“Dream Horse” is a Welsh movie that was released in 2020 and directed by Welsh director Euros Lyn. It tells the story of Welsh racehorse Dream Alliance, who overcomes obstacles to race to a huge victory. The movie is based on a true story.
In the movie, Jan is a small-town bartender who also works
at the local co-op. She overhears a conversation about racehorse syndicates and
decides to try it herself. She breeds a horse and gets Dream Alliance, who
becomes successful.
When the racing scenes are shown, viewers are constantly
cheering for Dream Alliance. I definitely was, but I was also waiting for the
fall or injury to come to add a bit of tension in the movie. Nonetheless, the
injury was heartbreaking, and watching the recovery was suspenseful.
Jan’s character was relatable. She felt like, for her whole
life, she was viewed in relation to someone else. In horse racing, her success
was purely her own, and she was able to make a name for herself. She had a
syndicate and support, but she was the leader of the group. Many women can see
themselves in her, and she is a role model for women looking to be successful
in their careers or hobbies.
The story is one of second chances and hope. There are
examples throughout the movie where people and Dream Alliance were given second
chances that surprised them. It can inspire anyone who may be going through a
hard time or feel like they are too old to achieve their dreams or goals in life.
Jan and Dream Alliance were very successful, and it shows that anyone can be
successful if they believe in themselves.
One cool part of the movie was the use of the Welsh
language. It was seen on the signage at the co-op and in the singing of the
Welsh National Anthem. This is a great exposure to the Welsh language,
especially since it was oppressed for many years, like the other Celtic
languages.
The film’s soundtrack was incredible. It featured a variety
of Welsh musicians, including Meic Stevens and the Manic Preachers. In some of
the action scenes, there were snippets of traditional Welsh music. This variety
allows viewers to get a glimpse into Welsh music and culture.
Even if viewers do not horse race or have anything to do
with horses, they are drawn into the decisions that need to be made. They can
wonder what they would do in the situations that were presented. This allows them
to be engaged in the movie and reflect on their own life experiences.
The opening of the movie was so creative. It starts with a black
screen and the sounds of a horse galloping. We see who we would find out is
Dream Alliance, and Jan wakes up to realize the sound was just her husband
snoring. This sequence drew me in immediately. My attention was maintained
throughout the whole movie.