Bite the Bullet
Performance & Direction: Bite the Bullet Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Bite the Bullet (1975) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Bite the Bullet features a noteworthy lineup led by Gene Hackman . Supported by the likes of Candice Bergen and James Coburn , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Bite the Bullet
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1975, Bite the Bullet is a Action, Western, Adventure film directed by Richard Brooks. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Gene Hackman.
Ending Explained: Bite the Bullet
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Richard Brooks, Bite the Bullet concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension involving Gene Hackman, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Bite the Bullet reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Bite the Bullet?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Gene Hackman or the director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: Bite the Bullet
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $4.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Bite the Bullet Budget
The estimated production budget for Bite the Bullet is $4.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Bite the Bullet
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Where to Watch Bite the Bullet Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreBite the Bullet Parents Guide & Age Rating
1975 AdvisoryWondering about Bite the Bullet age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Bite the Bullet is 132 minutes (2h 12m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.4/10, and global performance metrics, Bite the Bullet is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1975 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bite the Bullet worth watching?
Bite the Bullet is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6.4/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Bite the Bullet parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Bite the Bullet identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Bite the Bullet?
The total duration of Bite the Bullet is 132 minutes, which is approximately 2h 12m long.
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How Bite the Bullet Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Bite the Bullet
***Big-budget Western about a 700-mile endurance race with a top-notch cast*** In 1906, a 700-mile horse race in the Western wilderness is sponsored by a newspaper. The racers include two former Rough Riders (Gene Hackman & James Coburn), a part-time prostitute (Candice Bergen), a punk “Kid” (Jan-Michael Vincent), an aged cowboy (Ben Johnson), a Mexican with a toothache (Mario Arteaga) and an English gent (Ian Bannen). “Bite the Bullet” (1975) was written & directed by Richard Brooks, who said the movie is based on several historical cross-country races subsidized by newspapers and cities from 1880-1910. The most well-known was a 1908 race from Evanston, Wyoming, to Denver backed by the Denver Post with a $2500 prize, which was his main inspiration. While this was a big budget production with a kick-axx cast it’s not often cited on Best Westerns lists, probably because the long race makes it a one-of-a-kind Western that’s not about a suspense-building story, but rather an episodic adventure with character-defining vignettes. Speaking of which, it helps if you utilize the subtitles to keep up with the sometimes mumbled dialogues. Unfortunately, the escaped convict subplot seems shoehorned into the last act. It's like Brooks tried too hard to concoct an "exciting" ending, but ended up almost ruining the movie. The film runs 2 hours, 12 minutes, and was shot in Nevada (Carson National Forest & Lake Mead), New Mexico (White Sands) and Colorado. GRADE: C+/B-
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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