kris to clean up the party mess rather than be arrested and shipped to juvenile detention. Slowly, very slowly, Abe and Kris begin to bond. She is fascinated by middle-aged Abe's history. He was once a bull rider, and now he's a bull fighter - one of the guys in the arena who distracts the bulls so the riders can escape safely after their ride. His body and spirit are broken, and he's constantly in pain and sore. Kris, a sullen teenager, carries her own pain. Her situation is such that we (and Abe) find it difficult, if not meaningless, to judge her. She desperately wants to be loved and cared for, but finds none of that through her family or "friends."
Rob Morgan, who was so memorable in MUDBOUND (2017), plays Abe, a man who fights to maintain his dignity in a profession more conducive to younger folks, and with a body that continues to fail a bit more with each gore. He has some type of relationship with his ex, Sheila (Yolanda Ross), but mostly he's alone and quiet until he's around his fellow rodeo performers. Newcomer Amber Havard plays Kris, and captures the confusion and hurt with subtle facial movements of an actress far more experienced. The moment her mother (Peggy Schott) lets her down yet again is gut-wrenching, and we feel Kris' pain every bit as much as we feel Abe's pain at the tip of a bull horn.
Ms. Silverstein's film is surely to draw comparisons to the excellent THE RIDER (2017), with its understated approach, and power in the quietness and stillness. It touches on African American rodeos, and provides a contrast with 'white' rodeos, while also showing us the sex and drug issues facing young Kris. With its multi-generational view of life, we see a girl desperate for a role model, and a man coming to terms with loneliness. Kris and Abe prove quite the odd couple as she finds a glimmer of hope in her desire to become a bull rider, and Abe finds a companion and reason to carry on. The two fine performances help us deal with the often bleak daily lives of Kris and Abe, and Ms. Silverstein directs her film in such a visceral way that, as viewers, we are appreciative when the cloud lifts just a bit.
We first see 14 year old Krystal (Kris) and her little sister messing with a chicken that's been killed by their pet pit bull in their backyard. The chicken belongs to their African American neighbor Abe, who threatens to shoot the dog if it comes in his yard again. Kris spends an inordinate amount of time taking care of her little sister. They live with their constantly annoyed grandmother while their mom is incarcerated. Jailhouse visits begin with hugs, and end with frustration. Kris seizes on an opportunity while neighbor Abe is gone for a weekend rodeo. She invites her friends over and they raid Abe's liquor and pain pills, and trash his house. The kids all have fun, but Abe is understandably upset when he returns home.
In a show of mercy towards Kris' grandmother, Abe agrees to allow Kris to clean up the party mess rather than be arrested and shipped to juvenile detention. Slowly, very slowly, Abe and Kris begin to bond. She is fascinated by middle-aged Abe's history. He was once a bull rider, and now he's a bull fighter - one of the guys in the arena who distracts the bulls so the riders can escape safely after their ride. His body and spirit are broken, and he's constantly in pain and sore. Kris, a sullen teenager, carries her own pain. Her situation is such that we (and Abe) find it difficult, if not meaningless, to judge her. She desperately wants to be loved and cared for, but finds none of that through her family or "friends."
Rob Morgan, who was so memorable in MUDBOUND (2017), plays Abe, a man who fights to maintain his dignity in a profession more conducive to younger folks, and with a body that continues to fail a bit more with each gore. He has some type of relationship with his ex, Sheila (Yolanda Ross), but mostly he's alone and quiet until he's around his fellow rodeo performers. Newcomer Amber Havard plays Kris, and captures the confusion and hurt with subtle facial movements of an actress far more experienced. The moment her mother (Peggy Schott) lets her down yet again is gut-wrenching, and we feel Kris' pain every bit as much as we feel Abe's pain at the tip of a bull horn.
