Jappeloup is a 2013 French biographical drama film directed by Christian Duguay packaged on DVD.
Based on the inspirational true story of a horse that was deemed too small to become a champion, Jappeloup stars Guillaume Canet, Daniel Auteuil, Marina Hands and Donald Sutherland.
At the start of the 1980s, Pierre Durand (Guillaume Canet) abandons a promising legal career and throws himself into his true passion – show jumping. With his father’s (Daniel Auteuil) backing, he gambles everything on a young horse who no one else had any faith in: Jappeloup. Too small, too stubborn, too impetuous, he has many faults, but nonetheless has a remarkable jumping ability. From competition to competition, the pair improve and begin to make their mark on the show jumping world. But the Los Angeles Olympic Games is a disaster for them, and Pierre has to face up to his shortcomings. With the help of his wife, Nadia, and groom Raphaëlle, Pierre has to regain Jappeloup’s confidence and build a relationship with the remarkable horse, as the 1988 Seoul Olympics looms.
Subtitled
Jappeloup Movie Reviews
“The drama really takes off during the competitions, filmed with an aerobic camera that moves everywhere: under the horse in mid-jump, right behind its tail, or following at ground level…This is a knuckle-biter.” Film Forward
“Capturing the various training and tournament scenes in superbly framed widescreen [director] Christian Duguay shows a seasoned hand in depicting the rarefied art of professional show jumping” The Hollywood Reporter
“You'll be forgiven if your heart slowly melts into your knees.” Independent Magazine