A Champion Heart (Movie)

Title — A Champion Heart
Available on — Pure Flix, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Apple TV
Production Country — United States
Release Date — 2018
When a grieving teen must work off her debt to a ranch, she cares for a wounded horse that teaches her more about healing than she expected.

🪶 Story & Synopsis

In “A Champion Heart,” the story revolves around 15-year-old Mandy Renner, who is dealing with the loss of her mother and trying to adapt to a new life in a California trailer park with her father, Jack. Mandy’s world takes a turn when she accidentally damages property at a horse rescue farm owned by Diane, who offers her a job to make amends. Reluctantly, Mandy agrees, especially when she discovers that Bradley, a boy from her school, also works there.

As Mandy navigates her new job, she learns the value of hard work and caring for others, including a troubled horse named Tux. Tux, abandoned by a mean girl named Zoey, becomes Mandy’s companion as they both learn to overcome their fears and insecurities. Through their bond, Mandy discovers the power of compassion, friendship, and facing challenges head-on.

“A Champion Heart” is a heartwarming tale of redemption, friendship, and growth, showcasing Mandy’s journey from grief and isolation to finding solace and purpose in the company of Tux and the horse rescue farm community. The movie delivers a positive message about resilience, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love and understanding.

🧑 Cast & Crew

Mandy Grace, David de Vos, Donna Rusch, Devan Key, Isabella Mancuso, Ariana Guido

Actor Role
Mandy Grace Mandy
Devan Key Bradley
Donna Rusch Diane
David de Vos Jack
Isabella Mancuso Zoey

💬 Reviews and feedback

Welcome to the heartwarming world of “A Champion Heart” where faith, trust, and healing take center stage!

Imagine a movie that is like a warm hug on a cold day, comforting and uplifting. “A Champion Heart” is exactly that—a tale of resilience, friendship, and the bond between a troubled girl and a wounded horse.

Starring Devan Key as Bradley, this 2018 film directed by David de Vos beautifully captures the journey of a young girl finding solace and strength through her connection with a wounded horse. As we delve into this emotional narrative, let’s explore what makes “A Champion Heart” a truly special cinematic experience.

Plot and Themes:

The storyline of “A Champion Heart” revolves around a troubled teenage girl who discovers faith, hope, and healing through her relationship with a wounded horse. The themes of grief, trust, overcoming adversity, and the power of friendship are delicately woven into the narrative.

The movie skillfully portrays the emotional turmoil of the protagonist and her gradual transformation as she learns to trust again. Through heartfelt moments and poignant interactions between the characters, “A Champion Heart” delivers a powerful message of resilience and redemption.

Acting and Characters:

The performances in “A Champion Heart” are sincere and captivating. Devan Key shines in his role as Bradley, bringing depth and authenticity to his character. The portrayal of the troubled girl resonates with genuine emotion, making her journey all the more poignant.

Each character adds a layer of complexity to the story, creating a rich tapestry of emotions that keep viewers engaged from start to finish. The chemistry between the actors enhances the authenticity of their relationships on screen, drawing audiences into their world.

Direction and Cinematography:

David de Vos’s direction in “A Champion Heart” is commendable as he captures the essence of each scene with sensitivity and finesse. The cinematography beautifully showcases the bond between the girl and the horse against picturesque backdrops that enhance the emotional impact of their journey.

The visual storytelling in this film is compelling, drawing viewers into the characters’ inner struggles and triumphs. From sweeping landscapes to intimate moments of connection, every frame is crafted with care to evoke empathy and understanding.

Production Design and Special Effects:

The production design in “A Champion Heart” creates an immersive world that feels both familiar and enchanting. The attention to detail in recreating realistic settings adds depth to the storytelling, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the characters’ lives.

While not reliant on flashy special effects, subtle touches enhance key moments in the film, adding an element of magic to this heartwarming tale. The seamless integration of visual elements heightens the emotional resonance of pivotal scenes without overshadowing the narrative itself.

