Having seen the real Bob Champion interviewed on the BBc this year at Aintree I was reminded of just how much the guy has done to raise money for cancer. The film for its genre is excellent;it was great that they used the real Aldaniti. So okay, there are a few minor flaws and Edward Woodward as John Gifford and also Peter Barkworth as Nick Embiricos are a bit wooden and capable of far better but it is the overall impression that the film makes which should stir the audience. John Hurt is very good as Champion and I think that the portrayal of the savage chemotherapy on him is very realistic. If you are knowledgeable about horses and racing you will spot many continuity mistakes but that is nit-picking. The horse racing scenes are well directed and filmed on location. The rupture of Aldaniti's tendon was as potentially serious as any horse injury can be therefore his come-back is quite remarkable. I think the real protagonists involved with his recovery must have had input in the film.I doubt if ever they would have considered to put- down such a lovely horse. the film has a theme of tenacity and hope and is worth seeing for that reason alone.
Review of Champions
