Penny's Shadow

Penny's Shadow is a heartwarming 2011 Dutch adventure film directed by Steven de Jong. It stars Levi van Kempen, Liza Sips, and Valerie Pos. The movie beautifully encapsulates an enchanting tale of horsemanship, friendship, growth, and the undeniable bond that can form between a human and an animal.

The storyline primarily centers around a young, seventeen-year-old girl named Lisa (Liza Sips). Lisa embodies the spirit of a typical teenager - full of life, dreams, and an adventurous spirit. She has a great passion for horses, a trait that plays a pivotal role in the unfolding of the plot. Every summer, Lisa and her friend go to a riding camp located on a farm on Ameland, one of the West Frisian Islands located in the North Sea off the Dutch coast.

On their arrival, Lisa's attention is captivated by a beautiful, mysterious black stallion, named Shadow. Shadow is renowned for his wild, untamable nature and has a tragic backstory, being involved in a ferocious storm that had tragic consequences for his previous rider. This tragic incident has left Shadow highly traumatized and resistant towards human contact.

Lisa, however, feels inexplicably drawn to Shadow. She becomes deeply fascinated by this horse, and despite being warned about the dangerous nature of the horse, Lisa can't be dissuaded from trying to build a relationship with Shadow. Her friends and the farm owner, George (played by Monic Hendrickx), constantly warn her about the temperamental and unpredictable behavior of Shadow, but Lisa remains undeterred.

Meanwhile, her journey intertwines with Kai (depicted by Levi van Kempen), a young and handsome worker at the riding school and the son of the farm's owner. Kai is brooding and initially comes off as cold and aloof, mainly due to personal issues of his own. However, as Lisa’s interaction with Shadow progresses, her path crosses with Kai repetitively revealing spark of a potential romantic storyline.

Marginal conflict arises when Valerie Pos steps into the picture as the gorgeous yet self-obsessed Carolien. An accomplished rider, she takes pride in her skills and her attractive appearance, using both to unsettle others and assert her dominance. Her persistence to win Kai’s attention adds a touch of rivalry to the narrative.

As the movie unfolds, the deep connection between Lisa and Shadow forms the core of the film, showing how Lisa’s persistence and kindness starts to break through the barrier that Shadow has put up against human contact. The transformation of the horse under Lisa's patient and loving approach is heartening to watch. Lisa's character also evolves during the course of the film, teaching her valuable lessons in patience, perseverance, and compassion.

The film excels in striking cinematography, showing breath-taking landscapes that add depth and authenticity to the movie. The picturesque backdrop of Ameland, with its unspoilt sandy beaches and hilly dunes, provides a spectacular setting. These grand visuals coupled with an engaging, emotive storyline make the film a delightful experience, especially for horse lovers and those who love an underdog story.

Adding to the plot's appeal, the soundtrack of Penny’s Shadow contributes significantly to the overall mood of the film. Composed by Ronald Schilperoort, the music beautifully compliments the narrative's highs and lows. The sequences including a dutch hit song "Riding with You" was specifically penned by Christon Rigby Crayenester for the film.

Penny's Shadow is an emotionally stirring film that is both heart-touching and entertaining. It smartly combines elements of adventure, romance, and drama with an immersive storyline and well-crafted characters. Its captivating depiction of love towards animals, perseverance, and the power of friendship is likely to leave audiences reflective and inspired. A must-watch for those 'coming-of-age' movie buffs and definitely for the ones who share an ardor for horses.