Its amazing how Jackie Earle Haley grew up so fast from 1976 to 1979!

Absolute gem of a 70's movie that is still watchable.  Great classical soundtrack.  Love the look of all the students and townies.  And the father ranting "refund" still makes me laugh until I cry.  Great period film.

Very good movie. Great performances by all of the main characters, particularly Dennis Christopher and Dennis Quaid. Depicts four townie friends living in a college town (Bloomington, IN). All around them are students, with endless opportunity, who will go on to bigger and better things. Conversely, the Cutters (as they are called) are stuck in Bloomington trying to figure out what to do with their lives.

The truth about attending IU in the movie is great. I was there and coached 3 Little 500 teams in which Steve Tesich rode! I saw the friction and fights between "townies" and students and knew a lot of "stone-cutters." Paul Dooley is a gem of a father; and the guys have it just right. Life is Bloomington is just as depicted. By the way, I'm in the opening of the race scenes, but not as an actor.

This is a tremendous movie and one that is often overlooked when it comes to the greatest sports movies of all-time. Dennis Christopher is great as the main character whose cycling dreams are discouraged (to say the least) by his dad and tolerated / encouraged by his friends. Breaking Away is a sports movie, a buddy flick, a study of father/son relationships, and a love story all in one. It may be a little slow for some, but check it out if you've never seen it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.