Ms. Silverstein's film is surely to draw comparisons to the excellent THE RIDER (2017), with its understated approach, and power in the quietness and stillness. It touches on African American rodeos, and provides a contrast with 'white' rodeos, while also showing us the sex and drug issues facing young Kris. With its multi-generational view of life, we see a girl desperate for a role model, and a man coming to terms with loneliness. Kris and Abe prove quite the odd couple as she finds a glimmer of hope in her desire to become a bull rider, and Abe finds a companion and reason to carry on. The two fine performances help us deal with the often bleak daily lives of Kris and Abe, and Ms. Silverstein directs her film in such a visceral way that, as viewers, we are appreciative when the cloud lifts just a bit.
Hyper real story set in the world of small time rodeo.
TxMike14 November 2020
My wife and I just finished watching this movie last night, our main reaction is how realistic it all feels. Many of the characters are portrayed by unseasoned, or even first-time, actors and it all comes across as authentic. Instead of watching actors play roles it feels like I was actually watching real life unfold.
There are two main characters, the first is Rob Morgan as Abe, former bull rider who now works rodeos as one of the guys who distracts bulls and protects the rider after he is on the ground. He lives in a run-down little house and has chickens in the yard.
The second is local first-time actress Amber Havard as 14-yr-old Kris, she lives down the street with her grandmother and little sister, her mother is in prison but hoping to get out soon. It is clear that Kris has little guidance, doesn't pay attention in school, and is easily influenced by the wrong crowd of boys and men. But she has spunk and gradually decides in what direction her life will go.
The catalyst for the story comes when Kris' dog kills one of Abe's chickens, he scolds her, warns that he will shoot the dog next time, and when he is in San Antonio on a rodeo job Kris and her friends throw a party in Abe's house and trashes it. Being a basically good and caring person Abe gives her a chance, if she will clean up his place and continue to do odd jobs to help out then he won't press charges.
The meat of the story is the bond Kris and Abe gradually form, when her mother gets in yet another prison fight and her release is delayed indefinitely Kris realizes she has little chance of a conventional family life, it appears that Abe will become her unofficial adopted dad. And through it all Kris decides she wants to become a bull rider.
My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library. It was filmed primarily in a local north Houston area called Acres Homes, just 4 or 5 miles NW of downtown
There are two main characters, the first is Rob Morgan as Abe, former bull rider who now works rodeos as one of the guys who distracts bulls and protects the rider after he is on the ground. He lives in a run-down little house and has chickens in the yard.
The second is local first-time actress Amber Havard as 14-yr-old Kris, she lives down the street with her grandmother and little sister, her mother is in prison but hoping to get out soon. It is clear that Kris has little guidance, doesn't pay attention in school, and is easily influenced by the wrong crowd of boys and men. But she has spunk and gradually decides in what direction her life will go.
The catalyst for the story comes when Kris' dog kills one of Abe's chickens, he scolds her, warns that he will shoot the dog next time, and when he is in San Antonio on a rodeo job Kris and her friends throw a party in Abe's house and trashes it. Being a basically good and caring person Abe gives her a chance, if she will clean up his place and continue to do odd jobs to help out then he won't press charges.
The meat of the story is the bond Kris and Abe gradually form, when her mother gets in yet another prison fight and her release is delayed indefinitely Kris realizes she has little chance of a conventional family life, it appears that Abe will become her unofficial adopted dad. And through it all Kris decides she wants to become a bull rider.
My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library. It was filmed primarily in a local north Houston area called Acres Homes, just 4 or 5 miles NW of downtown
Independent cinema is alive and kicking in the US.
MOscarbradley4 February 2021
Continuing proof that Independent cinema is alive and kicking in the USA. "Bull" is director Annie Silverstein's feature debut about the unlikely friendship that develops between an introverted 14 year old girl, (an excellent Amber Havard), and her ageing neighbour, a rodeo bullfighter, beautifully played by Rob Morgan, after she and her friends break into his home. It's a film whose pedigree goes back to the seventies and it's clear that in this American backwater very little has changed. This is Trump's America where people are so mired in poverty they will do or believe anything if they think it will alleviate their problems. It has a rough, documentary feel to it greatly helped by Silverstein's decision to use mostly non-professionals in her cast and it's superbly shot by Shabier Kirchner. It may not have the most original of scenarios but it does deal with a part of America largely ignored by filmmakers and it certainly heartfelt, clearly marking Silverstein out as a director with a future.
