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Australia · 1983
Rated PG · 1h 47m
Director Simon Wincer
Starring Tom Burlinson, Richard Morgan, Judy Morris, Martin Vaughan
Genre Drama, Family, History
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Phar Lap, the big bold chestnut reigned as the king of the turf in the depression that gripped Australia of the 1930s. From his humble beginnings the New Zealand bred horse raced on to become the hero of a nation.
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The Globe and Mail (Toronto) by
Phar Lap is another Australian horsy movie starring an American actor, Ron Leibman (Norma Rae), but this time the American's performance is the only redeeming feature in this otherwise tedious, slow-moving Down-Under tale about a fast-moving horse that should have been named Rocky. [20 Jul 1984]
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
It tells its story crisply, and it doesn't hesitate to exlore the seamy side - i.e., the money side - of the racing game, along with the usual stuff about galloping to glory.
The New York Times by Janet Maslin
The movie Phar Lap is as much of a crowd pleaser as the champion Australian race horse for whom it is named. In a gently rousing style that should appeal in equal measure to adults and children.
Phar Lap wastes its brilliant potential through embarrassingly inept acting, a cloying soundtrack, stereotyped characters and pedestrian direction. [13 Jul 1984]
The adventure is back. The fun is back. Willy's back. And this time he's brought his whole family to meet an old friend ... and take on a new challenge.
The famous go down in history. The notorious go down in glory.
Eat, drink and try not to kill each other
Proof is the Burden
The legend will never be the same.