Breaking Away (1979): Plot, Cast & Where to Watch

Name: Breaking Away
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Released: 1979
Duration: 101 min
Cast: Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern, Jackie Earle Haley, Barbara Barrie

What Breaking Away Is About

In an Indiana college town, four friends who are not students drift through a summer, and one of them reinvents himself in imitation of Italian racing cyclists. The film handles class through the friction between university students and the children of quarry workers, without naming an enemy. The Italian obsession starts as a joke and turns touching, because what sits underneath it is the fear of never leaving town. The bike race finale goes exactly where you expect, but the film is really won earlier, in the kitchen scenes between a father and a son.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Breaking Away about?

In an Indiana college town, four friends who are not students drift through a summer, and one of them reinvents himself in imitation of Italian racing cyclists. The film handles class through the friction between university students and the children of quarry workers, without naming an enemy.

Where can I watch Breaking Away?

Breaking Away is available to watch on digital platforms such as Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube. Current rent and buy options are listed in the "Where to Watch" section on this page.

How long is Breaking Away?

Breaking Away runs for 101 minutes (1h 41m).

When did Breaking Away come out?

Breaking Away was released in 1979.

Who directed Breaking Away?

Breaking Away was directed by Peter Yates.

Who stars in Breaking Away?

Breaking Away stars Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern, Jackie Earle Haley.

What is Breaking Away's rating?

Breaking Away holds 7.7/10 on IMDb and 7.2/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 76 out of 100.