In the spirit of The Rider
mikegullett5 January 2021
Anne Silverstein offers a glimpse of an unfortunate yet actual America and suggests that the human longing for companionship and belonging transcends race, gender, sex and age. She clashes two interesting characters to prove her point; an aging black male rodeo bullfighter and a teenage white girl. The bullfighter forgives an unforgivable trespass by the girl realizing that folks like them are in the struggle together or acknowledging that the teen needs help. Both fighting to avoid loneliness and isolation they discover what each needs; him to contribute, and her, parental guidance.
He provides her with a purpose no matter how unlikely. Silverstein did not intend for her work here to be an underdog victory. Parts of the film provokes viewer thought, stirs emotion and hopes that the storyline will take a certain path. And in that the film is a success.
Personally speaking I enjoy and appreciate these films. Real sets, real people.
Worth a watch.
Soberingly good
edvaard1238 February 2021
Forget the other reviews....
daviddegiorgio4 April 2020
It seems that the two types of opinion regarding this film are either from those against cruelty to animals or the ones who don't think it has anything to do with cruelty to animals,.........
Let's put that subject to one side, Bull is a pretty well made film, that's well cast but doesn't offer anything particularly new regarding story. It is obvious it has been created with heart and talent even though it falls short with originality.
Scored it 5, might be low to some but I think it hits right in the middle with satisfaction. Will happily look into the cast and crew filmography!
Engaging Plot
IndieFilmCritic14 May 2020
It appears that a few "critics" are bothered by the fact that this isn't a fast paced action thriller directed by Michael Bay. "What! No transforming aliens looking to protect Shia from Megatron?" If you're a 15 yr old looking for an alien invasion flick, go elsewhere. If you're a mature adult who appreciates a good story, keep reading.
The plot evolves at just the right tempo to keep you engaged but not so much that you lose sight of the character development unfolding from the opening credits. Crystal's milieu makes it easy to sympathize with her character but it's done so naturally rather than the more contrived methods you might be used to in larger commercially produced films. The ending seems non-traditional and pedestrian but only to those who are used to a cowboy riding off into the sunset. This movie is authentic, raw, and original, and I would watch again.
The plot evolves at just the right tempo to keep you engaged but not so much that you lose sight of the character development unfolding from the opening credits. Crystal's milieu makes it easy to sympathize with her character but it's done so naturally rather than the more contrived methods you might be used to in larger commercially produced films. The ending seems non-traditional and pedestrian but only to those who are used to a cowboy riding off into the sunset. This movie is authentic, raw, and original, and I would watch again.
Another disappointing ending
patterns-mini815 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Great characters, interesting story line, diversified personalities but no end. Left me feeling sad that the writer(s) could not think of an ending so they just stopped...unlike this review that must contain six hundred characters to be acceptable. I do not need six hundred characters to tell you how disappointed and unsatisfied I felt when this movie just STOPPED. Just like I'm stopping this review by adding unnecessary characters that add nothing to a truly meaningful review. Blah, blah, blah. The moral of the story? No ending, no moral, no lessons learned, no mistakes to avoid. Just avoid this movie.
Are you kidding me?? 90 min of filler, only 15 min of substance.
Top_Dawg_Critic9 April 2020
Wtf did I just watch for 105 mins?? Paint drying on a wall has better pacing than this mess. I kept waiting for something to happen, anything, a heart beat... but nothing, except crickets.
Writer and director Annie Silverstein's only filmmaking experience is short films, and she should stick to those, as this film needed to be a short. 90 min of filler, only 15 min of substance, and that's being generous. The unnecessarily long dragged out scenes became very annoying, I literally had to 2x and 4x FFW in search of anything substantial. What was the point of this story that it needed to be produced into a full length film? We've seen this type of movie many times, and done that many times better. The trailer even looked bland - and this film was even blander, but I gave it a chance from reading praise from the critics. Were they on happy pills when they reviewed this? Sure it wasn't no Hollywood action packed drama or thriller - I didn't expect that from the trailer, but a coming of age story with this type of terrible writing stretched out to a 105 minute screenplay, was just unbearable and a waste of my 105 mins I will never get back. And the ending - one of the dumbest and pointless I've seen. All that did was seal my IMDb rating.