Editing and Pace:

The editing in “A Champion Heart” maintains a steady pace that allows for moments of introspection as well as excitement. Transitions between scenes are smooth, building tension when needed while also providing breathing room for emotional beats to land effectively.

The pacing keeps viewers engaged throughout the film’s runtime without feeling rushed or drawn out. Each scene flows seamlessly into the next, maintaining continuity while highlighting key developments in the characters’ arcs.

Dialogue:

  • “A Champion Heart” features dialogue that is heartfelt yet relatable. The conversations between characters are authentic, carrying emotional weight without veering into melodrama.
  • The script effectively conveys themes of faith, trust,
    Binge-watching Tips: If you enjoyed “A Champion Heart,” you might also like movies such as “Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story,” “Secretariat,” or even classics like “The Black Stallion.” These films share similar themes

“Remember when life gets dark like nightfall; it might just be setting you up for your greatest comeback at dawn.”

In conclusion,

“‘A Champion Heart’ earns a solid 8/10 for its touching story,
engaging performances,
compassionate direction,
gorgeous cinematography,
meticulous production design,
subtle special effects,
seamless editing,
well-paced narrative,
and heartfelt dialogue.”

Pros Cons
Heartwarming story Familiar, faith-based plot
Good message about overcoming fear and adversity Addresses typical high school mean girl scenarios
Great character development May be predictable in parts
Positive life lessons Some cliched moments
Well-done portrayal of healing and faith Depicts some common themes seen in similar movies

Feedback

  • A Champion Heart (2018) - IMDb

    Absolutely horribleIf you ride horses, you would know how terrible this movie is. The acting is awkward, the riding and equitation is absolutely terrible. I used this movie as a way to practice being a trainer because every time they rode, there was so many things to critique. Even the girl who had supposedly ridden her entire life had very little skill. I would not recommend watching.helpful•58

    • machurch-67880
    • Apr 19, 2020
    • How long is A Champion Heart?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    • Runtime1 hour 30 minutes
    • Color

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  • A Champion Heart Movie Review | Common Sense Media

    Good movie with a good messageHurting heart can be changed with MercyWhat’s the Story?

    In A CHAMPION HEART, Mandy (Mandy Grace) and her dad, Jack (David de Vos, also the director), have moved to a California trailer park. Jack is starting a new job. Mandy’s mom died a year before. Both are sad and struggling through a tough time. Mandy is a good kid but crashes a friend’s off-road vehicle, causing some property damage at a local horse rescue farm. The owner, Diane (Donna Rusch), who speaks of her faith in Jesus, offers Mandy a job to repay the damage. Mandy is reluctant but agrees when she learns that Bradley (YouTuber Devan Key), the cutest boy at her new school, works there too. Horse poop jokes and hard work jokes emerge quickly as Mandy learns how to care for horses, and more importantly, how to care for something other than herself. She relates to a troubled horse she names Tux. The animal had been abandoned by a rich and spoiled schoolmate and resident mean girl, Zoey (Isabella Mancuso), who torments and mocks Mandy mercilessly. Mandy and Tux bring each other out of their shells as Mandy learns to ride, jump, and let go of her fears.

  • A Champion Heart - YouTube

  • A Champion Heart (2018) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb

    A Champion Heart (2018)Full Cast & CrewDirected by

    David de Vos

    Writing Credits

    Stephanie de Vos (written by) &
    David de Vos (written by)
    Tiffany North (based on the novelization by)
    T.D. Fox (based on the novelization by)

    Cast (in credits order)Produced by

    David de Vos producer
    Stephanie de Vos producer
    Michelle Fozounmayeh associate producer (as Fozounmayeh Michelle)
    Dana Risvold associate producer

    Cinematography by

    Ian Robertson

    Casting By

    Sunny Winch (as Sonia Hoffman)

    Production Design by

    Karen Wilson Harper (as Karen Harper)

