Harry & Snowman (2015) Reviews

• This Doc Ain't Horsin' Around

  brookecolor2016-05-23

  Pressing the play button, I expected to be quite bored. Horse riding itself is exhilarating, but for many, myself included, watching horse races or watching people talk about horses isn't nearly as enjoyable as doing the act itself. I did not expect to be sucked into this story within the first five minutes -- but I was. The story itself is magnetizing, compelling, and unexpected. The dynamic between a poor immigrant and a horse meant for death, riding together to fame, is something you'd think to see in fiction. The turns and twists in this story proved to be the perfect subject for a humbling documentary. Besides the tale itself, the filmmakers did a fantastic job at telling it. The heart within Harry and his horse Snowman is mirrored throughout the organization, thought, and execution of the film. It's a story that lasts from Harry as a young man to an elder, and the timeline told is perfectly matched. You don't need to love horses to love this doc -- all you need are some feelings.

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• Powerful, beautiful documentary about horse and man

  louisamj2015-08-03

  This is a wonderful documentary, full of lots of real footage of all the persons, animals and events it describes. Harry is still alive, and is a warm and funny man as well as being a great storyteller. The relationship that grew between this man who rescued a 12 year old Amish plow horse off a trailer that was taking the horse to the glue factory is amazing to behold. Harry was (and still is) a great trainer, and Snowman (the horse) was a world champion jumper - but none of that was known when Harry bought Snowman off the death truck for $80. The movies gives a lot of insight into the impact that World War 2 had on Harry, and his struggles to find meaningful work with horses and gain respectability after coming here. The footage of them at jumping events, winning prize after prize, as Snowman rises up into the air and over the jumps like a 4-legged angel with Harry one with him on his back - it took my breath away. If you appreciate great stories about the human spirit, the beauty of horses, historical times, and the loving relationship that can grow between a human and a horse - you will love this film.

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• For the love and companionship between man and horse

  paul-allaer2016-10-29

  "Harry & Snowman" (2015 release; 84 min.) is a documentary about horse rider Harry DeLeyer and his horse Snowman. As the movie opens, we are at "Nederland Farm" and present-day Harry DeLeyer, now well into his 80s, is teaching someone (his granddaughter?) about show jumping, while also telling stories. "Of all the horses I've had, Snowman was the most special". We then go back in time to his early years, growing up in the Netherlands and dealing with WWII at age 13. When he gets the opportunity to move to the US after WWII, he grabs it with both hands. At this time we are 10 min. into the movie. Couple of comments: this is another documentary from writer-director Ron Davis, founder of Docutainment Films. Here Davis brings us the almost fairy tale-sounding but true story of a guy who immigrated to this country with nothing but the shirt on his back, and turned his love for horses into a career, The big break occurs when at an auction in Pennsylvania, he rescues this white horse for $80 when the horse was about to depart for the meat factory. That horse, Snowman, would become one of the most accomplished show jumping horses ever. But let's be clear: it's about much more than the competition, as impressive as that is: this is about the deep bond, yes love, and companionship between man and horse. It seems as though there wasn't a thing that Snowman wold do for Harry or Harry's family (8 kids). Ah yes, the kids, they are also interviewed extensively and from there we can appreciate the kids' awe for their dad, but also the huge shadow cast by dad's accomplishments. The documentary has an unbelievable amount of footage from the fifties and sixties and that makes the movie also a time machine to that era. Bottom line: this is a fine documentary that flies by in no time. "Harry & Snowman" has been out for over a year, and this weekend it showed up out of the blue at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati. The Friday evening screening where I saw this at was attended very nicely, somewhat to my surprise. I also notice a number of kids in the audience, and indeed this is the perfect movie to take kids to, in particular if they love horses. If you have a chance to check it out, be it in the theater, on Amazon Instant Video or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, just do it. "Harry & Snowman" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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• Fascinating Historical Documentary for Horse Lovers

  aliciaann_b2016-07-24

  I was actually surprised at how much I enjoyed Harry and Snowman. It's a tale of Harry and his horse Snowman who he rescued from being sent to the Glue factory. They became unlikely friends and spend a lifetime together reaching great heights against the odds. However this documentary is much more than the historical life and times of a man and his horse; it's about Harry, his past, and his present. The film is told by his sons, daughters, grand-daughter, and of course Harry himself. You get a real in depth look into his past starting with WWII in Holland and how he and his father were part of the resistance. The movie allows you to dive into every triumph and fall of Harry's life. Harry and Snowman had me captivated the whole way through. Whether you are a horse-lover, athlete, or simply someone who enjoys a fine documentary, this film will most definitely be for you. It had me laughing, cheering, and even crying. Do not miss out on this beautiful film that is perfect for all ages.

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• Rags to riches horse story

  PrescottFilmFest2015-05-17

  Documentaries can be... well... a bit boring. This fact made Harry & Snowman that much more satisfying. Americans, and perhaps people around the world, love the idea of people being able to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps-- it gives us hope that we might do the same. Putting aside the commercial success side of the story, the simple yet profound bond between this horse and his man is heartwarming. Without giving anything away, all I can say is that I was "hooked" about 20 minutes into the film. You will not be disappointed. Moving from historical images and footage to current day interviews, the production quality, sound, and use of appropriate music combine for excellent storytelling.

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