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Urban Cowboy
1980 132 min United States of America PG 16+
★6.7
Drama, Romance, Western
Director: James Bridges
Trailers
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Description
After moving to Pasadena, Texas, country boy Bud Davis starts hanging around a bar called Gilley's, where he falls in love with Sissy, a cowgirl who believes the sexes are equal. They eventually marry, but their relationship is turbulent due to Bud's traditional view of gender roles. Jealousy over his rival leads to their separation, but Bud attempts to win Sissy back by triumphing at Gilley's mechanical bull-riding competition.
Budget:
$10M
US Gross:
$46.92M
Worldwide:
$53.3M
Starring
John Travolta
Actor
Debra Winger
Actor
Scott Glenn
Actor
Awards
Golden Globe 1981
— Breakthrough of the Year
BAFTA 1981
— Best Breakthrough
Golden Globe 1981
— Best Supporting Actress
Key opinion
Urban Cowboy is viewed as a definitive 80s cultural artifact that captures its era through a vibrant, authentic honky-tonk atmosphere. While the film is praised for its immersive setting and music, it is frequently criticized for its melodramatic tone and an overlong runtime that strains the narrative.
| Culture | The film succeeds as a vivid time capsule, effectively using the honky-tonk setting to reflect the cultural energy of the 1980s. | |
| Score | The country soundtrack is a standout element, providing an atmospheric and enjoyable backdrop even for those who do not typically listen to the genre. | |
| Acting | Scott Glenn delivers a standout performance, anchoring the cast with a realistic and gritty portrayal of a criminal. | |
| Runtime | The film suffers from a bloated runtime, with critics suggesting that trimming 20 to 25 minutes would have significantly improved the viewing experience. | |
| Acting | The characters and central relationships are divisive, with some viewers finding them relatable and honest, while others find them inconsistent, unlikable, and prone to cringeworthy melodrama. |