I enjoyed it and its form makes it harder to do so- basically, it's just a 90? minute monologue- but one of many people, not just a single voice. The emotions and characterizations of each come fluidly through which Greatly enhances the movie. Throughout you're given a front row seat to the class system encountered in the UK, (note the reporter interviewing at ring side for one of the more subtle examples.)
I loved it all the more, for depicting what a group of people can do when they decide to form a community. Only negative for me is I would have liked to know if Dream Alliance was put to stud. The best positive for me was its dipiction of how much deeper each one's personal pride is felt when an achievement is by a group rather than a solitary act. Somehow the group dynamic negates what others would judge as boasting or tacky bragging.
I hope it's repeated, if not by these folks again then by another community. It'd be a shame if thoughts of well, can't be done again, or such stopped any. A very great deal more came out of the experience for the community created than just income. Though that's nice too!
Cheers to the film makers for the courage of presenting this as a monologue of the group. Not a guaranteed format for success but one which complimented, no echoed the story.
Definitely worth watching regardless of how you view horse racing.

I'm a horse lover, and a horse racing fan. I saw they're making a cinematic retelling of the Dream Alliance story, and after watching the trailer, youtube showed me the trailer for this documentary which looked a lot more interesting. This documentary was emotional to watch, as working class people invest in a racehorse that they love like family. The reality of horse racing belonging to the wealthy, belonging to people who treat animals as machinery contrasts with Dream Alliance who's syndicate worked hard to keep him at the top, and wanted him to have a future no mater what. This story also made me mad jealous: I too would like to own a world class racehorse and see him charge toward the finish line...I maybe don't think my luck would be as good.

This documentary is for horse lovers, or just about anyone who wants to sit back and enjoy being a part of this wonderful true story for a few hours. If you liked Harry and the Snowman you'll love this too.

Very nice story about a group of people who came together and succeeded against all odds and in spite of the expectations of the racing elite. I don't love horse racing because of the suffering of those unfortunate horses who's owners don't truly appreciate them. That is not the case here-it's obvious they loved the horse and had his best interest in mind.
Poo on the people who gave it a low rating because they misunderstood it's a documentary.

A great story told badly. Most of the film was over exposed or out of focus so it appeared to have been made by amateurs using hand held camcorders. However, the yard long list of credits showed that, in fact, it was made by professionals. I suppose the quirky photography was an attempt to enhance the drama. Well it didn't work and it was distracting. I was torn between the story and watching this stupid directing. It could have been a much better movie had they used HD photography and professional actors to say the lines. Another film, with almost the same true story line, called 'Champion' is infinitely superior to this one. It stars John Hurt and contains some fabulous horse racing scenes; buy a copy and compare, I'm sure you will agree.

I would actually give this a 3+ because I'm interested in all things Ireland. I gave it a 3 to alert folks for several factors.
- It's a docu-drama not a "movie". It is based on actual occurrences with moderate embellishment
- it's very interesting but slow moving (that's why it's not a 4)
- it will provide the viewer with some interesting perspectives on Ireland
- you'll learn a lot about horse racing in Ireland / Scotland which is very different than our racing
- some friends of ours REALLY liked it. We enjoyed it as something a little different.

Very enjoyable movie. I'd set expectations more toward viewing an inspiring documentary more than a Disney "Seabiscuit" production. Imagine if the hook in Seabiscuit were the horse being owned by 10 coal miners from Kentucky and it were film as a documentary. It is a great story about people who come together and believe in something during otherwise hard times.

Community ownership of a race horse may not have started with this group in Wales, but it's an idea that's starting to really catch on in Kentucky and California.