... not too many jockeys, if any, so you need to be a legend or achieve something pretty spectacular to qualify. A truly inspirational story, if you need a fix of happiness with a tear or two thrown in, or some motivation to take the next step to achieving your dreams, look no further than here.
76 Reviews
Thoroughly enjoyed this movie
bubsta-3843730 January 2021
Had the choice between this and another movie tonight, so glad we went for this one. Based on the true story of Michelle Payne, surprisingly directed by Rachael Griffiths, this is a good movie and worth the time to watch.
Saw some other reviews to make comment on, one has a low score stating she has won a race no has heard of..... there is no one one in Australia that hasn't heard of the Melbourne Cup, Internationally anyone in the racing world definitely knows of it-- it is a longer race with a bigger prize pool than the Kentucky Derby.
Another review states that she was suspended for "taking drugs", yes it was wrong but lets be clear, it was an appetite suppressant, not illegal outside sport.
You don't have to like horse racing to enjoy this film.
davidamcdonald25 September 2019
Dramatization of the true story, Australian female jockey.
TxMike22 August 2020
Michelle Payne is real, she grew up as the youngest of 10 after her mother was tragically killed in a car wreck in 1986 when Payne was only 6 months old. Her dad was a trainer, she grew up with horses, her ambition always was to be a jockey.
I like Teresa Palmer, she is in the role as Michelle Payne and even looks a bit like her. This is a really well-made movie of a great story. It isn't just horse racing, it spends a good amount of time on family dynamics too.
My wife and I watched it on DVD from our public library.
I like Teresa Palmer, she is in the role as Michelle Payne and even looks a bit like her. This is a really well-made movie of a great story. It isn't just horse racing, it spends a good amount of time on family dynamics too.
My wife and I watched it on DVD from our public library.
Interesting
fmwongmd5 July 2020
Easy to watch
SafChaleur23 September 2019
Rachel Griffiths makes her debut as a Director. The story is based on Michelle Payne who was the first woman jockey to win the Melbourne Cup. You would have to be living under a rock not to know who she is if you are Australian. It is a big deal to win the Melbourne Cup in OZ and for this reason alone the story is interesting to watch. Michelle Payne's story is inspirational and a tribute to her determination to be the top of her field. Stevie Payne played himself and he was given so many witty lines. There is a brilliant line when Michelle Payne asks Stevie if she is good enough to win before she mounts Prince of Penzance. Stevie replies "I don't know if you are, but he is. He's a champion." And the rest is history. Michelle Payne's story is one of remarkable determination.
From a filmmaking point of view there were a few minor issues such as skirting over the death of Michelle's sister Bridget in a riding accident, trying to go for charm over substance and at times obvious exposition. I think the story could have benefited from more fleshing out instead of just focusing on the known facts.
There were some problems with the choice of shots. I felt like some of the shots created a lack of atmosphere. The audience was often shown close shots when there could have been mid or wide shots. I would have liked to see more wide shots of the Australian landscape and experience more of what it was actually like for Michelle to participate in a male dominated sport or to actually ride a horse in the event. What we saw was quite limited. There is also the elephant in the room. The lack of exploration about the treatment of horses in the film. Even if it is too difficult to address the abuse of animals by the filmmakers I would have liked to have seen more about horses.
Anyway making a film is never easy and the team should be congratulated. Worth seeing.
From a filmmaking point of view there were a few minor issues such as skirting over the death of Michelle's sister Bridget in a riding accident, trying to go for charm over substance and at times obvious exposition. I think the story could have benefited from more fleshing out instead of just focusing on the known facts.
There were some problems with the choice of shots. I felt like some of the shots created a lack of atmosphere. The audience was often shown close shots when there could have been mid or wide shots. I would have liked to see more wide shots of the Australian landscape and experience more of what it was actually like for Michelle to participate in a male dominated sport or to actually ride a horse in the event. What we saw was quite limited. There is also the elephant in the room. The lack of exploration about the treatment of horses in the film. Even if it is too difficult to address the abuse of animals by the filmmakers I would have liked to have seen more about horses.
Anyway making a film is never easy and the team should be congratulated. Worth seeing.
Surprisingly Enjoyable.
oziguy24 September 2019
Good Family Movie
itsbobr27 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is the true story of Australian Michelle Payne, the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup in 150 years.