Silverstein was also the worst director in directing her cast - particularly amateur Amber Havard, of which this film was her first. Her monotonic, expressionless, stale and dull acting made the slow dragged out scenes that much more unbearable, I wanted to stick pencils in my eyes! It's not her fault, it's 100% the directors job to get their cast right. Her character needed a better seasoned director, or cast someone more experienced that can hold their own.
The editing was terrible, the score - was there even a score? Even the cinematography was bland. This has to be one of the worst films I've seen. It's a very generous 3/10 from me.
Writer and director Annie Silverstein's only filmmaking experience is short films, and she should stick to those, as this film needed to be a short. 90 min of filler, only 15 min of substance, and that's being generous. The unnecessarily long dragged out scenes became very annoying, I literally had to 2x and 4x FFW in search of anything substantial. What was the point of this story that it needed to be produced into a full length film? We've seen this type of movie many times, and done that many times better. The trailer even looked bland - and this film was even blander, but I gave it a chance from reading praise from the critics. Were they on happy pills when they reviewed this? Sure it wasn't no Hollywood action packed drama or thriller - I didn't expect that from the trailer, but a coming of age story with this type of terrible writing stretched out to a 105 minute screenplay, was just unbearable and a waste of my 105 mins I will never get back. And the ending - one of the dumbest and pointless I've seen. All that did was seal my IMDb rating.
Silverstein was also the worst director in directing her cast - particularly amateur Amber Havard, of which this film was her first. Her monotonic, expressionless, stale and dull acting made the slow dragged out scenes that much more unbearable, I wanted to stick pencils in my eyes! It's not her fault, it's 100% the directors job to get their cast right. Her character needed a better seasoned director, or cast someone more experienced that can hold their own.
The editing was terrible, the score - was there even a score? Even the cinematography was bland. This has to be one of the worst films I've seen. It's a very generous 3/10 from me.
reality of characters
SnoopyStyle3 January 2021
14 year old Kris and her younger sister live with their grandmother since their mother is in prison. Her neighbor Abe is a black rodeo cowboy struggling to stay on the circuit despite suffering injuries. He comes home to find Kris had trashed his place with a party. He reluctantly agrees to allow her to work as compensation. Her mother tells her about a plan to buy a double-wide to reunite with the family. They need $3k which they don't have but Kris intends to get it.
I really like these characters who are the stuck in the trash heaps of society. I like Abe's quiet dignity and his self-reliance. Their initial connection is great. He's looking around scared as the little girl is screaming for help. It all has the feel of reality including the girl's low energy quiet performance. The only problem arises in the climatic scene where I had hoped that she could raise her energy output to punch an exclamation point in her performance. She's not really an actual actress. She's only a kid. That's why I like her in the first place.
I really like these characters who are the stuck in the trash heaps of society. I like Abe's quiet dignity and his self-reliance. Their initial connection is great. He's looking around scared as the little girl is screaming for help. It all has the feel of reality including the girl's low energy quiet performance. The only problem arises in the climatic scene where I had hoped that she could raise her energy output to punch an exclamation point in her performance. She's not really an actual actress. She's only a kid. That's why I like her in the first place.
Not that good.
sheepshearer4 April 2020
An indie gem, small but powerful like its heroine.
JohnDeSando11 May 2020
"Relationships are kind of like riding a bull. You hang on for dear life and sometimes you get a little buck here and there but you get back on." Katy Perry
With all the buzz about realty, it's a joy to see real "reality" in a heartening independent film about rural rodeo and rural poverty in Texas without feeling the least bit cheated that you wasted your streaming cash or that you didn't get a full measure of the toughness of riding bulls and the challenge of surviving outside the fences. As if riding a bull were not the most dangerous game in town! Surviving life is.