    Makeup Department

    Danielle Arroyo makeup artist

    Second Unit Director or Assistant Director

    Alex G. Blume second assistant director (as Alex Blume)
    Michelle Fozounmayeh first assistant director

    Art Department

    Gabriel P. Gonzales set dresser (as Gabriel Gonzales)

    Sound Department

    Ryan Canestro sound mixer
    Martin Kittappa sound mixer
    Johnny Kubelka sound mixer
    Grace Owens boom operator
    Bob Tiwana sound mixer

    Stunts

    Isabella Backstrom stunts (as Isabella Mancuso)
    Mandy Grace stunts
    Tommy Primeau stunt coordinator
    Ashtyn Risvold stunts
    Dana Risvold stunts

    Camera and Electrical Department

    Eric Alirez grip
    Chase Baker second assistant camera
    Izzy Bordagaray second assistant camera
    Oliver Eldridge first assistant camera
    Collin Friesen electrician
    Brandon Lippard additional photopgraphy
    Jason Manak still photographer
    Timothy Marasigan grip
    Matthew Reithmayr camera operator
    Jack Winch additional photography

    Casting Department

    Jennifer Groll casting producer

    Costume and Wardrobe Department

    Kalynn Harrington wardrobe
    Ashtyn Risvold special wardrobe by

    Editorial Department

    Donovan Kosters dcp mastering

    Additional Crew

    Jared Arroyo production assistant
    Colleen Marie Bennett production coordinator
    Austin Brooks production assistant
    Deborah Conklin production coordinator
    Debbie Price horse wrangler
    Ashtyn Risvold horse trainer
    Taylor Risvold production assistant
    Shiran Witt production coordinator

⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)

In “Heart of Champions,” directed by Michael Mailer, the storyline revolves around a struggling college rowing team that undergoes a transformative journey with the arrival of a new coach, Jack Murphy, portrayed by Michael Shannon. The coach, a former Olympic rower, introduces a disciplined and unconventional training approach that challenges the team to surpass their limits. The narrative explores themes of perseverance, teamwork, and redemption as the rowers confront personal and collective obstacles, including internal conflicts and past traumas.

The main characters in the movie include Coach Jack Murphy played by Michael Shannon, who instills toughness and unity in the team, Alex portrayed by Alexander Ludwig, a talented rower bringing determination to the crew, and Chris played by Charles Melton, a dedicated rower whose personal struggles impact the team’s dynamics.

The ending of “Heart of Champions” culminates in the rowing team’s journey as they participate in a crucial regatta under Coach Murphy’s mentorship. The team, after facing various challenges and internal conflicts, demonstrates newfound cohesion and resilience during the high-stakes competition. Their performance reflects the strength and determination they have developed under Murphy’s guidance. The conclusion brings a sense of achievement and closure, emphasizing the transformative power of teamwork and perseverance. The characters’ personal growth and resolution of arcs beyond the sport are highlighted, showcasing the positive impact of their experiences on the rowing team.

This sports drama film directed by Michael Mailer captures the essence of overcoming obstacles, fostering unity, and striving for excellence in the competitive world of college rowing. With stellar performances from Michael Shannon, Alexander Ludwig, and Charles Melton, “Heart of Champions” delivers a compelling narrative of growth, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of champions.

👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating

G

Age Rating:

A Champion Heart movie is suitable for all ages, including children and adolescents.

Parental Guide:

Sex & Nudity:

  • The movie contains no sexual content or nudity.

Violence & Gore:

  • The film features themes of bullying, loss, and grief, with high school mean girls displaying bullying behavior.
  • There are no scenes of graphic violence or gore.

Profanity:

  • The movie is clean and does not contain any profanity.

Other:

  • A Champion Heart is a faith-based story that discusses overcoming fear and adversity, as well as themes of faith, hope, and healing through a relationship with a wounded horse.
  • Faith and trust in God are encouraged by the characters in the film.