Some horse stories are about the horse, and some about the Jockey. Here is mostly about the jockey until Michelle rides Prince in the big race. Then it's about both of them.
When Michelle was 15 years old she wanted to ride in legitimate horse races. Her father Paddy (Sam Neill), is a horse trainer and says she is not ready so Michelle leaves the house and goes on to ride. She does fairly well until she falls and it is determined she will never ride again. But Champions always know what they need to do and she recovers and does ride again.
Michelle does get suspensions for what was called "reckless driving" but she claims she was right and did not cause her fellow drivers to be harmed. The suspension holds and she waits it out.
We see Paddy drive an ambulance, but we never see the ambulance be used to go to any injury.
The story doesn't dwell too long on Michelle's injury and recovery and before you know it she's back riding in races.
I was most impressed at how the young Teresa Palmer turned into an adult Teresa Palmer as Michelle, of course. It's like they waited years and years to see her grow into an adult. (Bob, Summer North played the young Michelle) You sure?
You will cheer and reach for that Kleenex box from time to time. And you will yell out "On, No!" when Michelle answers the phone to get an update on Paddy in the hospital. I know I did.
Notable: Sullivan Stapleton as Horse owner Darren Weir who gives Michelle a chance to ride in the Melbourne Cup. He took Michelle's catharsis to heart when she berated all the horse owners when they were having lunch. Stevie Payne as Stevie Payne also known as Buddy; Young Stevie played by Gryffin Morrison.
Good family movie, but they could have used a better title.
Stay tuned to see what happened to Michelle after the race. (9/10)
Violence: No. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Humor: No. Language: No
Rating: A (27 May 2020)
Some horse stories are about the horse, and some about the Jockey. Here is mostly about the jockey until Michelle rides Prince in the big race. Then it's about both of them.
When Michelle was 15 years old she wanted to ride in legitimate horse races. Her father Paddy (Sam Neill), is a horse trainer and says she is not ready so Michelle leaves the house and goes on to ride. She does fairly well until she falls and it is determined she will never ride again. But Champions always know what they need to do and she recovers and does ride again.
Michelle does get suspensions for what was called "reckless driving" but she claims she was right and did not cause her fellow drivers to be harmed. The suspension holds and she waits it out.
We see Paddy drive an ambulance, but we never see the ambulance be used to go to any injury.
The story doesn't dwell too long on Michelle's injury and recovery and before you know it she's back riding in races.
I was most impressed at how the young Teresa Palmer turned into an adult Teresa Palmer as Michelle, of course. It's like they waited years and years to see her grow into an adult. (Bob, Summer North played the young Michelle) You sure?
You will cheer and reach for that Kleenex box from time to time. And you will yell out "On, No!" when Michelle answers the phone to get an update on Paddy in the hospital. I know I did.
Notable: Sullivan Stapleton as Horse owner Darren Weir who gives Michelle a chance to ride in the Melbourne Cup. He took Michelle's catharsis to heart when she berated all the horse owners when they were having lunch. Stevie Payne as Stevie Payne also known as Buddy; Young Stevie played by Gryffin Morrison.
Good family movie, but they could have used a better title.
Stay tuned to see what happened to Michelle after the race. (9/10)
Violence: No. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Humor: No. Language: No
Rating: A (27 May 2020)
Worth watching
chirkut24 February 2020
Surprising
Ninbendo36010 May 2020
Surprisingly touching and intense! A must watch film! Bravo!
kwenchow11 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This film start with the introduction of the Melbourne Cup, and the video footage of the Payne family scene! As turnout, this film is about how Michelle Payne become the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup! Entire film full of intense horse racing, and horse bonding scene! Make the film quite watchable! The care and teaching of Paddy offer to Michelle, make the film quite touching to watch! Michelle never give up, even she suffer injury cause by the fall! Make the film quite inspiring to watch! At the end, Michelle defeat all the male jockey to win the Melbourne Cup! She bring the trophy with her for her father! Still have a video footage of the real Michelle Payne winning the Melbourne Cup! That's it! A surprisingly good biopic!
