Cycling docu promotes resilience; reference to sexual abuse.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
some
Someone recalls how they were sexually abused as an eight-year-old. Though there's no specific detail, the resulting trauma is discussed by the survivor. Someone is accidentally shot -- a gunshot is heard -- during a hunting trip. Discussions about the injuries suffered, which including pellets narrowly missing arteries and becoming lodged inside the body. Mention of gurgling blood and bloodstained sheets. The victim is seen lying on a hospital gurney, with a scar on their chest, and later in a wheelchair. Reference to someone attempting to shoot themselves. A cyclist collapses with exhaustion. Reference to an injury causing a testicle to swell to three times the size resulting in great pain.
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Professional cyclists don sportswear with various sponsors on display. Brands mentioned or seen include Renault, Coca-Cola, USA Today, Fiat, and Coors Light.
Sex, Romance & Nudity
very little
A married couple talk about their initial attraction to each other and their first kiss. Footage of them embracing and kissing after cycling races. Non-sexual shirtless nudity in the context of cycling races.
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Reference to and people seen drinking champagne and beer socially. Mention of EPO and other performance-enhancing drugs in a negative context. Coors Light logo clearly visible.
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Never giving up. Showing courage in the face of adversity. The importance of having a supportive family, especially in your time of need. How trauma can change a person but how it is possible to overcome it. Some discussion about emotions and an openness about crying when feeling low.
Positive Role Models
a lot
Greg LeMond in his younger years is shown to be a dedicated cyclist who never gives up on his goals despite various setbacks -- including childhood trauma. He is also willing to help his team, which can't be said for all the cyclists featured. Rival Laurent Fignon is portrayed as arrogant, grumpy, and aggressive. But he too shows unbelievable dedication to his sport. LeMond's wife, Kathy, is loving and supportive toward her husband, despite the sacrifices she had to make for his career.
Diverse Representations
very little
The cyclists featured are all White men, although the racing circuit shows that multiple nationalities were involved. English, French, and Spanish all spoken. The only woman involved in the film is LeMond's wife, Kathy. She is involved in the film a lot but talks about how she had to make sacrifices in order to support her husband's sporting career.
Parents need to know that The Last Rider is a sporting documentary about American cyclist Greg LeMond and the 1989 Tour de France, which many claim is the competition's greatest ever race. LeMond looks back on his career alongside his wife, Kathy, and reflects on the adversity he had to overcome both in and outside the sport. This includes experiencing sexual abuse as a child. Though there's no explicit details given, LeMond talks about the impact it had on him. LeMond also recalls how he was accidentally shot by his brother-in-law during a hunting trip. His injuries are discussed and a scar on his chest is seen. The guilt felt by his brother-in-law led him to attempt suicide. Despite all this, LeMond shows incredible courage and perseverance to once again reach the pinnacle of his sport. His rivalry with French cyclist Laurent Fignon is a major part of the film, with Fignon playing the part of arrogant and brash villain, while LeMond is portrayed as being more of a team player and likable. Language is infrequent but there is one use of "f---ing" and "s--t," and two of "son of a bitch." To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
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What's the Story?
THE LAST RIDER tells the story of one of the most thrilling races in the history of cycling, the 1989 Tour de France. Faced with unimaginable adversity, American rider Greg LeMond recalls how he had to show incredible resilience if he was to achieve one of cycling's great comebacks.
This sporting documentary focuses on what is arguably the greatest ever Tour de France. THE LAST RIDER puts American cyclist Greg LeMond front and center, as he recalls the dramatic events from 1989. At the time of writing, LeMond remains the only American to ever win cycling's most prestigious race, but it's what he had to overcome outside of the sport that really grabs the attention. From childhood trauma to a near fatal hunting accident, LeMond's story is remarkable and he -- alongside his wife, Kathy -- remains likable throughout. The documentary is in a strange position in that those who are unfamiliar with the story will most likely be more amazed by what unfolded than those who already know. Yet at the same time, it's fans of the sport who will be tuning in, while those who have little appetite for cycling are likely to pass it by. But wherever you sit with competitive cycling, LeMond's exploits are yet another example that sport can often produce comebacks that need to be seen to be believed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what character strengths Greg LeMond showed in The Last Rider. How did he overcome adversity? What do you think it takes to be an elite sportsperson?
What role did LeMond's wife Kathy play in his success? What is the importance of a good support network? Who do you rely on?
How did this film compare to other sports documentaries you've seen? Do you have a favorite?
MPAA explanation:
thematic elements and brief strong language
Last updated:
September 3, 2024
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By Danny Brogan
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