Review: ‘Dark Horse’ is a heartwarming tale of underdogs with 2 to 4 legs (Includes first-hand account)

It likely comes as no surprise that participating in certain sports is often also a sign of class. The more expensive the equipment, ample the accessories and demanding the time commitment, the equally less likely it is for a lower class person to partake. Greyhounds have long been referred to as “the poor man’s racehorse” because actual ponies are so costly. However in Dark Horse, a small Welsh community bands together to prove a working-class horse can make its mark in the world of competitive racing.

The former mining village in South Wales was one of many industrial towns in the area to see hard times after the mines were closed. But a conversation overheard in a local pub gives the establishment’s server, Jan, a brilliant and risky idea: breed a racehorse and enter it into competition. Posting a sign in the bar, they needed 30 participants willing to contribute £10 per week to cover expenses. When they reached quorum, Jan bought a thoroughbred mare with a poor racing record, found a suitable stud and the collective was eventually the proud owners of beautiful fowl. With adequate training, “Dream Alliance” was finally race-ready — the only question left to answer was is he a winner?

This is a classic “David and Goliath” story, in which Dream Alliance is the obvious underdog; however, he’s not alone as his blue-collar guardians face comparative scrutiny and discrimination in the owners’ boxes as they challenge the boundaries set by the UK’s social elite. Few believed either would make it in the big leagues, as exemplified by the announcer who barely seemed to know the horse’s name. The collective’s commitment to Dream in spite of facing such prejudices since the beginning is astounding and undoubtedly one of the elements that makes their story so powerful — they repeatedly encounter obstacles and choose to continue in spite of the odds being stacked against them.

The documentary recounts the formation of the collective through a number of key voices who recall their inspiration for participating and the emotional journey their involvement initiated. From believing Jan is crazy to pursue such a risky venture to cherishing the opportunity to have been a part of its realization, those interviewed are still so obviously taken with the experience. Similarly, Dream’s life is chronicled from conception to retirement and the many significant events in between, including life-threatening injury and a number of miracles. The aptly named horse assumed the spirit of the community that raised him and made them proud to the very end.

This isn’t exactly a Flicka or War Horse story, but it’s heartwarming and may definitely bring tears to viewers’ eyes.

Director: Louise Osmond

Similar Posts

  • Review: Hot Docs’ ‘Nightvision’ pushes film subjects to the outer limits (Includes first-hand account)

    The Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival shares a variety of pictures rooted in real-life. From biopics to in-depth investigations, the featured films shock, reveal and entertain audiences. But what of the less traditional subjects that don’t easily fit into a specific category? For the adventurous moviegoer seeking films with a more unique appeal, Hot Docs created the “Nightvision” program. Offering documentaries for genre fans, this category is the go-to for the strange and unusual. Two films included in this year’s program couldn’t be more different from one another, yet still fit perfectly in the offbeat group.

  • Review: ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ is a funny escapist comedy (Includes first-hand account)

    Meeting your significant others’ family and/or friends is generally a sign the relationship is getting more serious; the gravity increases when the introduction requires large, ticketed transportation. However daunting this encounter may seem, it can be even more so if you gradually discover you know very little about these people and consequently how to ensure they like you… because whatever happens here could mean relaxed or dreaded family gatherings going forward — if there even is a next time. In Crazy Rich Asians, a young woman makes the trip to meet her boyfriend’s family for the first time without knowing she’s about to enter the inner sanctum of a Chinese dynasty.

  • Review: ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ is an impassioned & significant film (Includes first-hand account)

    Having one’s finger on the pulse of a nation, or even a large segment of it, is a difficult task and can be even harder to comprehensibly articulate. From the ‘50s to the ‘70s, James Baldwin‘s prolific writing and countless television appearances were expressing the plight of black America in a manner that was gaining increasing attention. He likely hoped by this time his work would be a snapshot of a former country and its hardships, but unfortunately it is as relevant now as it was then. Adapted from Baldwin’s 1974 novel of the same name, If Beale Street Could Talk is a passionate love story interrupted by a gross injustice.