Movie Introduction"Broken Horses", released in 2015, is an American crime thriller movie directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, marking his American directorial launching. A remarkable narco-drama deeply embedded in a perfectly rendered climatic aircrafts setting with an intimate concentrate on familial bonds, it includes an ensemble cast with stars like Vincent D'Onofrio.
Plot OverviewEmbed in the shadowy outskirts of the US-Mexico border, the film is a dark, intense chronicle of the tumultuous lives of two bros, Buddy (Chris Marquette) and Jacob Heckum (Anton Yelchin). Following the tragic death of their father, the bros discover themselves entangled with a deadly Mexican drug cartel. As children, Buddy accidentally kills their daddy, which leaves him mentally scarred. Making the most of Buddy's vulnerability, gang leader Julius Hench (Vincent D'Onofrio) manipulates him into a life of criminal offense.
Years later, Jacob returns to his home town after attaining success as a violinist in New York. He is stunned to witness Buddy's change into a feared gunman under the influence of Hench. Guilt-ridden about his brother's predicament and driven by the courage to liberate Buddy from his regrettable scenarios, Jacob chooses to face Hench and his cartel. His violinist fiancée Vittoria (María Valverde) unsuspectingly enters into the fateful conflict that ensues.
Dispute and ResolutionThe bond between the 2 siblings forms the emotional epicenter of the film. In spite of getting captured up in a bloody narco-war, the love and concern Jacob has for his brother never waver. He attempts to encourage Buddy to leave the criminal world, not fully understanding the depth of his entanglement and the psychological control he has gone through.
The climax of the film is packed with stress and violence. When Hench learns of Jacob's intents, he purchases Buddy to kill him. A confrontation occurs, with a heartbreaking ending. In a moment of awareness, Buddy defies Hench's orders. In the bloody finale that follows, Buddy handles to eliminate Hench, saving his bro and Vittoria. Nevertheless, Buddy is fatally wounded in the confrontation. As he dies in Jacob's arms, Julie's malevolent reign ends, and the bros share a final moment of fraternal love.
Style and Reception"Broken Horses" pays brilliant homage to the classic Hollywood tradition of Western police procedural. It depicts how integrity and love can rise even in the most dire situations. The film received mixed reviews from critics but was appreciated for its expedition of familial bonds, raw emotional strength, and compelling efficiencies. It was applauded for its expressive representation of loyalty, sacrifice, and love going beyond the violent and gritty truth of the narcotics underworld.
Especially, distinguished filmmakers like James Cameron and Alfonso Cuarón lauded Chopra for the movie, calling it "an artistic triumph" and "overwhelmingly breathtaking", respectively. Although it might not have actually stirred the expected wave in mainstream movie theater, "Broken Horses" absolutely forms a vital part of worldwide movie theater for its distinct portrayal of a poignant tale of familial loyalty set against the gritty backdrop of life on the US-Mexico border.
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