Shannon's Rainbow

Shannon has had a turbulent life. When she was born, her father said that her mother died shortly after giving birth to her. She lived with that for seventeen years, without ever receiving her mother’s love, but always craving for it.

At seventeen, her father passes away; leaving her alone. She is taken in by Dave (her Godfather) and his wife, but is meted out harsh treatment. One day, Dave tells Shannon that her mother is still alive and that she should meet her. When the mother and daughter finally meet, Shannon is distraught with the thought of seeing her mother who she had believed to be dead. Her mother, Christine, on the other hand, is happy to meet her daughter. She, too, was told that her daughter had died shortly after her birth. Shannon moves in with them, reluctant at first. Eric, Christine’s boyfriend, runs a stable and Shannon soon develops an association with a horse, Rainbow. Their love and care towards each other is one of the most defining aspects of Shannon’s Rainbow.

Eric has a rival - Mitchell Prescott, who wants Rainbow for a race. Shannon with the help of Rainbow and Eric’s former mentor, Max, wins the race. She is thrilled and totally in love with her new family and her mother that she never knew she had, but always craved for. Some parts of this film are based on true events and make for a completely engrossing watch.

What makes this drama movie special is the bonding between a beast and a human being. Shannon’s profound pain for the loss of her beloved father gives depth to the plot, while the warmth and fellow feeling she experiences with her limped horse provides dimension to it. Shannon\'s Rainbow not just translates the feelings of the teenage girl, but also projects the importance of a pet animal like, horse.

I must say, that actress Julianne Michelle has done complete justice to the character of Shannon, as she succeeded in getting under its skin. I feel that the narrative of the engrossing film managed to go hand in glove with the incredible characterization. The demise of Shannon’s father has been instrumental in unwinding the affectionate connect of the horse called, Rainbow.