Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story (2005)

Cale Crane catalyzes the rescue and rehabilitation of Sonador, a race horse with a broken leg.

Director:

John Gatins

Writer:

John Gatins

Stars:

Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, Oded Fehr

1 win & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kurt Russell	...	Ben Crane
Dakota Fanning	...	Cale Crane
Kris Kristofferson	...	Pop Crane
Elisabeth Shue	...	Lily
David Morse	...	Palmer
Freddy Rodríguez	...	Manolin
Luis Guzmán	...	Balon
Oded Fehr	...	Prince Sadir
Ken Howard	...	Bill Ford
Holmes Osborne	...	Doc Fleming
Antonio Badrani	...	Prince Tariq (as Antonio Albadran)
John Moyer	...	Security Officer
Kayren Butler	...	Teacher
Tommy Barnes	...	Short Steward
Frank Hoyt Taylor	...	Chairman

Storyline

Ben Crane believes that a severely injured racehorse deserves another chance. He and his daughter Cale adopt the horse (in fact is a mare)and save it of being sacrificed by the owner. The arrival of the mare to Crane's farm, will be the perfect opportunity for both father and daughter to reconstruct their lost familiar bond. "Soñador" (Dreamer in English), the renamed mare, despite its broken leg, maybe could have another chance to return to the racecourse, with the help of Cale, Ben, and his father, Pop.

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Plot Keywords:

racehorse | kentucky | horse racing | based on true story | horse | 

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Genres:

Drama | Family | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for brief mild language

Details

Official Sites:

Dreamworks Official site [Russia]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 October 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

Untitled Kurt Russell/Dakota Fanning Project

Filming Locations:

Folsom, Louisiana, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$32,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$9,178,233, 23 October 2005, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$32,701,088, 1 January 2006

Company Credits

Production Co:

DreamWorks,Hyde Park Entertainment,Tollin/Robbins Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min 98 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The movie was loosely inspired by the story of the mare Mariah's Storm. She was a promising filly, who was being pointed towards the Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies in 1993, but then broke her cannon bone. She recovered, and later won some graded races. She started in the 1995 Breeder's Cup Distaff, and finished ninth. She was owned by Thunderhead Farms, and trained by Don Von Hemel. She's now known mostly for being the dam of Giant's Causeway.

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Goofs

After losing the horse in a claims race, Ben is seen talking with Cale in the stable. Near the end of the scene the camera is zoomed into Ben's face. Cale is leaving the stable and Ben's eyes look to his right as Cale walks past, yet the next camera angle shows Cale walking out to Ben's left.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Cale Crane: There used to be horses in that barn. At least, that's what my Grandfather says. We're probably the only horse farm in Lexington, Kentucky, that doesn't have one horse. Not one.

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Connections

Referenced in Gettin' It (2006)

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Soundtracks

Dreamer
Written by Bethany Dillon and Ed Cash
Performed by Bethany Dillon
Bethany Dillon appears courtesy of Sparrow Records
By Arrangement with EMI Film & TV Music

User Reviews

Dreamer - A Delightful Story - Delightful Film

My wife and I saw this movie today, and were very happy to have spent the time and the emotion.

This is a heartwarming experience for virtually any viewer with a soul. Far beyond a simple story about a horse, this film delves in to multi-generational relationships and human frailty. In its relatively short time duration, the film depicted a great deal of real life.

Dakota Fanning is a remarkable actor. It is almost frightening to see someone of her tender years with such screen presence and ability to deliver a range of emotion so convincingly. If only the film industry will refrain from corrupting her - and her support group helps to keep her "real" - she will undoubtedly evolve into an excellent adult performer.

Kurt Russell is a perennial favorite of ours. We both commented on the joy of watching the growth of his career and ability from his child roles of Disney films through his present "mature" stage of career. Whether a husband and father in "Dreamer" or a dysfunctional husband and brother in "Backdraft, he is enjoyable to watch.

Kris Kristofferson as a crusty old horse person with a huge, warm heart, was a nice addition to the film. We have long acknowledge that his acting talent far exceeds his musical prowess.

Last, but not least, there is Elisabeth Shue. Since "Adventures in Babysitting," we have enjoyed her performances. She is beautiful, charming, adept, versatile and willing to take professional risks. It is unfortunate that the film industry does not provide her more good roles for someone of her abilities.

It is pleasing that "Dreamer" - and films of its style - are made. Such entertainment vehicles support a means to keep families bonded. "Dreamer" is a great way for families to spend a couple of hours together.

Don't hesitate to see this film. Open your heart, connect your soul to your brain, and enjoy yourself!