A strong story for women, young and old.
bamco-5015827 September 2019
Despite being from Melbourne and feeling I knew all about the Michelle Payne story, I was presented with a much deeper exploration of this amazing, young woman's life. The story ensures laughter, tears, joy and bewilderment. Great casting in Sam Neill as Michelle's father, Paddy Payne. Teresa Palmer as Michelle Payne, does not disappoint and Stevie Payne is perfectly cast as his infectious self. Many well known Australian faces in the supporting cast, which adds to the strength of this brilliant story. Beautiful cinematography and a musical score which takes you on an epic rollercoaster ride. I needed tissues even though I knew the outcome. This Australian gem shouldn't be missed. See it on the big screen if you can.
Liked it, but it's a vanilla ice-cream
daisukereds31 October 2021
While I think the movie delivers on it's promise just fine, I couldn't help but think it was missing something throughout. The editing and direction is lacking for it to be a memorable piece. Specially considering the amount of claustrophobic shots to fill in the space. It does reach a high point an hour into the movie of storytelling, but knowing how it's going to end does take away from the ride. That is not to say the ending was bad! On the contrary, it ties it all nicely and gives a pleasant conclusion.
As a story, it is rather silent, and not very accommodating for anyone not-in-the-know of how these races and the context around them work.
Where is she? What is she supposed to be doing? Why isn't she "ready"? What is getting "pulled off"? I had many questions that make me believe this is for those wanting to celebrate Michelle's story, rather than those wanting to watch a movie.
The cast really works for it! Realizing Stevie played himself was a nice surprise. The lead, while a bit emotional and reckless at times, is smart. But it's hard to underwrite an achiever this way, and still fail while the viewer knows it's weight in reality.
As a whole, it is not very "colorful" and didn't take any risks.
As a story, it is rather silent, and not very accommodating for anyone not-in-the-know of how these races and the context around them work.
Where is she? What is she supposed to be doing? Why isn't she "ready"? What is getting "pulled off"? I had many questions that make me believe this is for those wanting to celebrate Michelle's story, rather than those wanting to watch a movie.
The cast really works for it! Realizing Stevie played himself was a nice surprise. The lead, while a bit emotional and reckless at times, is smart. But it's hard to underwrite an achiever this way, and still fail while the viewer knows it's weight in reality.
As a whole, it is not very "colorful" and didn't take any risks.
There's A Reason Long Shots Don't Usually Come In
hogryderhvl19 April 2020
I WANTED to like this film. I really did. I love horse racing and the story has a lot of merit to it. The production of this film failed miserably. Made for TV. Hallmark Channel goes to the races.
It seemed that the director just wanted to get through the film as fast as possible. Seabiscuit it ain't! This film is best suited for children who like horseys. NUff' said. Back to the barn.
Inspired me
dazjohnson3 May 2020
Michelle Paynes true story of winning the Melbourne Cup is inspiring one of ten children, losing her mother to a car crash at an early age, she also endured losing her sister to a nasty horse fall,!! She still did not let it put her off becoming a female jockey the eighth jockey in the Payne family and she even had to overcome a fall herself putting herself in an induced coma, fighting back against a male dominated sport and regaining fitness to qualify for the 2015 Melbourne Cup and not only compete in a race that stops a nation, a remarkable fete in itself but also go on to win it on a rank outsider called Prince of Penzance at odds of 100/1 and to become the first female jockey in its 155 year history.
Standard Plot Well Told
sinapisme25 February 2020
It's a surefire feelgood result for a story featuring sporting triumph over adversity, and movies have exploited the genre regularly throughout cinema history. In a horseracing context, I felt that 'National Velvet' and 'Champions' raised issues echoed in this production, which lacks suspense and tension as a result. What makes it special is the excellent acting from the always dependable Sam Neill, Teresa Palmer, very believable as the determined single minded and pugnacious Michelle, and Stevie Payne, producing a truly delightful performance as himself. Skilfully scripted and providing a cocktail of humour and pathos in right quantities, the overall experience added up to a very enjoyable hour and a half.
Great Australian film full of heart and aussie spirit
coasterdude441 October 2019
Another great Australian film, Sam Neil was great in it as always, him along with Teresa Parker and Henry Nixon. They all did great in this incredibly uplifting and well acted out and directed movie based on a true story of the first female champion of the Melbourne Cup. Best aussie film of the year, go see it
Surprised me in a good way
85122224 March 2021
Greetings from Lithuania.
