The Cup

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The Cup

PG

Released May 11, 2012

1h 36m

Drama

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30%

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23 Reviews

46%

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2,500+ Ratings

In 2002, jockey Damien Oliver (Stephen Curry) loses his brother in a tragic racetrack accident mere days before he's due to ride in Australia's prestigious Melbourne Cup.

Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

The script by Wincer and Eric O'Keefe is a maudlin mess right from the word go, and if any film this year has been filled with more treacle-laden melodrama I certainly have not seen it.

Rated: 1.5/4

May 15, 2012

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Betsy Sharkey

Los Angeles Times

A tale of heart-wrenching tragedy and uplifting triumph that never quite hits its stride.

Rated: 2.5/5

May 11, 2012

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Joe Leydon

Variety

Although it canters down a well-trod path toward a predictable finish line, The Cup sustains interest through the smooth efficiency of its storytelling and the engaging performances of its lead players.

May 10, 2012

Full Review

Renee Schonfeld

Common Sense Media

True sports tale about overcoming tragedy has mature themes.

Rated: 3/5

Jul 8, 2014

Full Review

Mike McGranaghan

Aisle Seat

I found The Cup to be a pleasant-enough viewing experience. At the same time, I was never as riveted as I have been by other, similarly-themed films. It makes you feel good without ever truly stirring the soul.

Rated: 2.5/4

May 9, 2012

Full Review

Luke Buckmaster

The Daily Review/Crikey

Director Simon Wincer, who also co-wrote the screenplay, was not the right person to avoid certain temptations, like dunking the audience's noggins into a honey pot of clichs.

Nov 21, 2011

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Audience Member

Horses, jockeys, just not very interesting unless you lean towards those things & maybe even then - DULL.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

08/23/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Great Australian story based on Damian Oliver, a jockey, who's father died during a race fall. One week before the Melbourne Cup, Australia's biggest race, his older brother falls and dies. Damian is poised to ride in The Cup on a skittish horse that a few months prior no one thought would race again. He's able to not only overcome his fear of getting back on a horse but is also able to win the race. Get ready to reach for the tissues.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

based on true stoyry another horsey story

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

If you like horses this is your cup of tea

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Solid sports movie about champion Australian jockey Damien Oliver, and the tragedy he went through in losing his brother, to then go on and triumph in the 2002 Melbourne Cup. It doesn't grip you in the way that 1983's "Phar Lap" does, but it's a quality movie that should please sports fans.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Entirely predictable, the gentle story telling was perfect for a rainy day. Steven Curry performed well in the leading role.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

Full Review

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Simon Wincer

Director

Brendan Gleeson

Dermot Weld

Stephen Curry

Damien Oliver

Daniel MacPherson

Jason Oliver

Jodi Gordon

Trish Oliver

Bobby Fox

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Synopsis

In 2002, jockey Damien Oliver (Stephen Curry) loses his brother in a tragic racetrack accident mere days before he's due to ride in Australia's prestigious Melbourne Cup.

Director: Simon Wincer
Screenwriter: Simon Wincer, Eric O'Keefe
Distributor: Myriad Pictures
Production Co: Film Victoria, Screen Australia, Ingenious Broadcasting
Rating: PG (Thematic Elements|Language)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 11, 2012, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 18, 2014
Runtime: 1h 36m