Fifteen-year old Kris (Amber Havard-a newbie with loads of understated talent) is a sweetheart of a daughter, whose mom is in prison. She's quiet but wanting to learn, especially from 40-something wrangler-neighbor Abe (Rob Morgan), a seasoned Black cowboy who saves riders from bulls in the ring after the cowboys fall: "How do you know when a rider's about to fall off," asks Kris. "When his head hits the ground," responds Abe. Now that's reality.
Although the speeches are short and the action except for the bulls is minimal, a casual feeling pervades of experiencing another kind of world, i.e., poverty and the rodeo, as well as a worthy teen making some bad decisions but riding toward good ones. That she may someday ride a bull or bucking bronco may be inevitable-she's that smart, determined, and able.
Meanwhile enjoy being with her in her low-key world, where even poverty can't put a good girl down. It's a world writer-director Annie Silverstein and writer-husband Johnny McAllister give us in quiet, honest tones (the sound track's country tunes are perfect). Immersing us in other worlds is what movies do. These days streaming VOD like this is a gift and a virus-balm for us extraverts and for exploring introverts.
Reality check: After being caught early on with friends invading Abe's home, Kris implores the cops: "Can't you just take me to juvie?"
With all the buzz about realty, it's a joy to see real "reality" in a heartening independent film about rural rodeo and rural poverty in Texas without feeling the least bit cheated that you wasted your streaming cash or that you didn't get a full measure of the toughness of riding bulls and the challenge of surviving outside the fences. As if riding a bull were not the most dangerous game in town! Surviving life is.
Fifteen-year old Kris (Amber Havard-a newbie with loads of understated talent) is a sweetheart of a daughter, whose mom is in prison. She's quiet but wanting to learn, especially from 40-something wrangler-neighbor Abe (Rob Morgan), a seasoned Black cowboy who saves riders from bulls in the ring after the cowboys fall: "How do you know when a rider's about to fall off," asks Kris. "When his head hits the ground," responds Abe. Now that's reality.
Although the speeches are short and the action except for the bulls is minimal, a casual feeling pervades of experiencing another kind of world, i.e., poverty and the rodeo, as well as a worthy teen making some bad decisions but riding toward good ones. That she may someday ride a bull or bucking bronco may be inevitable-she's that smart, determined, and able.
Meanwhile enjoy being with her in her low-key world, where even poverty can't put a good girl down. It's a world writer-director Annie Silverstein and writer-husband Johnny McAllister give us in quiet, honest tones (the sound track's country tunes are perfect). Immersing us in other worlds is what movies do. These days streaming VOD like this is a gift and a virus-balm for us extraverts and for exploring introverts.
Reality check: After being caught early on with friends invading Abe's home, Kris implores the cops: "Can't you just take me to juvie?"
Waste of time
juuxgsbt4 July 2020
The outlook for the future
khrystiayavna7 February 2020
Bull is the debut feature film of Annie Silverstein. She has come a long way from being a youth program coordinator to a Cannes Film Festival nominee. In 2014, she presented her short film Skunk in Cannes. The director has now returned with the premiere of her new movie in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival.
In the movie Bull, Annie Silverstein once again shows us provincial America where everything is too straightforward, too obvious and too cruel. The film is set on the outskirts of Houston, in a small town with its weirdos and losers. The town itself conforms to all our stereotypes, as we see dilapidated ranchos, outdated entertainment and people who can't give up their habits.
The given film is not about overwhelming victories or frantic attempts to reach ambitious goals. It is about the world where there are no prospects, but people are stubbornly trying to find them.
Kris, a teenager whose mother serves her sentence in prison, does not have any future expectations. She lives with a sick, authoritative grandmother, a little sister and a dog that strangles chickens in the neighborhood.
The girl is not like her peers, her thoughts are too mature. Even when she tries to blend in, it turns out to be a disaster, as she becomes the person she does not want to be.
She has no life she could dream of. Kris sees no way out of her mother's confinement and her own helplessness. At the age of 14 she strives to be better and older looking for the opportunities to earn money to provide for herself.
And the girl does grow older, but performing the deeds she is ashamed of, doing something that makes her get out of her comfort zone.
