The Race (1:34) 2009

This is a wonderful example of a wholesome family movie set in poor rural Northern Ireland. Mary is the eleven year old daughter of a third generation farmer played by Colm Meaney. The family is beset with problems including a marriage that is falling apart and the farm facing bankruptcy. Mary and her friend Tom have a common interest, they both love racing. They both have go-carts and spend time racing. They are also bonded together by the fact that the other students bully them especially Mary who they say smells like pigs. One day, one of the sons of a wealthy land developer announces there will be a four and a half mile go cart race. Mary decides to enter the race and goes home to work on her cart. She encounters several problems, her father will not help her and the cart crashes on a run. Fortunately, Mary's father does have a change of heart but is it in time? I really enjoyed this movie, it deals with some heavy duty themes but keeps the focus on Mary pursuing her dream. The scenery in rural Antrim is beautiful and the soundtrack adds to the film. This is a gem of an Irish family movie, I highly recommend it.