American Flyers

American Flyers

Year: 1985

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: John Badham

DramaSport

As two brothers, one a driven athlete, the other struggling with mortality, embark on a treacherous bike race across the Rocky Mountains, secrets threaten to derail their journey. Unbeknownst to his brother, Marcus is racing against time as David's fragile health hangs in the balance, testing the limits of human endurance and brotherly love.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen American Flyers yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – American Flyers (1985)
Explore the full timeline and setting of American Flyers (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980

The movie unfolds in the year 1980, a time marked by significant events and changes, including the lead-up to the controversial U.S. boycott of the Summer Olympics in Moscow. This era saw a growing sense of competition in sports, mirroring the tensions and rivalries depicted in the bike race.

Location

St. Louis, Missouri, Colorado, Rocky Mountains

The film takes place in St. Louis, Missouri, where Marcus returns after a long absence to face family tensions following his father's death. Their journey leads them to Colorado for the 'Hell of the West' bicycle race, set against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains known for their rugged beauty and outdoor adventures.

🏙️ City 🏔️ Mountains 🚴‍♂️ Race

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:19

Main Characters – American Flyers (1985)
Meet the key characters of American Flyers (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Marcus Sommers (Kevin Costner)

Marcus is a dedicated sports physician returning to his family amidst tension following his father's passing. He embodies both strength and vulnerability, navigating his own health issues while striving to support and connect with his brother David throughout the challenges they face.

🏥 Doctor 👨‍👦 Family 🚴‍♂️ Cyclist

David (David Marshall Grant)

David is Marcus's younger brother, characterized by his competitive spirit and determination to prove himself. He grapples with feelings of insecurity and fear related to his family's medical history, yet his passion for cycling propels him to surpass expectations in the race.

🚴‍♂️ Cyclist 💪 Determination 👨‍👦 Family

Sarah (Alexandra Paul)

Sarah is David's supportive girlfriend, representing strength and resilience. She plays a key role in the brothers' journey, helping to navigate conflicts and challenges during the race while standing up for herself against past adversities.

❤️ Supportive 👩‍❤️‍👨 Relationship 🪨 Courage

Becky (Doi Johnson)

Becky is a free-spirited hitchhiker who joins the brothers on their adventure. Her character brings a sense of spontaneity and positivity, showcasing the importance of unexpected connections during challenging times.

🌼 Free Spirit 🛣️ Adventure 🤝 Connection

Muzzin (John Amos)

Muzzin is an antagonist in the story, representing old rivalries and tensions within the cycling community. His confrontational nature adds to the drama, challenging David's resolve as he fights for his place in the race.

🏆 Rivalry 🥊 Confrontation 🚴‍♂️ Competitor

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:19

Major Themes – American Flyers (1985)
Explore the central themes of American Flyers (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🚴‍♂️ Family Bonds

At its core, 'American Flyers' explores the complex dynamics of family relationships, particularly between brothers Marcus and David. Their journey through grief, competition, and reconciliation underscores the importance of connection and support in overcoming personal struggles.

💪 Resilience

The theme of resilience is prevalent as both brothers confront physical and emotional challenges during the race. David's determination to succeed against the odds, coupled with Marcus's struggle with his health, showcases the tenacity required to face life's obstacles.

🏆 Competition

The thrill of competition drives the narrative forward, with the brothers participating in a high-stakes cycling race. As they face off against formidable rivals, the film highlights not only the excitement of competition but also the personal stakes involved in achieving victory.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:19

Similar Movies to American Flyers
Discover movies like American Flyers that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.