On the other hand, we see Abe, a former rodeo cowboy. He cannot quit his job, as it is a job of his life; even after giving up his career he keeps distracting bulls from other cowboys. He is the man who the life of a jockey depends on after an angry bull has flung its rider off.
Bull or horse rodeos are common pastime in the east of the United States. Entrance fee to such events ranges from $ 5 to $ 20 and the events themselves attract crowds of people. Modern animal rights activists have many arguments against holding the rodeos. Yet, what else can you do to enjoy yourself in a small town where the only thing you look out for is the lives of others? How can you stop participating in rodeos if they mean the world to you, they have become your universe? As soon as you go beyond it, you will die. Therefore, it is much easier to endure financial hardship, suffer from pain and fatigue than change something.
Abe's body resembles the body of a martyr. The way he treats it reminds us of unconscious self-torture. He does not seem to have enough willpower or motivation to start all over again.
At first glance, it may appear that the characters of the film are held hostage by the situation. In order to get out of the gulf of doubts, they have to make the right choice answering a number of questions - what, when, why... do we have to do anything at all?
All throughout the film, every single choice the characters make changes them dramatically. What is better - to get into a juvenile colony or apologize? Win your love back or persist in self-destruction?
Kris and Abe, seemingly incompatible people (at first sight), are drawn to each other like magnets. In the films, as well as in real life, it is not infrequent to encounter plots which revolve around people who find each other, 'break' each other and then 'mend'. The story which unfolds in Bull is a vivid example. In the beginning, you would not dare to say that these two can have something in common; you would not consider them to be capable of teaching each other, giving and receiving something in return.
Unexpectedly, though, the main heroes realize that there is somebody they can count on. The care they take of each other is manifested either in loyal support or complete inaction - unassuming and silent, but at the same time firm in spite of the mistakes and insults which were made either by themselves or others.
The characters bombard others with their problems, hurt everybody around while trying to assert themselves. Being indifferent, they rarely think about the people who surround them. Under such circumstances true friends are found and great trust is gained.
Despite the disappointment (be it with life, with yourself or each other), Kris and Abe have found people who do care. For them rodeo is not just about money. It is the desire to start everything from scratch or support the existing tradition. It turns into the confrontation, the struggle against the circumstances and themselves.
There are no goodies or baddies in the given movie. As a result, we do not feel too much sympathy for the heroes. The setting of the film does not allow us to forget that we are told the story of people who could live at any time and in any society. They are lonely, lost and rejected by others. Some might even call them narrow-minded. Still, together they are able to build a real life. The sense of unity empowers them so that they can sail against the wind.
They learn not to rush to battle, but play a waiting game. In life, as in bull rodeo, you have to take a break once in a while. After fate has taken its hand in your life rewarding you with numerous bruises, it thinks it has won as you are too weak to fight. Yet, the very moment it loses vigilance, we know who the game will be finally won by.
After all, everyone deserves a little happiness.
In the movie Bull, Annie Silverstein once again shows us provincial America where everything is too straightforward, too obvious and too cruel. The film is set on the outskirts of Houston, in a small town with its weirdos and losers. The town itself conforms to all our stereotypes, as we see dilapidated ranchos, outdated entertainment and people who can't give up their habits.
The given film is not about overwhelming victories or frantic attempts to reach ambitious goals. It is about the world where there are no prospects, but people are stubbornly trying to find them.
Kris, a teenager whose mother serves her sentence in prison, does not have any future expectations. She lives with a sick, authoritative grandmother, a little sister and a dog that strangles chickens in the neighborhood.
The girl is not like her peers, her thoughts are too mature. Even when she tries to blend in, it turns out to be a disaster, as she becomes the person she does not want to be.
She has no life she could dream of. Kris sees no way out of her mother's confinement and her own helplessness. At the age of 14 she strives to be better and older looking for the opportunities to earn money to provide for herself.
And the girl does grow older, but performing the deeds she is ashamed of, doing something that makes her get out of her comfort zone.
