I'm a full time trainer, horseman on the Mid-Atlantic circuit, in my off time I see five movies a week. Rarely am I treated to as an enthralling story about my first love as this.
From the timing, and character development there's an honesty about Ruffian, her handlers and their story. The horses used were beautiful, the racing scenes surprisingly realistic, and the camera shots were magnificent. This one ranks slightly below my all time favorite Caseys Shadow and above Seabiscuit, with solid high paced interest toward the eventual tears. Quite a feat for TV. The strength of the movie was the writing, the directing and cast all displaying superior theatrics. Given the budget restraints for a TV movie, I accepted the difference in the substitution of era vans for trailers, and other difficult to substitute prop switches. There were many more strengths in the production than weaknesses.
The ending is done well, with dignity, gently lifting the viewer into a better place,for all that had happened.I especially like the post log and what happened to the characters later in life. All in all, a wonderful two hours of entertainment.
