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Pit Pony is a touching family drama set in the early 1900s in a rugged coal-mining town in Nova Scotia, Canada. The film, which was released in 1997, stars Ben Rose-Davis, Richard Donat, Jennie Raymond, and a talented ensemble cast of actors. The heart of the story is the relationship between a young boy named Willie MacLean (played by Rose-Davis) and his beloved pit pony, named Angus. Willie is the only son of a hard-working miner named John MacLean (played by Donat), who is struggling to provide for his family in the bleak and dangerous world of coal mining. Willie dreams of a better life and a brighter future, but for now his days are filled with hard labor in the mines, where he and Angus work side by side, hauling heavy carts of coal from the dark depths of the earth.

The film depicts the harsh realities of life in a mining town, where danger and despair are never far away. The miners and their families live in poverty, struggling to survive in a world where accidents and tragedies are an ever-present threat. But despite the hardships, there is a strong sense of community and solidarity among the people of the town, who band together in times of crisis and support each other through thick and thin.

One of the most powerful themes of the film is the bond between Willie and Angus. Angus is more than just an animal to Willie – he is a friend, a companion, and a source of comfort and strength. The two of them have a deep understanding and trust that allows them to work together seamlessly in the dark and dangerous mines. As Willie says at one point, "Angus is the best friend I ever had, and I'm the best friend he ever had."

The film also explores the complex relationships among the other characters in the town. There is tension between the miners and the mine owners, who are more concerned with profits than with the safety and well-being of their workers. There is a love triangle involving Willie's older sister Catherine (played by Raymond), her fiancé, and a new arrival in town who stirs up old feelings. And there is a sense of longing and nostalgia for a simpler, happier time, when life was not so harsh and unforgiving.

Despite the challenges they face, the characters in Pit Pony display remarkable resilience and courage in the face of adversity. John MacLean is a gruff and stoic man who has seen his share of tragedy, but he cares deeply for his family and is determined to protect them at all costs. Willie is a sensitive and caring boy who longs for a better future, but he is also willing to work hard and do his part to help his family.

Throughout the film, there are moments of beauty and grace that shine through the darkness. The scenes of Willie and Angus working together in the mines are both breathtaking and poignant, as we see the beauty of the natural world juxtaposed with the harsh realities of human life. And the film's climactic scene, in which the miners and their families come together to celebrate Christmas despite their struggles, is a testament to the power of community and hope in the face of adversity.

Overall, Pit Pony is a moving and powerful film that explores themes of love, loss, and resilience in the face of extraordinary challenges. The performances of the cast are excellent, particularly Ben Rose-Davis as Willie and Richard Donat as John, who bring a depth and authenticity to their roles that is truly impressive. The film is a must-see for anyone who loves touching family dramas and powerful stories of perseverance and courage in the face of adversity.

Pit Pony is a 1997 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.