On the other hand, we see Abe, a former rodeo cowboy. He cannot quit his job, as it is a job of his life; even after giving up his career he keeps distracting bulls from other cowboys. He is the man who the life of a jockey depends on after an angry bull has flung its rider off.
Bull or horse rodeos are common pastime in the east of the United States. Entrance fee to such events ranges from $ 5 to $ 20 and the events themselves attract crowds of people. Modern animal rights activists have many arguments against holding the rodeos. Yet, what else can you do to enjoy yourself in a small town where the only thing you look out for is the lives of others? How can you stop participating in rodeos if they mean the world to you, they have become your universe? As soon as you go beyond it, you will die. Therefore, it is much easier to endure financial hardship, suffer from pain and fatigue than change something.
Abe's body resembles the body of a martyr. The way he treats it reminds us of unconscious self-torture. He does not seem to have enough willpower or motivation to start all over again.
At first glance, it may appear that the characters of the film are held hostage by the situation. In order to get out of the gulf of doubts, they have to make the right choice answering a number of questions - what, when, why... do we have to do anything at all?
All throughout the film, every single choice the characters make changes them dramatically. What is better - to get into a juvenile colony or apologize? Win your love back or persist in self-destruction?
Kris and Abe, seemingly incompatible people (at first sight), are drawn to each other like magnets. In the films, as well as in real life, it is not infrequent to encounter plots which revolve around people who find each other, 'break' each other and then 'mend'. The story which unfolds in Bull is a vivid example. In the beginning, you would not dare to say that these two can have something in common; you would not consider them to be capable of teaching each other, giving and receiving something in return.
Unexpectedly, though, the main heroes realize that there is somebody they can count on. The care they take of each other is manifested either in loyal support or complete inaction - unassuming and silent, but at the same time firm in spite of the mistakes and insults which were made either by themselves or others.
The characters bombard others with their problems, hurt everybody around while trying to assert themselves. Being indifferent, they rarely think about the people who surround them. Under such circumstances true friends are found and great trust is gained.
Despite the disappointment (be it with life, with yourself or each other), Kris and Abe have found people who do care. For them rodeo is not just about money. It is the desire to start everything from scratch or support the existing tradition. It turns into the confrontation, the struggle against the circumstances and themselves.
There are no goodies or baddies in the given movie. As a result, we do not feel too much sympathy for the heroes. The setting of the film does not allow us to forget that we are told the story of people who could live at any time and in any society. They are lonely, lost and rejected by others. Some might even call them narrow-minded. Still, together they are able to build a real life. The sense of unity empowers them so that they can sail against the wind.
They learn not to rush to battle, but play a waiting game. In life, as in bull rodeo, you have to take a break once in a while. After fate has taken its hand in your life rewarding you with numerous bruises, it thinks it has won as you are too weak to fight. Yet, the very moment it loses vigilance, we know who the game will be finally won by.
After all, everyone deserves a little happiness.
Great movie despite wrongful claims of animal abuse.
sjskyhook22 January 2020
Great movie despite wrongful claims of animal abuse. Seems some people have no education on the handling of these animals and make false claims of abuse. Really, it's unfortunate, just dumb, and misleading to say such things. With that said if you want a good look at what it's like to be involved in western sports as a whole with a tremendous story of what it is to be human then watch this movie. Story and heart. Hope you enjoy.
Never got started
halla-290144 April 2022
All of a sudden this movie was over, and nothing ever happened. I kept waiting for the plot twist or the climax... Neither happened. I love rodeo movies, but I haven't figured out why this is called 'Bull' other than one of the main characters career. And the end... what happened?
Well done, sometimes hard to watch, abrupt ending
vchimpanzee19 February 2023
There is a good story here, though by the end we wonder exactly how it will be resolved. Will there be more? No, that's where it ends. We are left to wonder what happened next.
There are no easy solutions, but over time, it appears progress is being made, even with many obstacles. The story could have been told differently, with a more inspirational message, but this is what someone chose to do. We want to see everyone's lives get better. What we mostly see is small victories. Life is hard for everyone and that's just how it's going to be.
Most of the acting is really good. The African American characters seem realistic, with a way of speaking that seems authentic but not racist.
