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Phar Lap

PG 1983 1h 48m Drama List
88% Tomatometer 8 Reviews 93% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Tommy (Tom Burlinson) works as a stable boy for horse trainer Harry Telford (Martin Vaughan). Telford takes a risk in leasing a gaunt horse named Phar Lap from his boss, Dave Davis (Ron Leibman), entrusting care of the animal to Tommy. But when Phar Lap begins an unexpected winning spree, Telford must fend off pressure from other racers and disgruntled gamblers -- not to mention the boss and his wife (Judy Morris), who have both taken a keen interest in the horse and its earning potential.

Critics Reviews

View All (8) Critics Reviews
Luke Buckmaster Guardian The film is buoyed by good performances, strong production values and Williamson's writing, which finds a genuine but bittersweet way to commemorate one of Australian sport's best performing athletes. Jan 2, 2016 Full Review Gillian MacKay Maclean's Magazine With more confidence and more bravura, the movie might have been as smashing as its subject. Instead, it finishes just out of the money. Sep 23, 2019 Full Review David Elliott Copley News Service The film is richly acted... And it's as well paced as a good race by director Simon Wincer. Jul 19, 2019 Full Review Lori Hoffman Atlantic City Weekly Rated: 4/5 Jun 12, 2007 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 3/5 Sep 13, 2005 Full Review Caffeinated Clint Moviehole A movie you'll never forget....tears aplenty Rated: 3/5 Jun 11, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (122) audience reviews
Jacob B A compelling, even tragic sports drama, Phar Lap is an iconic Australian film about a race horse whose career came to a heartbreaking end that could've been avoided. The strong performances and some really good music - quite the underrated soundtrack, I believe - help. My family always did get emotionally fragile about horse films. I have Bojack Horseman and, to a lesser extent, Spirit, my mother has War Horse and my father has this film. I don't feel as passionate about it as he does but I can acknowledge that this was still quite the underrated sports drama from the land down under. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/29/23 Full Review Jake H great movie, will move you Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/17/20 Full Review Audience Member Classic Australian film & history. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review william s One of the finest horse racing films ever made and one of the years best. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member This is a great story about the legendary horse it is very heart-warming and the film provides great detail about the past of Phar Lap Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Audience Member Australian, inspirational, tense... 4 Steven Spielbergs Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Phar Lap

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Tommy (Tom Burlinson) works as a stable boy for horse trainer Harry Telford (Martin Vaughan). Telford takes a risk in leasing a gaunt horse named Phar Lap from his boss, Dave Davis (Ron Leibman), entrusting care of the animal to Tommy. But when Phar Lap begins an unexpected winning spree, Telford must fend off pressure from other racers and disgruntled gamblers -- not to mention the boss and his wife (Judy Morris), who have both taken a keen interest in the horse and its earning potential.
Director
Simon Wincer
Producer
John Sexton
Rating
PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 48m
Sound Mix
Surround