The first 15 min or so of "Ride Like a Girl" (2019) were not very promising. I thought it was very cheesy and will be by a number movie about a sports i really didn't care at all. Yet despite that, this movie started grow on me little by little. Then somewhere in a middle i caught myself rooting for a main character as well as felt her when things didn't went that good. That is because i think of a very good performance by Teresa Palmer - i like this acctress in most what she usually does. Also it never hurts to have Sam Neil in one of the roles to say the least.
Overall, "Ride Like a Girl" tells a good and inspirational story and does it very well. A very fine, sincere and enjoyable movie overall.
The first 15 min or so of "Ride Like a Girl" (2019) were not very promising. I thought it was very cheesy and will be by a number movie about a sports i really didn't care at all. Yet despite that, this movie started grow on me little by little. Then somewhere in a middle i caught myself rooting for a main character as well as felt her when things didn't went that good. That is because i think of a very good performance by Teresa Palmer - i like this acctress in most what she usually does. Also it never hurts to have Sam Neil in one of the roles to say the least.
Overall, "Ride Like a Girl" tells a good and inspirational story and does it very well. A very fine, sincere and enjoyable movie overall.
Ride Like a Girl
michaelsiphone1 November 2021
Ride Like a Girl is a 2019 Australian biographical sports drama film directed by Rachel Griffiths in her feature film directing debut 🐴
It's good 🙂 I'd recommend it if you like this genre 👍🏼
It's a bit lightweight and not evenly paced, but hey, it's the Melbourne Cup.
NEVER GIVE UP.
It's good 🙂 I'd recommend it if you like this genre 👍🏼
It's a bit lightweight and not evenly paced, but hey, it's the Melbourne Cup.
NEVER GIVE UP.
Masterful strong story telling
carrick5517 January 2020
This is a wonderful film, very well put together and it tells a great true story. It has a big cast of rich characters, well played by great actors. Both Sam Neil and Teresa Palmer are global A list stars and they really shine. The story is full of heart and expresses it vividly and emphatically, well paced all the way through. It is full of lovely fine detail and thoughtful touches. The music is well matched thematically and moving. The work, challenge, strife, upsets and character are finely drawn and utterly credible. This feels like a top rate fully polished film, without a hint of any corners being cut at any level of production, yet it has none of Hollywood's excess. It does not feel, at all, like a directorial debut: Hats off to Rachel Griffiths, this one I want a copy for my library and to loan out to friends. RECOMMENDED
It Follows the Format and Omits some Important Facts
arfdawg-130 December 2019
This is a pretty typical underdog to champ story and it follows the tried and true format of many movies of its ilk that came before it.
You don't have to know the story to know how its going to unfold. There will be successes and setbacks and final glory.
The added element to this movie of course is the female empowerment angle that is so important to every politically correct movie of the 2000's. That part's a bore.
I can't tell you if the movie is true to the real story. It's likely not since they never are. It's true she was the first women to win the Melbourne Cup but who ever heard of this race?
The movie ends there and doesnt bother to tell you she was also suspended from racing for a time for taking drugs.
There you go.
You don't have to know the story to know how its going to unfold. There will be successes and setbacks and final glory.
The added element to this movie of course is the female empowerment angle that is so important to every politically correct movie of the 2000's. That part's a bore.
I can't tell you if the movie is true to the real story. It's likely not since they never are. It's true she was the first women to win the Melbourne Cup but who ever heard of this race?
The movie ends there and doesnt bother to tell you she was also suspended from racing for a time for taking drugs.
There you go.
Great horseracing movie
mycannonball4 November 2021
Good not Great but well worth a watch for everyone.
pub-2126 September 2019
I must say I was a little disappointed but as Rachel Griffith's first go as director not a bad effort at all.
It was hard to keep a dry eye as the all the emotional buttons were being pushed almost continually. Also great to enjoy a movie that has no sex, violence or expletives.
Ride like a girl will go down as a Aussie Classic albeit out of the top ten.
Saccharine and Superficial
john-abel-nz23 July 2021
Emotional ride
bluecody-6181227 October 2019
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