📺 Streaming and where to watch

streaming service extra information
Pure Flix A Champion Heart is currently available to stream on Pure Flix.
Amazon Prime Video You can buy or rent A Champion Heart for as low as $1.99 to rent or $4.99 to buy on Amazon Prime Video.
Google Play Movies It is also possible to buy ‘A Champion Heart’ on Google Play Movies as download or rent it on Google Play Movies.
YouTube It is also possible to buy ‘A Champion Heart’ on YouTube as download or rent it on YouTube.
Vudu It is also possible to buy ‘A Champion Heart’ on Vudu as download or rent it on Vudu.
Apple TV It is also possible to buy ‘A Champion Heart’ on Apple TV as download or rent it on Apple TV online.

❝ Quotes and Cult

  • The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital.
    Joe Paterno
  • Never underestimate the heart of a champion.
    Rudy Tomjanovich

🤖A Champion Heart Reddit Talks

What happens at the end of Heart of Champions?

Ultimately, the team vindicates Coach Murphy, but Mailer’s film ends without Sara confronting Alex about his duplicity.

What is the movie about the girl who finds a horse?

When a girl finds a lost horse she enters a barrel racing competition and becomes champion.

What is a champion heart rated?

HEART OF A CHAMPION | Official Trailer

Rowing movie: heart of champions

Can’t believe the disrespect for all the hard-working extras who toiled for several days shooting the heart-wrenching, drama-filled race footage.

Unpopular opinion about Heart Of A Champion: NE Vol. 1 …

Movie News & Discussion · Reality TV · Romance Movies & Series · Sci-Fi … The original heart of a champion is just really boring to me now.

Heart of Champions | Official Trailer

Have a couple friends who were extras as background rowers for this movie, honestly pretty excited to see how it turns out!

I saw three movies (Heart of Champions, A Mouthful of Air …

First up was Heart of Champions Underdog sports movies adhere to such a rigid template that it sometimes seems as if the genre has somehow…

Doubt him at your peril. Heart of a champion.

The team as a whole played amazing but look how much better they are when he’s playing like he should! We need Murray and when he’s getting

A Champion Heart (2018)

A troubled girl finds faith, hope, and healing through a relationship with a wounded horse.

A troubled girl finds faith, hope, and healing through a …

A Champion Heart Following the death of her mom, fifteen-year-old Mandy Renner struggles to overcome her grief in a new town. When a group of popular girls …

Champion Heart : Mandy Grace: Movies & TV

A good family movie with a happy ending! Lots of great life lessons as well for discussion with the kids. Really enjoyed this film! Helpful. Share. Report. Ann …

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Who plays Bradley in A Champion Heart?

Devan Key plays the character Bradley in A Champion Heart (2018).

What is the rating for A Champion Heart?

The movie A Champion Heart is rated G, suitable for all audiences.

Is the movie Heart of Champions based on a true story?

Yes, Heart of Champions is based on a true story, although certain details have been altered.

What is the movie about the girl who finds a horse?

A Champion Heart follows the story of a troubled girl who finds faith, hope, and healing through a relationship with a wounded horse.

🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show

  1. Heart of a Champion: A troubled girl finds faith and healing when she bonds with a wounded horse.
  2. A Week Away (2021): A troubled teen finds redemption through music and friendship at a summer camp.
  3. Destined to Ride (2018): A young girl discovers her passion for horseback riding and competes in a prestigious competition.
  4. Moondance Alexander (2007): A girl forms a special bond with a horse and together they defy the odds in a competition.
  5. Ponysitters Club (2017): A group of kids start a pony-sitting business and embark on adventures with their equine friends.
  6. A Horse Tale (2015): A young girl discovers a magical connection with a horse and together they overcome challenges.
  7. Black Beauty: Born free in the American West, Black Beauty forms a bond with a spirited teenager and faces various adventures.
  8. Dream Horse: A community comes together to raise a racehorse, defying the odds and inspiring hope.
  9. The Perfect Catch: A heartwarming story of love and second chances set against the backdrop of a fishing competition.

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