David Isted

I have been a huge Bill Nighy fan since I first watched him in a movie but he lost the plot with this one. The selling point for me were the comments on the front cover that describe it as hilarious? and Bill's performance as spellbinding? In which universe? In my opinion, it is a shocker. Cartoonish but also drab and I could not connect to any of the characters. Five minutes in I was done and very glad it was only on a purchased dvd and not a trip to the cinema. I want a refund and I hope if someone picks it up for a dollar from the op shop, they will get their moneys worth. Not even half a star. Barbara Isted

I love movies based on a true story and this one delivers. With a screenplay by Andrew Knight, it could not go wrong. What an incredibly determined and gutsy girl is Michelle Payne and I cheered for her all over again watching this movie. I love the Melbourne Cup for all its spectacle,drama and excitement and her win will always be a highlight for me. The cast is brilliant with Sam Neill giving his usual impecabble performance. A truly heartwarming story at a time when we all need it more than ever. Thank you Rachel Griffiths for bringing this real story to the screen and may it be the first of many that you direct. Keep finding true Aussie stories for us all to enjoy on the big screen.