the audience applauded

Nice effects though.

This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

This movie should eventually earn the distinction of being listed as a classic in films. It has it all; story, script, great photography, acting, the message of indomitable spirit, good music score, genius of casting with Kristofferson and Russell as father and son. Although the true story of the horse that inspired this film is quite different from this movie, this movie is excellent, inspired movie-making, and expands the drama of a true-life story. There are lots of warm fuzzies -- like Cale's nocturnal visits to the stables sharing Popsicles with Sonya, and keeping count with the sticks. And tense adventure, too, with Sonya startled into running with Cale on her back for the first time. The contrast of poor people struggling to maintain in the world of the sport of kings is inspirational and can inspire you to be a Dreamer of big dreams again. An excellent family film you won't be sorry you watched!

I saw this movie as I had seen a good review from IMDb itself....moreover I was compelled to see this film as Dakota Fanning was in this movie........even though Kurt Russell was in this movie..........I expected it to be her movie and it was..........She is an amazing talent whom we had seen in I am sam,Hide and seek,war of the worlds,push,winged creatures............without much effort she delivers the beautiful performances and it makes me wonder..............The story has inspired me and has made me realise that to achieve anything we must believe.............even when odds are against us..............this film brings out true value of relationship and will to uphold the most thing in which you believe.................

Saw this movie in November 2008 for the first time. Makes my eyes water and makes me feel good, real good every time. Contrary to what some folks claim, I didn't know what was going to happen from one moment to the next and there is surprise and suspense throughout. Loved the music and the dialogue. This movie doesn't rely on foul language, sex, violence or props like constantly ringing telephones. It's just a decent, well made, beautiful movie that reaches for goodness and delivers. When I'm sad or down I watch Dreamer because it never fails to make me feel good. But if you're out of touch with your feelings, hard hearted or cynical, you'll be disappointed. Thank you John Gatins for winning the "Triple Crown" with "Dreamer", my new favorite film."Rags to Riches" the first filly in 100 years to win the "Belmont Stakes" in 2007 is pregnant by "Giants Causeway" the real life colt of "Mariah's Storm" the horse who is the inspiration for "Dreamer".

Much has been made in these pages about this film, as far as not being a true story. This inspired account about an injured horse the Crane family bring back to life, is one of the most engaging films about the racing sport in memory. Of course, this is no "Seabiscuit", but the film makers are not claiming it to be.John Gantins, the director and writer of this picture, knows what to give the public. Aside from the heart warming feeling in the film, he was blessed with a cast that does justice to the material. The love of a young girl for a horse, that by all accounts should have been shot because of the injured it suffered during an accident, is the stuff that makes good family movies. "Dreamer, Inspired by a True Story" is totally dominated by Dakota Fanning's presence in the film. Miss Fanning, is a luminous young actress the camera adores. She is a natural, as she shows in this film. Dakota Fanning has the uncanny ability of being real at all times. Her love for Sonador and her determination to take the horse to the Breeders' race consumes her, as well as her family.Kurt Russell is also good as Cale's father. He is a man of principle who loves what he does best, bringing horses to their full potential. Kris Kristofferson plays the grandfather who wants Cale to succeed and in the process he is reunited with his son. Elizabeth Shue is seen as a mother who has to work to help meet ends when her husband loses his job. David Morse, one of the best character actors around doesn't have much to do, and the same goes for the wonderful Luis Guzman, playing one of the stable men.The film is recommended for families with children. Mr. Gantins created an excellent entertainment that will satisfy young and old because it shows a young girl with a firm resolution to do the right thing for the horse she loves.