Winky's Horse


Winky's Horse is a 2005 Dutch children's film. It was released in the Netherlands on 12 October 2005 and received a re-release the following year. Winky's Horse received multiple award nominations and wins, and screenwriter Tamara Bos won a Golden Calf award for Best Screenplay of a Feature Film. The film also received a Golden Film for 100,000 visitors.
A sequel, entitled Where Is Winky's Horse?, was released in 2007.

Plot

Winky and her mother have recently traveled from China to the Netherlands in order to meet up with Winky's father. The move is not entirely a smooth one, as Winky has to learn to speak Dutch while also experiencing some culture shock due to the differences between the two countries. She finds some solace with her neighbors Oom Siem and Tante Cor, as they own an old horse that Winky instantly adores. However when her beloved horse dies, Winky is heartbroken and decides that she must have another horse in her life - even if she must appeal to St. Nicholas to accomplish this.

Cast

Variety wrote a positive review but stated "Kidpic "Winky's Horse" reps a delightful girl-meets-horse story, aimed at tiny tots. Despite its charms, this Holland-set Christmastime fable will have a rough ride finding offshore buyers, even if redubbed for export, given its intensely Dutch frame of reference." DVD Verdict was mixed in their review, as they felt that "It's not a magical tale of whimsy and magical whimsical magic, but it is a sweet slice of character drama. Little Ebbie Tam is a sweetheart who is in nearly every scene which gives her plenty to do, but she's up to it. Of course the overwrought dubbing detracts from the effectiveness—a good amount actually—but my, what a smile!"