Phar Lap

PG

1983

1h 48m

Drama

List

88%

8 Reviews

Tomatometer

93%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

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.

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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

mike v

Phar Lap (also released as Phar Lap: Heart of a Nation) is a 1983 Australian film about the racehorse Phar Lap 🐴 It's very good! 😀 I'd recommend it 👍🏼 HERO TO A NATION

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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

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Simon Wincer

Director

Tom Burlinson

Tommy Woodcock

Martin Vaughan

Harry Telford

Judy Morris

Bea Davis

Ron Leibman

Dave Davis

Celia De Burgh

Vi Telford

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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

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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
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 48m
Sound Mix: Surround