It is indeed difficult to find excellent, inspirational movies that are based upon true stories like this one is! At the conclusion of this movie, both my friend and I were moved by it's full impact!My friend and I have both lived hard lives. To see a movie such as this is very helpful for those who have had hard lives. I am proud to have added this movie to my DVD Movie Library. Along with such movies as; "March of the Penguins," and "One Night With the King," these are all movies I have found to be both inspirational and uplifting during a time when one can use all of the edification one can acquire.Not only have I rated this movie with my highest rating possible at a 10, but if your rating went higher, I would give it a higher rating. I will definitely be watching this over and over again. Thank you very much for this opportunity of sharing how two of us thoroughly enjoyed this move. More like this kind of movie I would love to see! Thank you very much! Sincerely, Michael G. Murphy.

I like this movie for its' basic "realism" It looks like America might have looked in 1917 attitudes included. The irasible Storekeeper who Will works for pretty well sums up the local attitude after the Newspaper man Kingsley sent arrives " Where's the box? " He asks, assuming young Stoneman has died in the course of the race. " Don't You get the Newspapers here ? " the shocked reporter responses and passes him several.I enjoyed Mackenzie Astin's performance, but it didn't surprise me, He's Sean's brother and the son of John Astin and Patty Duke who both did a fair bit of acting. David Ogden Stiers' character was almost strictly Charles Winchester. I also liked Kevin Spacey's reporter out for the "big story" who in a sense was the biggest underdog of all... Imagine getting to page One in the midst of a World War from the K 9 section. uplifting , though not too believable. There's also that scene where wealthy gambler Angus McTeague visits Will in the dog shed and offers him 3000 dollars to drop out of the race. The Boy is sorely tempted and after He leaves, lead dog Gus gives him a almost disgusted look and Will says " I didn't take it... did I ?" No. young Stoneman is not cowed by anyone or anything but Gus the dog and is not all that nice... just human. Could it really happen ? doubtful, but then it is Disney.

How much of this story is true is up for dispute. I suspect most of it is highly exaggerated. Nonetheless, it is inspirational and fun to watch: an excellent adventure tale.The movie reminded me of "White Fang" with the winter scenery and the young hero, played by MacKenzie Astin, looking and sounding much like Ethan Hawke. The story was simply about a dog-sled race in the early part of the 20th century.The picture is beautifully shot, especially the train scenes, and looks very good on DVD. The villains in here aren't as despicable as in other films, so it's more pleasant to watch. I enjoyed the entire story except for the whistling at the finish line which was a bit stupid, but that's minor.This is one of Disney's better efforts.

No surprises here as a young man overcomes prejudice, harsh weather, and evil men and their henchmen as he attempts to win a big sled race. All this so he can save the family farm and have enough money to go to college. Interesting, but this ground has been plowed many times before. Lots of chills and thrills.