Below is a list of my top 10 favourite cycling films of all time. Below the list is a brief description about each of the movies. I've included a clip from A Sunday In Hell since it is arguably the best film ever made about professional cycling.
1. A Sunday In Hell (1976)
2. Something To Aim At (1968)
3. Overcoming (2004)
4. Hell On Wheels (2005)
5. Stars And Watercarriers (1973)
6. La Course En Tete (1974)
7. The Greatest Show On Earth: The Story of the 1974 Giro d'Italia (1974)
8. Road To Roubaix (2008)
9. Belleville Rendezvous (2003)
10. Breaking Away (1979)
A Sunday In Hell
This Danish documentary directed by Jorgen Leth beautifully details the 1976 edition of the grueling Paris-Roubaix from the perspective of participants, organisers and spectators. It's an absolute must see for a pro cycling fans.
Something To Aim At
Written & narrated by Ray Pascoe. Something To Aim at is a film that told the story of Tom Simpson. This documentary takes a closer look at Tom through the eyes of the people who knew him well including Tom's parents. In a 1968 interview, recorded just a few months after his death, they speak of his early days in Harworth, Nottinghamshire, and his determination to succeed.
Overcoming
Danish film maker Tómas Gislason's takes a behind the scenes look at the intense and technical world of pro cycling by following Team CSC as they battle there way through the 2004 edition of the Tour de France.
Hell On Wheels
This German movie directed by Pepe Danquart records the 2003 edition of the Tour de France from the perspective of Germany's now defunkt Team Telekom. Very similar in style to Overcoming in terms of it being a behind the scenes look at a pro team in action.
Stars And Watercarriers
Jorgen Leth's first movie about pro cycling. This movie documents the magic moments of the 1973 Giro d'Italia, featuring such luminaries as Merckx, Gimondi, Battaglin, Fuentes, and a young Francesco Moser.
La Course En Tete
Joel Santoni's Belgian documentary on the life of Eddy Merckx.
The Greatest Show On Earth: The Story Of The 1974 Giro d'Italia
This documentary goes inside the heart and soul of the 1974 Giro d'Italia paying particular attention to the epic battle between Gimondi and Merckx.
Both La Course En Tete and The Great Show On Earth can be bought together on one DVD.
Road To Roubaix
Directors David Deal and Dave Cooper bring you a documentary that celebrates the Queen of the classics, Paris-Roubaix. The film includes interviews with current superstars, legends of the sport, mechanics and fans spliced with footage from the 2007 edition of the race.
Belleville Rendezvous
Also known in the USA as The Triplets of Belleville, this animated movie tells the story of Madame Souza's grandson who is kidnapped during the Tour de France. Madame Souza and her beloved pooch Bruno team up with the Belleville Sisters, an aged song-and-dance team from the days of Fred Astaire to rescue him.
Breaking Away
Directed by Peter Yates this oscar winning movie tells of a small-town teenager obsessed with Italian cycling who vies for the affections of a college girl.
1. A Sunday In Hell (1976)
2. Something To Aim At (1968)
3. Overcoming (2004)
4. Hell On Wheels (2005)
5. Stars And Watercarriers (1973)
6. La Course En Tete (1974)
7. The Greatest Show On Earth: The Story of the 1974 Giro d'Italia (1974)
8. Road To Roubaix (2008)
9. Belleville Rendezvous (2003)
10. Breaking Away (1979)
A Sunday In Hell
This Danish documentary directed by Jorgen Leth beautifully details the 1976 edition of the grueling Paris-Roubaix from the perspective of participants, organisers and spectators. It's an absolute must see for a pro cycling fans.
Something To Aim At
Written & narrated by Ray Pascoe. Something To Aim at is a film that told the story of Tom Simpson. This documentary takes a closer look at Tom through the eyes of the people who knew him well including Tom's parents. In a 1968 interview, recorded just a few months after his death, they speak of his early days in Harworth, Nottinghamshire, and his determination to succeed.
Overcoming
Danish film maker Tómas Gislason's takes a behind the scenes look at the intense and technical world of pro cycling by following Team CSC as they battle there way through the 2004 edition of the Tour de France.
Hell On Wheels
This German movie directed by Pepe Danquart records the 2003 edition of the Tour de France from the perspective of Germany's now defunkt Team Telekom. Very similar in style to Overcoming in terms of it being a behind the scenes look at a pro team in action.
Stars And Watercarriers
Jorgen Leth's first movie about pro cycling. This movie documents the magic moments of the 1973 Giro d'Italia, featuring such luminaries as Merckx, Gimondi, Battaglin, Fuentes, and a young Francesco Moser.
La Course En Tete
Joel Santoni's Belgian documentary on the life of Eddy Merckx.
The Greatest Show On Earth: The Story Of The 1974 Giro d'Italia
This documentary goes inside the heart and soul of the 1974 Giro d'Italia paying particular attention to the epic battle between Gimondi and Merckx.
Both La Course En Tete and The Great Show On Earth can be bought together on one DVD.
Road To Roubaix
Directors David Deal and Dave Cooper bring you a documentary that celebrates the Queen of the classics, Paris-Roubaix. The film includes interviews with current superstars, legends of the sport, mechanics and fans spliced with footage from the 2007 edition of the race.
Belleville Rendezvous
Also known in the USA as The Triplets of Belleville, this animated movie tells the story of Madame Souza's grandson who is kidnapped during the Tour de France. Madame Souza and her beloved pooch Bruno team up with the Belleville Sisters, an aged song-and-dance team from the days of Fred Astaire to rescue him.
Breaking Away
Directed by Peter Yates this oscar winning movie tells of a small-town teenager obsessed with Italian cycling who vies for the affections of a college girl.
1 comment:
Hello Jason, your blog is great!
I posted a link to your site on my DE ROSA-blog. Your German is very good.
Geetings Marcello
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