Bite the Bullet

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Bite the Bullet

PG

1975

2h 11m

Western

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

68%

Tomatometer

73 Reviews

55%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

A disparate group of individuals enters a horse race through 700 miles of the Wild West to win a large cash prize. The contestants include two ex-Rough Riders (Gene Hackman, James Coburn), an aging cowboy who refuses to slow down (Ben Johnson), an inexperienced youth (Jan-Michael Vincent), a Mexican (Mario Arteaga), an Englishman (Ian Bannen) and a woman (Candice Bergen). Over the course of the trek, the riders begin to shed their biases toward gender, race and age, and appreciate one another.

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Critics Consensus

Despite its over-reliance on well-worn genre clichés, Bite the Bullet's stunning scenery, unique premise, and solid performances fashion it into rollicking journey through the Old West.

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David Robinson

The Times (UK)

Jan 15, 2026

The scenery is great; the story pushes on; only it would be nice to know where the film-makers thought it was actually going.

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Paul D. Zimmerman

Newsweek

Jan 15, 2026

Brooks stretches his story with meaningless two-horse sprints that seems senseless in an endurance contest and lots of deadend incident.

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Judith Crist

New York Magazine/Vulture

Jan 15, 2026

Brooks' use of the camera is simply stunning in its depiction of the grandeur of the West.

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John Alan Simon

Times-Picayune

Mar 30, 2026

Relaxed performances by Gene Hackman and James Coburn contribute the only bright touches to the plodding heavy-handedness of this attempted action-comedy.

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Richard Combs

Monthly Film Bulletin

Jan 15, 2026

Both visually and dramatically the film is constantly receding, since Brooks seems to doubt that he can convey what he means except by making sleeve-tugging speeches.

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Blake- N

@PBSAniDom Jun 1, 2026

Bite the Bullet is another strong entry in the wave of 1970s Westerns, offering a mix of adventure, grit, and character-driven storytelling. It stands out for its more grounded approach, focusing on endurance and competition rather than traditional gun-slinging clichés. The film benefits from solid performances and a broad, episodic journey that keeps things moving across varied landscapes. There’s a natural, rugged feel to the production that fits the tone of classic Western cinema from that era. While it does run a bit long and can feel uneven in pacing at times, it still holds together well as an engaging period piece. Fans of 70s Westerns will likely appreciate its ambition and atmosphere. I’d rate it a 7/10.

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HotRod D

@HotRodD Feb 23, 2026

I read a few reviews complaining about the movie being too cliché" It seems like a weird way to describe a western movie The best ones are often entirely cliché This was a fun movie based on true events of a cross country horse race with great star filled casting If you’re a fan of cowboy or western movies and haven’t seen this one yet. Settle in and watch this movie

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CodyZamboni Z

@CodyZamboni Jul 5, 2024

This movie should be more compelling. Given it's about racing horses over a long distance. Gene Hackman and Candice Bergen keep it watchable, And speaking of long, the running time is too long, Major editing was needed.

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malani w

@malani Mar 16, 2024

i gave up immediately

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Zinjx W

@RT36300308 Jun 6, 2023

A long distance horse race with a handful of characters with weak dialog. The film is actually held together by Gene Hackman and James Coburn. Boring at times, not recommend to a classic western lover.

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Dec 2, 2020

I have a couple of questions, #1) What kind of sleep 'medication' was Sam Clayton given, that made him sick? #2) What were the names and breeds of the horses the contestants rode?

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Richard Brooks

Director

Gene Hackman

Sam Clayton

Candice Bergen

Miss Jones

James Coburn

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Synopsis

A disparate group of individuals enters a horse race through 700 miles of the Wild West to win a large cash prize. The contestants include two ex-Rough Riders (Gene Hackman, James Coburn), an aging cowboy who refuses to slow down (Ben Johnson), an inexperienced youth (Jan-Michael Vincent), a Mexican (Mario Arteaga), an Englishman (Ian Bannen) and a woman (Candice Bergen). Over the course of the trek, the riders begin to shed their biases toward gender, race and age, and appreciate one another.

Director: Richard Brooks
Producer: Richard Brooks
Screenwriter: Richard Brooks
Distributor: Columbia Tristar, Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Vista, Columbia Pictures Corporation, Persky-Bright Productions
Rating: PG
Genre: Western
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 20, 1975, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 14, 2010
Runtime: 2h 11m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: 35mm, Scope (2.35:1)

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