Watch On Any Sunday

On Any Sunday is a documentary about the world of motorcycle racing from the early 1970s. The film, directed by Bruce Brown and starring Steve McQueen, has since become a classic among motorcycle enthusiasts and fans of documentary filmmaking. The movie follows a number of different racing circuits and events, from the high-speed thrills of flat-track racing to the more technical challenges of motocross. Along the way, the film profiles a number of different riders -- some famous, some not -- and shows the dedication and passion that goes into the sport of motorcycle racing.

One of the film's strengths is its ability to capture the visceral feel of riding a motorcycle. Whether it's the speed and power of the bikes or the wind whipping through the riders' hair, the film puts the viewer right in the middle of the action.

At the same time, On Any Sunday is also a thoughtful and reflective film. Through interviews with the riders and their families, the film explores what draws people to motorcycle racing and what it takes to succeed in such a dangerous and demanding sport. We see the dedication and sacrifice required, as well as the camaraderie and love for the sport that keeps these riders coming back.

Perhaps the film's most famous sequence is the one featuring Steve McQueen. The actor, a passionate racer and motorcycle enthusiast, appears throughout the film, riding and competing alongside the other riders. But it is his solo ride through the desert, set to the ethereal strains of the song "The Sound of Silence," that is one of the movie's most unforgettable moments.

McQueen's presence in the film has helped to cement its status as a classic. But it's important to note that the movie is not just a showcase for McQueen's coolness or charisma. It is a beautifully crafted film that captures the excitement, danger, and beauty of motorcycle racing in a way that few other movies have.

Aside from McQueen, the film features a number of other memorable characters. Dave Aldana, a scrappy racer from California, is one of the movie's most endearing figures. We see him struggle to make it as a solo rider, dealing with injuries and setbacks along the way. But we also see the pure joy he experiences when he's out on the track, pushing himself and his motorcycle to their limits.

Another standout is Mark Brelsford, a young motocross rider who dreams of making it to the big time. We follow him as he competes in local races and works to improve his skills. But we also see the sacrifices that he and his family must make in order to support his racing dreams.

One of the things that makes On Any Sunday such a great movie is the way it balances these different stories and characters. The film never feels like it's trying to make one rider or one type of racing more important than the others. Instead, it presents a rich and varied portrait of the motorcycle racing world, showing us the different personalities and motivations that drive the sport.

In addition to its great storytelling, On Any Sunday is also a beautifully shot film. Brown uses a variety of different camera angles and techniques to capture the racing action, from close-ups of the riders' faces to sweeping shots of the motorcycles flying through the air. The film's gorgeous cinematography helps to underscore the visceral thrill of motorcycle racing, as well as the beauty of the landscapes where these races take place.

Overall, On Any Sunday is a landmark documentary that deserves to be seen by anyone with an interest in motorcycle racing or great filmmaking. It is a rich and compelling portrait of a sport and a community, one that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

On Any Sunday is a 1971 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 75.