Dream Horse [DVD]

I admit, my ear for the Welsh dialect is not tuned in. I played the film for 15 mins., rewound, used subtitles for 20 mins. then comprehension followed w/o the text support._—> FYI, Imy little review here is incredibly general. Frankly, it seems like an excerpt from most Cliff Notes: I don’t clarify w/names, plot, or or struggles. Instead, what follows is a perspective on how a person NEEDED to make a change, to find [again] what spurred her through some of her best years. I do, however, recommend this movie. I liked it both because it’s based on a true story, was well told on the screen, and it involves, duh, animals & introspection.I don’t review films, but I was compelled to say something about this one. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will see likely watch it again. If you choose to keep reading, don’t be annoyed by my unsubtle equestrian metaphors. My feed bag was full and I was inspired to break into a word-gallop. Fortunately, most of these thoughts have lassoed themselves to the post while others stampeded out the open barn door.Of note, Damian Lewis fit well in his character in this film. I’d def. give him a carrot.The story unfolds in a small Welsh mining town that putters along - nothing extreme, or very few kablam! moments. However, that was not always the case - we’re quietly shown that in her earlier life, Janet, the main character, was once an achiever in (hard to read the text on ribbons) many events/contests. We saunter w/her past walls of blue ribbon achievements and trophies, yet now is mundane.Brian, her husband, has lost his own spit & vinegar, too. However, it was difficult to ascertain what spirited his life before the opening scenes: his teeth are cruddy and distracting (clearly an important detail to this True Story). He doesn’t truly engage in what she’s doing as a result of a before-opening scene event(s). Thus, he’s glued to the TV and beckons her to follow his fave animal shows, too.She is about care and presence: she’s the backbone of her family, including her aging parents, yet receives little to no acknowledgement for all her efforts.Is this too general of info? Yes. Why? Because it’s the quirkiness of this little town, where horses are often wandering around chomping grass between buildings, on the side of the road, and wherever the green blades lead them. Yet, those equine are part of the fore- and background - nobody even notices. Only the viewer sees that this is atypical.Because the camera draws our eye to this as Jan drives to her blue-grey, sparkless grocery store day job, herunremarkable, slate-hued life is -in a later scene- ignited with ‘What if…?’ It’s a slow unfold since we need to see her Done, Done, and Done checkmark daily routine in contrast to the vivacious person she was before her life plodded along clomped into each day. It’s noteworthy, or so I assume, that most of the unremarkable town folk, including her curmudgeon father, were also once colorful & engaging. That they HAD a jig in their step before adulthood weighed them down to an unrhythmic life.Jan decided break out of her own restrictive stable, climb into the 10-hands high stirrups and invest in the breeding of a single horse. She comes to this notion as a result of the combo of the story’s setting+those unseen ponies+overheard convo. about $$ gained via longshot horse racing -enter Damian Lewis- that she caught at the pub/club she also works in which led to the tiny spark of change.She spoke aloud to others if this thought: w ‘Why not try? Her tiny flame ultimately warmed staid perspectives of the other townsfolk. who collectively decide to form a herd of well-minded investors for this horse. This group forms an alliance, and ultimately agree to tack that name onto the colt, “Dream Alliance.”’With help from Howard Davies, or Damian Lewis’ character, Jan did the research on horses, breeding, trainers, and winnings. Again, she’s the backbone, but this time, her efforts aren’t osteoporotic. Rather, her ideas, her need for change, and her conviction are the healthy kick in the ass that she needs and the community desperately needs.It’s like those interspecies videos: unexpected connections, heartwarming outcomes, and each becomes a better & stronger animal in the long run. Jan needs Dream Alliance, the horse, perhaps as much as Dream Alliance and the alliance of the community that broke out of their comfortable corral financially and emotionally saddled need her. She and Dream Alliance meld with distinction, the interspecies connection becomes a dressage of Blue Ribbon achievement.The love shown toward and faith in this horse is mirrored - it’s, yes, unbridled energy & reliance on a longshot, albeit beautiful horse. Paralleled, the equine seemingly cinches up to her and draws from her core. Despite the the onslaught of doubt from her family, outsiders, and Dream Alliance onlookers (that see an untrained, somewhat willful horse), each gently pulls on the others’ reins for guidance, structure, consistency, and a ride toward something greater.

EXCELLENT

watched cause I love Toni Colette

Oh, what a lovely film. Beautifully acted, great cast, great story. Leaves you holding on to hope that the Vokes will be able to do this again.

I don't remember ordering this and don't even know what this is but Amazon keeps prompting me for a review. That being said, I'll review what I know and that's this pic of the horse and lady:1. The horse- this horse looks very well kept and appears to genuinely enjoy the lady's company. Clearly, not a stock photo but my guess is that photographer hid a carrot or apple behind her head. What a horse!2. The lady- she also looks genuinely happy being around the horse + a professional petting technique.3. The sky- very dreamy and a perfect fit for the title. Even the font selection and color come together!

Granddaughter rides and loved the movie

This is one of the nicest movies I've seen on a while. There's nothing objectionable in it. There's no bad guys, no violence or filthy language and the best part is its based on a true story. Very pleasant movie to watch. You might think it's about a horse but it was about the people the horse touched. It's the kind of movie you can watch over and over again.I highly recommend it.

Loved the story

Great family movie. True story. See original characters at end.

Schöner Film

This movie did not disappoint. Having seen the original documentary, Dark Horse, this feature-film version was a wonderful dramatized version of it. Toni Collette did an amazing job of playing Jan Voakes and pulled off the Welsh Valley accent perfectly. It was great to see so many Welsh actors featured in the movie as well. The story itself gave the viewer laughter and tears as the "syndicate" owners of Dream Alliance, went through the ups and downs of owing and racing a horse. Brilliant movie that I would highly recommend to everyone!

Tony Colette hat sich zu einer wirklich großartigen Schauspielerin entwickelt, die wirklich jedes Genre bedienen kann.Auszeichnen tut sich der Film vor allem durch die sehr lebendigen Charaktere, bei ihren Kampf gegen die Tristesse des Alltags und Lebens. Wirklich sehr gelungen!

I cried, I laughed, I cheered - you will love this movie!