Watch Ride Like a Girl

Ride Like a Girl is a biographical sports drama film that tells the inspiring true story of Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the prestigious Melbourne Cup in 2015. The movie stars Teresa Palmer as Michelle, Sam Neill as her father Paddy Payne, and Brooke Satchwell as her sister Stevie Payne, who has Down Syndrome. The film begins with a young Michelle (played by Sophia Forrest) and her siblings growing up in a racing family in rural Australia. She idolizes her father who trains horses, but her dream of becoming a jockey is met with resistance from her culture and the male-dominated industry. Despite the odds, Michelle is determined to succeed, and with the support of her family, she begins her rigorous training to become a jockey.

As Michelle grows up to be a young adult, she faces many obstacles in her journey towards her ultimate goal of winning the Melbourne Cup. Despite enduring numerous injuries, setbacks, and sexist attitudes along the way, Michelle remains resolute in her pursuit of excellence as a jockey. She is eventually given the chance to compete in the Melbourne Cup, but faces a formidable opponent in the form of Damian Oliver, a top jockey. The race is intense and exhilarating, but the outcome is something that nobody could have predicted.

One of the most striking features of the movie is its strong feminist message, which is apparent from the beginning to the end. Michelle Payne's story embodies the classic tale of an underdog achieving greatness despite the odds, but it is also a story about overcoming gender biases and patriarchal structures that perpetuate institutional discrimination against women. The movie makes a clear statement about the importance of gender equality across all industries, not just in sports.

Another essential aspect of Ride Like a Girl is the profound sense of family and community that it portrays. Michelle embodies an unwavering, unbreakable spirit and is supported by her loving father and siblings, who all share her love of horses and racing. The relationship between Michelle and her sister Stevie, who has Down Syndrome, is particularly heartwarming, and serves as a reminder of the power of family and love in overcoming adversity.

The cinematography of Ride Like a Girl is breathtaking, with stunning shots of the Australian countryside and thrilling racing scenes that perfectly capture the excitement and drama of horse racing. The emotional soundtrack further enhances these scenes, making them some of the most memorable moments of the film.

The performances of the actors in Ride Like a Girl are nothing short of brilliant. Teresa Palmer commendably portrays Michelle Payne as a feisty, determined and strong-willed character, while Sam Neill skillfully captures the strength and tenderness of a supportive father. Brooke Satchwell delivers an impressive performance as Stevie Payne, bringing a palpable sense of genuine emotion to her character.

Overall, Ride Like a Girl is an important and inspirational film that beautifully captures the life of Michelle Payne and her triumph in the Melbourne Cup in 2015. This movie is more than just a sports drama; it is a beautifully crafted celebration of the power of the human spirit, the importance of family and community, and the unrelenting struggle for gender equality. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good biographical drama, sports stories, or just wants to be uplifted and inspired.

Ride Like a Girl is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 47.