Review: They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

Review:

5 out of 5

Honestly I have not felt this way about a movie in a long time. It was heartbreaking and uplifting and then that ending. Honestly I am still in shock and still cry whenever I think of it. I had to rewatch it 3 times before I truly grasped it.

I wish I could help you to understand the title but it is not until the very last line of the movie that you can grasp the title of the movie. It is the very last line of the movie and that pivotal scene between the two main characters helps one to understand the title.

Just because I gave it a perfect rating does not mean I like the subject matter. I personally think it is horrible and is borderline illegal. The two characters are entered into a dancing contest to see which couple can dance the longest. The two that do get $1500 which during the movie is a large amount of money and they need it. They are both homeless from the way it sounds and they are written off as the underdogs who have no change of winning.

The part that is horrible in my opinion is that it goes on for WEEKS (not hours-- but weeks). At one point they hit the 1000 hour mark. That is unreal and the one contestant has a heart attack (the one of many parts I cry), another person has a nervous breakdown, and another is PREGNANT!!! This shows the lengths that people will go through for money.

There are flashbacks throughout the entire movie and they are not truly something I understood until the end. It shows the main character male going through a trial that has happened and it helps us to realize why he is the way he is.

Jane Fonda is the female lead and carries the movie on her shoulders. She earned her first of many Oscar nominations and was amazing. She shows someone that has so much determination and will power. But it isn't until the end when you realize how amazing she is when she finally loses all hope and needs to reach out to someone. She is a true feminist who had issues asking for help so it took a lot for her. That moment is the true scene to watch for. It is in the last 5 minutes and it makes the entire movie.

I highly recommend this movie-- but beware the movie is not for the faint of heart. You will become invested and probably cry along with laugh and learn to love this movie.

Let me know what you think!