Rock My Heart

Rock My Heart is an inspiring drama from 2017 that artfully combines the allure of horse racing with a heartwarming coming-of-age story. The film is a German production directed by Hanno Olderdissen and boasts an impressive cast featuring Emilio Sakraya, Lena Klenke, and Dieter Hallervorden.

Rock My Heart presents audiences with a story of determination, passion, healing, and resilience, portrayed through the life of its young protagonist, Jana (Lena Klenke). Jana is a determined and fearless 17-year-old girl with a serious heart condition that severely threatens her health. Despite her health condition, Jana is immediately drawn to an unruly black stallion named Rock My Heart when she crosses paths with the horse at her father's barn.

However, due to her condition, she is warned by her doctors and her overprotective parents to stay away from physically demanding activities including horse riding. Yet, following a chance encounter with a racehorse trainer, Paul Brenner (Dieter Hallervorden), Jana’s life takes a completely unexpected turn. Breathing new life into this rebellious horse as well as her own, Jana's wilful nature only heightens her determination to mount the horse, and steer herself into a flurry of transformative experiences.

Emilio Sakraya plays the enigmatic Samy, a delinquent living in a youth detention center who later becomes part of Paul Brenner's team and forms a close bond with Jana as they traverse the ups and downs of their lives. An unexpected heartwarming and thrilling friendship begins to develop between Jana and Samy as they continue taming 'Rock My Heart’, further intertwining their destinies on the race track.

Dieter Hallervorden, the distinguished German actor, imparts a remarkable portrayal of the seasoned horse trainer, Paul Brenner. This character has his own battles to fight, including financial troubles. Brenner discovers Jana's pronounced, innate knack for horse riding and realizes that she and the stubborn stallion might just be his ticket to overcoming his own challenges.

As the narrative unfolds, viewers are transported to the frenzied world of horse racing, counterposed with the serene and soothing landscapes of Germany's lush countryside. This balance is particularly impressive in the film’s cinematography, and the sporadic horse racing sequences are nothing short of thrilling. While the horse acts as a metaphorical manifestation of Jana's internal struggles, it also symbolizes her courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

Despite the mounting medical concerns and the increasing resistance from her parents, Jana's relationship with Rock My Heart intensifies. She nurtures an extraordinary ability to understand and communicate with the horse, and this connection fuels her drive to overcome her health condition. As if mirroring each other's lives, both girl and horse, initially underestimated and hindered by their respective circumstances, rise to unanticipated heights as they prepare for an all-important endurance race.

Rock My Heart also excels in portraying the candid vulnerabilities and strengths of its characters, making each character memorable. Klenke gives a compelling performance as Jana, capturing her struggle, defiance, and passion with a deep sincerity that is truly riveting. Sakraya is equally engaging as Samy, conveying a range of emotions from stubborn rebelliousness to poignant sensitivity. Hallervorden delivers a captivating performance as the seasoned trainer, instilling his character with a unique blend of determination and charm.

A heartening film that hits a poignant emotional nerve, Rock My Heart reminds viewers of the invaluable life lessons that are often drawn from unique and unexpected relationships. As a narrative, it marches to the courage and perseverance of a determined young girl who defies the odds in order to follow her heart. With emotionally resonant performances, beautiful cinematography, and an endearing story, Rock My Heart captivates audiences with its display of determination, passion, and the enduring spirit of human resilience. A truly touching spectacle to watch for all lovers of inspiring drama and heartfelt stories!