Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story (PG, 2005)

common sense media says

Sweet horse movie that grade-school kids will enjoy.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie includes scenes of family tensions, involving a young girl and her parents, and her grandfather. The movie features an early, brief scene where a racehorse stumbles on the track and breaks its leg (this might be difficult for younger viewers). As the movie is set at Kentucky stables and race tracks, some characters use colorful language ("hell" and "damn") and drink at a wealthy owner's home. While the girl is riding the horse, it becomes frightened and runs away in a panic, frightening the girl, who can't stop it (the father has her jump from a galloping horse into his arms, a nearly impossible feat). A jockey shows the girl surgery scars on his shoulders and chest, the result of a riding accident, and explains that he has bad dreams. The primary villain, a white male horse owner, exhibits racism toward Mexican workers. The father and his friend talk about breeding the mare, involving a stallion and a "teaser pony" (this might provoke questions for some kids).

Positive messages: Positive role models.
Violence & scariness: Horse falls during a race, horse runs away with girl riding (some frightening point of view shots); a jockey discusses his fall in a race, and shows his resulting scars.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Mild (damn and hell).
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Brief wine drinking at an adults' gathering.

More on Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the value and difficulties of pursuing what might seem impossible dreams. They might also consider the film's portrayal of generational conflicts: how does Ben and Pop's longstanding tension affect Ben's relationship with his young daughter?

What's the story?

What's the story?
DREAMER: INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY focuses on the loving relationship between a girl and her horse. Young Cale (Dakota Fanning) meets racehorse Sonya when she spends a work day with her father, a trainer named Ben (terrific Kurt Russell). When Sonya breaks her leg in a race, Ben refuses to have the horse put down and buys her from the money-minded owner, Mr. Palmer (David Morse). Soon, Sonya is fit enough to race. A gruff sort, Ben has trouble showing his affection for Cale, in part because he has a difficult history with his own father, retired trainer Pop (Kris Kristofferson). Cale's mother, Lil (Elisabeth Shue) tries to help Ben overcome his disconnection, encouraging him to see the bond developing between Cale and Sonya, as well as Pop's involvement in the horse's recovery. Stable hand Balon (Luis Guzmán) and jockey Manolin (Freddy Rodriguez) also help in her remarkable recovery. In competition against his brother, wealthy Prince Sadir (Oded Fehr) decides to finance Sonya's comeback.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Charming, predictable, and good fun for kids, John Gatins' movie stretches credibility (with a spotty record, Sonador is invited to run in the prestigious Breeder's Cup), but it is sweet as can be, enhanced by gorgeous tracking shots over wide Kentucky expanses, and earnest father-daughter exchanges. Russell is phenomenal, utterly convincing even when saddled with clichéd dialogue that initially sets him against Cale: "She's not a pet," and "Every racehorse is for sale!".

Cale feeds Sonya popsicles, and the horse follows her around in the paddock, in adorable, swelling-strings-scored scenes that will delight young viewers. While Cale and Sonya make the movie great for kids, the evolving relationship between Cale and Ben provides some substance for parents too.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: DreamWorks
Director: John Gatins
Cast: Dakota Fanning, Kris Kristofferson, Kurt Russell
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 105 minutes
Theatrical release: October 21, 2005
DVD release: March 21, 2006
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: brief mild language

This review was written by Cynthia Fuchs
 
 

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What parents & educators say

8

Most useful reviews by all members

eswanson
parent of 10 year old
 
Wow! What a heartwarming movie!
I loved this and WHOLEHEARTEDLY and without exception recommend it for kids over 8. Recommending it for ALL 5 to 7 year olds is a bit more troublesome. Many kids would be fine but the gasp-producing fall at the beginning plus family tension and mean grownups would upset my sensitive 5 yo. So think before bringing your little ones, definitely take your school agers and pre-teens, TRY to take your husband (mine balked!) and, whatever you do, don't forget the tissues!

dancingwithmyself
teen, 18 years old
 
Best Horse Film that I've seen!
I liked this film better than Flicka. It's a good relaxing film. It's very gentle.

 
great movie
I really liked this movie. So what if it was predictable. I would rather see a really good predictable movie than a poorly-acted non-predictable movie. It's rare that there are good movies out there that the whole family can enjoy together.

super movie ...
teen, 15 years old
 
great movie starring Dakota Fanning
this os one of the best movies Dakota fanning has ever been in. It's good and very kid friendly.

 
this is great for kids to watch i love this movie.

terraOrange
teen, 16 years old
 
I laughed and i cried!
I thought Dreamer was a great movie. I think it had some sad parts and some happy and funny parts. I think it was ideal for animal lovers and for family.

horsenrider
teen, 13 years old
 
Excellent Movie!!
I really enjoyed Dreamer! I haven't watched it for a while but I do remember crying (happy cry I think) and thoroughly enjoying it!

love2
parent of 19 year old
 
a great movie
some scary and intense scences but still great movie.

 
A real dream!!
You and your kids will be inspiered to doing things you never thought you could do. Some parts will make you cry and others laugh. It truly is a family friendly movie.

Liz Perle
parent of 17 and 19 year old
 
So moving and great family entertainment
I took my 6 year old neice who loves horses and it reminded me of the good old movie days when Pollyanna ruled. What a nostalgic pleasure. I wish there were more movies like this out there.

 
An instant classic!
This movie is beautifully made -- from the gorgeous cinematography, to the touching script, to the wonderful acting by Dakota Fanning, Kurt Russell and Elizabeth Shue. I loved "Seabiscuit," but it will be some time before my 5 year old daughter will be able to enjoy it (among other reasons, because of the scenes with jockeys and prostitutes). But here is something that has a lot of the joy, excitement, and thematic elements (such as give a horse, or a person a 2nd chance) of "Seabiscuit," but the whole family can enjoy it. All 3 of us (my husband included) had tears in our eyes at the thrilling climax. We can't wait to own it on dvd! We finally have some amazing family entertainment in the theaters right now, with "Wallace & Gromit," and now "Dreamer!" I give it my highest recommendation.

 
We Loved It !!!
My 5 year old Daughter is a horse lover and LOVES this movie. She wants to watch it all the time.

aggiequeen96
teen, 15 years old
 
I Didn't like it!
I dont like that I have to say this but I din't really like this movie! I don't think that it was stupid or dumb I just didn't like it.

 
This was a fantastic family movie!
My husband and I checked this movie out of our local library last weekend and watched it with our 6 year old twin daughters. All four of us loved it! It may make you and your children cry at times but it will also help your children to realize, that in real life, animals do get hurt and it's heartbreaking when that happens. It will also make them understand that not every horse that breaks a leg must be put down; that sometimes miracles do happen. I highly recommend it!

actiongirl95
teen, 16 years old
 
LOVED IT!!!!!!!
I love this movie!! Its really cute and well put out. I loved it because im a horse lover! Its really cute. Its got no sexual content and little lauguage

kbug
adult
 
i cried
when i ferst sawl it i cried when the horse fell on the race track

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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