Looking for films to binge on during lockdown? We have put together our list of Top 5 films about cycling that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own sofa. Only 5 I hear you cry? I know there are many others we wanted to put down but if it's a five seater, it's a five seater!
In at NUMBER 5:
BMX BANDITS by Brian Trenchard-Smith
Ok, we know there are better films with bikes but let us indulge just for a minute (or 92) in retro 80s BMXing. In the 1980s not only could your BMX show off the most cutting edge of stokey dokeys, but you could perform stunts, jumps and slides and it also helped you defeat criminals and save the day (spoiler alert)! Cooler than KIT and without the need for petrol - it's also one of the earliest films featuring Nicole Kidman.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bnAzaYTj9I
NUMBER 4
THE CYCLIST by Christopher Bryan
This 2014 short film has won a plethora of international awards and is available to view online. It's a tale of fear, death and a final bid for freedom - perfectly evoked by the protagonist's desperate (last) bicycle ride.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0zvQYS9g68
NUMBER 3
RISING FROM THE ASHES by T.C Johnstone.
A feature length documentary about the first Rwandan national cycling team in their bid to make history and represent their country at the 2012 Olympics. Competing in a white man's sport, reserved for the privileged, a rag tag group of cyclists coached by the first American to ride in the Tour de France, are transformed into a powerful symbol of hope for a country recovering from one of the world's most devastating genocides. A wonderful, inspiring documentary that will make you get on your bike immediately.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXfq0DxS4KM
NUMBER 2
THE CYCLIST by Morgan Kranz.
This film will be played at the Bicycle Film Festival this weekend and is an endearing, quirky film about an awkward first date made all the worse by the theft of Hannah's bicycle. Together, they hunt for the culprit, finally warming up to each other in the process. But Harry soon realises that the thief is the last person he’d suspect in this love story.
Watch the trailer here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CosqWuSaKtM
AND TOP OF THE LIST:
NUMBER 1
The truly delightful and captivating BELLEVILLE RENDEZVUE by Sylvain Chomet.
This animated classic from 2003 tells the story of a boy named Champion who dreams of becoming a great Tour de France rider but on route gets caught up in the dark side of cycling - this time it's gangsters not doping. Expect to be taken on a magical adventure full of wit, charm and imagination.
If you haven't seen it yet you must ... and what have you been doing?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5rSblM_wjo
Don't agree with our list - what do you think should have featured?
If you want to find out more about bicycle related films - check out the Bicycle Film Festival website - sadly cancelled this year but they have plans for 2021.
