Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Rachel Griffiths, Transmission Films, PG 98 Minutes.
The incredible true story of the Melbourne Cup’s first female champion is brilliantly brought to the big screen by first-time director and Aussie actress Rachel Griffiths (‘Hacksaw Ridge’) featuring Teresa Palmer (‘Berlin Syndrome’) as the tenacious Michelle Payne.
In adding authenticity to the factually-based storyline, the movie opens with Michelle’s early childhood photos surrounded by her nine siblings and patriarch Paddy Payne, prior to showing her childhood years and the close relationship with her father.
Even at an early age Michelle was encouraged by her father Paddy (Sam Neill –‘Palm Beach’) to ride a horse which leads to her wish to win the coveted Melbourne Cup.
By the time she is a teenager, Michelle together with seven of the other siblings, begin training to become jockeys while her Down syndrome brother Stevie (playing himself) takes on the role of a horse stable strapper.
The death of Michelle’s older sister Brigid from a horseracing accident devastates the whole family, particularly Paddy, resulting in a break-down in his relationship with Michelle followed soon after by her own near fatal horse fall.
The injuries sustained by the family’s youngest daughter were insurmountable and included the fracturing of her skull followed by days in hospital at which her father sat at her bedside as well as requiring a rigorous rehabilitation program.
Michelle is further told that a similar fall would be fatal and despite her siblings’ protestations she, with Stevie by her side and the support of her father, was determined to pursue her dream of winning the Melbourne Cup.
Michelle then achieves her dream in 2015 riding on the Prince of Penzance, winning the race at odds of a 100 to1, delighting even the concerned owner, Darren Weir (Sullivan Stapleton-‘Renegades’).
In just her first feature film Griffiths has definitely excelled in directing the heart-warming and inspirational story of Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to ever win the acclaimed event after facing some major challenges in her life.
Aside from the spectacular Australian settings shot throughout Victoria, most of the enjoyment is derived from the perfectly pitched portrayals of the well-chosen cast, particularly the evergreen Neill and especially the impressive performances of Palmer and Stevie himself.
Michelle Payne’s inspirational story is a must-see movie for all women prepared to participate in the sport of kings
Vic’s Verdict: 4 Stars
