"The Bikeriders" now in theaters Cool Harleys, casual leather jackets and wild brawls

Fabienne Berner

20.6.2024

The wind in your hair, a beer in your hand. The biker's life sounds romantic. But "The Bikeriders" doesn't sugarcoat it: the film bluntly shows how a small motorcycle club becomes a notorious gang.

No time? blue News summarizes for you

  • "The Bikeriders" is based on the 1968 photo book of the same name, in which photojournalist Danny Lyon portrays members of a motorcycle gang in Chicago.
  • At the center of the film is Jodie, who falls in love with the biker Johnny. Over the course of time, Johnny has to decide between his great love and his loyalty to his gang boss.
  • Austin Butler, Jodie Comer and Tom Hardy shine in the leading roles.

What exactly is "The Bikeriders" about? Over the years, the small motorcycle club The Vandals develops into a notorious gang that does not shy away from violence.

The young, untamed Benny (Austin Butler) embodies the Vandals' lifestyle like no other member. Johnny (Tom Hardy), the leader of the biker gang, desperately wants him to follow in his footsteps one day. But Benny's girlfriend Kathy (Jodie Comer) has completely different ideas for their future together. Benny has to decide between his loyalty to Johnny and his love for Kathy.

US indie director Jeff Nichols ("Take Shelter", "Mud") captures the lifestyle and everyday life of this biker gang in the 1960s in a fascinating way.

While "The Bikeriders" is essentially a love story, the film contains many elements of a thrilling gangster drama. Violence seems to be omnipresent in the lives of this marginalized group, and it is portrayed bluntly and brutally. The image of men portrayed is also toxic.

Due to its authentic depictions of everyday life, "The Bikeriders" has a documentary character and conveys a unique feeling of freedom with its atmosphere. Long takes and shots of seemingly endless streets create a nostalgic effect and really immerse the audience in this world.

The top-class acting ensemble around Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, Tom Hardy and Michael Shannon harmonize beautifully.

The great cast, atmospheric images and the portrayal of the fascinating biker lifestyle make "The Bikeriders" the hot movie highlight of the summer.

"TheBikeriders " will be showing in all blue Cinema cinemas from June 20.


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