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Dark Horse
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Stirring, inspiring docu about unlikely champion.
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Dark Horse
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What's the Story?
In DARK HORSE, villagers in a dying Welsh mining town -- many holding multiple jobs since the mines' closure -- band together to breed a thoroughbred. Although ownership of racehorses is largely confined to those with millions in disposable income, this group -- led by a barmaid and a retired tax consultant -- pay 10 pounds per week to buy a mare, pay stud fees, and eventually raise and train Dream Alliance, a horse that would go on to win beyond expectation, giving an entire village a dose of joy and hope in the process. His owners are moved by his courage: "He doesn't ask for anything, and he gives everything," one observes with admiration.
Is It Any Good?
This is a stirring, inspiring documentary about ordinary people venturing into the extraordinary. Director Louise Osmond masterfully intercuts interviews with giddy owners, a skeptical assistant trainer, and an astonished bookie with scenes of the adorable foal after birth, his training, and actual race footage, capturing the proud beauty inherent in both horses and strivers of all kinds.
These particular strivers are bent on crashing prescribed British class barriers, refusing to allow ridicule, condescension, and conventional wisdom to deter them. The owners' sense of triumph against socio-economic bias is echoed in sweeping shots of well-dressed racing patrons parading their finery at the race courses the miners have invaded. The barmaid sums up how the horse transformed its owners' lives: "I wasn't just Jan the cleaner. When I went to the races, I was Jan the owner."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Dark Horse demonstrates the power of perseverance. Why is that an important character strength?
What message does the movie send about social class? Do you think certain sports (or other activities) have financial barriers to participation?
When the villagers decided that a lack of money wouldn't stop them from breeding and racing a thoroughbred, what do you think motivated their defiance? Does it seem like they got something out of backing the horse that they hadn't expected?
Movie Details
- In theaters: May 6, 2016
- On DVD or streaming: August 23, 2016
- Director: Louise Osmond
- Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Horses and Farm Animals
- Character Strengths: Perseverance
- Run time: 85 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: some mild thematic elements and language
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: June 19, 2023
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