The bull riding looks dangerous.
Rob Morgan is really good, sometimes compassionate, sometimes demanding, sometimes quite angry. But his character has a hard life and he just keeps pushing, with alcohol and prescription drugs to help. At least I think he is using legal drugs, legally. And maybe he has faith (crosses are painted on his cheeks at events, and a cross is on his wall). However, he is never really a loser or a bum. If he's in pain, he just has to do what is needed to keep going. And he at least starts the process of turning a young girl into a bull rider.
Amber Havard is good but not great. She's an ordinary girl rather than an inspiration, and that's fine. We've all seen plenty of inspiring stories. This film is more about a relationship that develops, and she does a capable job of showing that.
Troy Anthony Hogan reminds me of someone, but mostly he just seems real. I'm not really sure what his job is. People like his food and young bull riders train at his place.
Sara Allbright, as a prisoner, is always smiling, no matter what, and seems determined to succeed, but like everyone else, she must face obstacles.
Steven Boyd isn't really a bad guy, but just someone who has to do what is needed to get by. Maybe some won't like what he does (I can probably say it's illegal) but he is nice enough. Not quite a stereotype.
Family friendly? A lot of words were missing. Abe drinks. The grandmother is bitter and uncaring. Drugs are used in a few scenes. Most drug use, however, seems legal and justified. There is a Christian message at times but it's pretty much limited to what I will call Black rodeo, smaller events which are not the ones that make Abe his real money.
If you're looking for excitement, there is some from time to time. But maybe it's better not to expect too much, and just be pleased with what is accomplished.
There are no easy solutions, but over time, it appears progress is being made, even with many obstacles. The story could have been told differently, with a more inspirational message, but this is what someone chose to do. We want to see everyone's lives get better. What we mostly see is small victories. Life is hard for everyone and that's just how it's going to be.
Most of the acting is really good. The African American characters seem realistic, with a way of speaking that seems authentic but not racist.
The bull riding looks dangerous.
Rob Morgan is really good, sometimes compassionate, sometimes demanding, sometimes quite angry. But his character has a hard life and he just keeps pushing, with alcohol and prescription drugs to help. At least I think he is using legal drugs, legally. And maybe he has faith (crosses are painted on his cheeks at events, and a cross is on his wall). However, he is never really a loser or a bum. If he's in pain, he just has to do what is needed to keep going. And he at least starts the process of turning a young girl into a bull rider.
Amber Havard is good but not great. She's an ordinary girl rather than an inspiration, and that's fine. We've all seen plenty of inspiring stories. This film is more about a relationship that develops, and she does a capable job of showing that.
Troy Anthony Hogan reminds me of someone, but mostly he just seems real. I'm not really sure what his job is. People like his food and young bull riders train at his place.
Sara Allbright, as a prisoner, is always smiling, no matter what, and seems determined to succeed, but like everyone else, she must face obstacles.
Steven Boyd isn't really a bad guy, but just someone who has to do what is needed to get by. Maybe some won't like what he does (I can probably say it's illegal) but he is nice enough. Not quite a stereotype.
Family friendly? A lot of words were missing. Abe drinks. The grandmother is bitter and uncaring. Drugs are used in a few scenes. Most drug use, however, seems legal and justified. There is a Christian message at times but it's pretty much limited to what I will call Black rodeo, smaller events which are not the ones that make Abe his real money.
If you're looking for excitement, there is some from time to time. But maybe it's better not to expect too much, and just be pleased with what is accomplished.
So so boring
olaitanakande7 May 2020
Social Realism Filmmaking
lionoflaredo23 March 2021
Here's the deal, this is a Social Realist film. It is a film style that frankly only appeals to a few but is often very relevant and allows those of us who enjoy a sympathetic exercise. The technique is "raw" and outside of conventional film experiences. This is a good one and if you enjoyed it, I can suggest other Social Realist directors such as: Ken Loach, Mike Leigh, Kelly Reichardt, Stephen Frears, Andrea Arnold, Lucrecia Martel, to name just a few.
super waste
saeel-827-17590714 June 2021
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