Cine Vue
4 stars, Alexandra Hayward
Buck Brannaman appears to be your average modern-day cowboy; yet in the equestrian world and beyond, he is nothing short of a superstar. In the inspirational and emotionally-charged documentary Buck (2011), the first feature release from Cindy Meehl, we meet an enigmatic man who possesses an extraordinary gift to communicate and heal troubled or misbehaving horses across the United States.
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London Evening Standard
3 Stars, Derek Malcolm
There’s a whole class of people dedicated to helping owners with their animals. Buck Brannaman, does it the other way round, helping animals with their owners. He is a cowboy, teacher and part-time philosopher, the real-life horse whisperer, and Cindy Meehl’s documentary, supported by Robert Redford, the cinematic horse whisperer, shows how he does it.
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The Guardian
4 Stars, Catherine Shoard
Saddle up for for a one-way ticket to inspirationville: this Sundance-wowing documentary gives an insight into the real-life horse whisperer, child abuse backstory and all. Buck Brannaman is the sort of copper-bottomed authentic that makes you wonder how we ever swallowed Robert Redford’s blow-dried impression. Half nag, half guru, he burrs wise words about wrangling men and beasts, one’s primal nature and one’s animal altruism. Yet he’s also acid enough to balance out the slight tang of treacle in Meehl’s treatment. There’s a whole heap of Americana to wallow in here, but it’s testimony to the director and subject that Buck still trots along at such a lick. Complete article >
ContactMusic.com
Ostensibly a documentary about a real-life horse whisperer, this film actually has more to say about how people treat each other than how they interact with horses. It’s a strikingly well-made film that entertains us while packing a quiet emotional kick.