Inspired by a true story, it is a tale of a beautiful thoroughbred horse's return to racing glory after a major injury in a race.

Cale Crane is born into a family of thoroughbred horse racers. Her father Ben (Kurt Russell) and her grandfather (Kris Kristofferson) were big time horse farm owners. Once the business crumbled, Ben is forced to work as a trainer for Palmer (David Morse), a wealthy stable owner.

Ben has been training the horse Sonador, Spanish for "Dreamer". He has high hopes for the horse. When Cale came across Sonador, it becomes her favorite horse. Unfortunately, Sonador gets injured in a tough race and breaks a leg. Normally a crippled horse will be put down and Palmer orders to shoot the animal. Ben didn't have the courage to put the filly down in front of his daughter. So, he tells off his boss, that costs him his job.

Ben took the injured Sonador as a partial payment towards his severance pay. Cale spend a lot of time with the horse, taking care of it during its recuperation and falls in love with the animal. Ben has a plan to mate Sonador with a champion thoroughbred that could produce a colt which could be worth as much as $ 300,000. Find out more about this horse racing tale of hopes and dreams.

The directorial debut of John Gatins with an emotionally vibrant story of a little girl and an injured horse is very touching. He gracefully presents a struggling family and a 11 year old girl with hopes and dreams. He has 
assembled a decent cast and has drawn a good performance out of them. The script written by himself is simple but strong. He is trying to deliver a message to the world "Those who dare to hope and work hard can fulfill their dreams".

Kurt Russell as Ben presents a very good performance. But it is 11 year old Dakota Fanning as Cale who steals the show. She very well portray the characters spirit as well as the hopes and dreams. There is a genuine feeling of bonding between the father and daughter. She is the real dreamer in the movie, who together with the injured horse brings the family together.

Even though the story is predictable, it has some surprises. It is a well directed, well acted film aimed at the family audience. This beautiful film could be enjoyed by the young and the old alike.

We rate this movie GOOD.