BUCK

Buck tells the story of a bona fide cowboy who travels across America teaching people how to communicate with their horses.

The documentary is the creation of first-time director Cindy Meehl, who met Buck Brannerman while attending one of his ‘horse clinics.’ Her admiration for her subject and his gift is palpable and infectious.

The clinics themselves make for fascinating viewing. Every horse has a story to tell, in turn revealing something about their owners.

Buck is ultimately a feel-good tale, which tends toward the sentimental, and will leave you with a warm glow. Moreover, I was left with a lasting impression of the sensitive nature and language of horses and the implications of people’s relationship to these perceptive animals. (RF) ****