Rank

A visceral, pulse-pounding documentary about competitive bull-riding, John Hyams' Rank is filled with literally breathtaking footage of grown men risking life and limb for a few seconds atop a raging 2000-pound beast. Of course, there's more to it than an adrenaline rush: the three thrill-seekers portrayed here are competing for a million dollars in prize money. In the lead-up to the 2004 Professional Bull Riding World Championship held in Las Vegas, we meet Mike Lee, a young born-again Christian; Justin McBride, a third-generation bull rider; and 38-year-old veteran competitor Adriano Moraes, who may be getting his last shot at the title. Viewers will see how these men prepare for this extremely dangerous sport, as well as how they react to adversity and injury over the course of the grueling seven-day competition. DVD extras include audio commentary, and featurettes on the soundtrack by The Unseen Hand and sound effects used for the bull-riding sequences. Despite the subject matter, Rank is at times a little plodding, but this should still be considered a recommended purchase. Aud: P. (E. Hulse)