Buck

This docu-film about Buck Brannaman – the original ‘Horse Whisperer’ – makes for compelling viewing for anyone who loves horses and those who wish to learn more about these majestic animals.

Brannaman’s story, from his torturous upbringing by an abusive father; to being taken into care by a foster family and then becoming the subject of a best selling novel and a Hollywood movie starring Robert Redford, is captured in Buck. During the course of the film, we find out how his traumatic childhood drew him closer to animals and resulted in an empathy with horses. Buck, who has gained worldwide respect for his skill in natural horsemanship and his remarkable ability to communicate with the animals, wanted to tell his story to a world beyond ranches and stables. His unique talent is based on the belief that “the horse becomes a mirror to our own nature; all inclusive of our faults and anxieties. There is a lot that people can learn about themselves through horses.” He furthermore points out: “Often instead of helping people with horse problems, I'm helping horses with people problems."

Buck is a cowboy, teacher and philosopher and travels from clinic to clinic to offer his hands-on advice to those less skilled with horses. Although his handling of stubborn horses and their sometimes fractious owners are rewarding points as far as his job is concerned, there are minus points attached… such as leaving his family at home for weeks on end. Still, his determination and sought-after insight of bringing harmony into the lives of horses and their owners is rewarding when results can be observed. Besides, Buck loves simply loves horses too much to ever give up his profession.

“It’s like a dance”, Buck explains when describing the feeling of a horses’ movement through the saddle. “The legs of the creature beneath me become my own, creating a beautiful union; like rider and horse becoming merged as the body and the mind of both become synchronized.” There’s poetry in motion for you!

Extras on the DVD include: Commentary, Photo Gallery and Deleted Scenes.