Le cheval de Saint Nicolas

"Het paard van Sinterklaas" is a charming Dutch film that captures the magic and innocence of childhood during the Sinterklaas holiday season. The story follows Winky Wong, a young girl who has recently moved from China to the Netherlands. Struggling to adjust to her new environment, Winky finds solace in her fascination with Sinterklaas and his horse, Amerigo.

The film beautifully portrays Winky's journey of adaptation and her heartfelt desire to connect with the local traditions. Her innocent wish to take care of Amerigo brings warmth and joy to the narrative, making it a delightful watch for both children and adults. The performances, especially by the young actress playing Winky, are endearing and genuine.

"Het paard van Sinterklaas" is a simple yet touching story that highlights themes of cultural integration, family, and the spirit of giving. While it may not have the high-stakes drama of other holiday films, its gentle storytelling and relatable characters make it a heartwarming addition to the festive season. Overall, it's a sweet film that captures the essence of childhood wonder and the magic of Sinterklaas.

Winky (Ebbie Tam) is a little Chinese girl who arrives in Belgium, having been adopted by Chinese immigrant parents (dad is played by Aaron Wan). Naturally, although her parents speak Chinese and operate an Oriental restaurant, the rest of her new surroundings is very strange. Most dismal of all is school, where some of the kids make fun of her. Going a few blocks out of town on her bicycle, Winky finds a beautiful little horse, which makes her spirits improve. Even better, the kind people who own the horse let Winky feed and brush the animal. Even so, none of the school children believe her when the Chinese girl says she "has a horse". But, soon, Winky learns a new custom that warms her heart. St. Nicholas is coming to town and he can bring you the gifts you want. Winky is certain he will bring her the little horse and even sits on St. Nick's lap at the store to give him the details. Will this truly be a present the Great One can deliver? This is a lovely family film, dubbed, but, seamlessly so and with care and zest. Blending the theme of cultural differences with the universal dreams of children and parents everywhere, it hits a high mark in both areas. Tam is one beautiful and talented child and the rest of the cast is quite nice, too. Then, too, the glimpse into the foreign settings and costumes is also a delight and the direction is well-paced and flowing. Do look for this one, fans of family-friendly films AND holiday themed flicks. It's a sweet, satisfying movie.

Winky's horse - not easy for dream to come true though.

Childhood, sour, confused, solid, strive to live yourself, never give up for the dream in your heart!

The performance of Ebbie Tam is excellent!

Natural and no any artificial mock expression and gestures.

I even can feel some unconscious melancholy from the screens ...

I deem perhaps I've found the shadow of my own childhood.

A blue boy couldn't easily be accepted by his classmates.

A depressed boy stared out of window - the gray sky ...

A lonely boy finally found his way: Do not, for one repulse, give up the purpose that you resolved to effect.

Honestly, tears dropped down as I watched this movie because I live in Holland, but my daughter at the same age as Winky is living in China ...

Winky Wong is from China and moves to the Netherlands. Of course, this comes with problems .. Winky meets the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas! A whole new worlds opens for little Winky who simply asks for a horse, because she was told that, if she was good throughout the year, you can get ánything you want. And because she loses the horse she loved the most, she just asks for a new horse. Will she get one? Mixed with real dialogue and voice-over, this movie is extremely cute. You will fall in love with Winky Wong immediately and the way she handles her new life. Everything just fits perfectly and this is the most wonderful holiday movie I've seen in times.

Go see Het Paard van Sinterklaas if you want to know more about Sinterklaas, an interesting event in the Netherlands. Go see Het Paard van Sinterklaas if you want to be amazed by acting skills from kids under 10 years. Just GO see Het Paard van Sinterklaas and his follow up: Waar is het Paard van Sinterklaas?

Anyone who knows, or would like to know about the dutch tradition of Sinterklaas, should simply see this movie. Seeing it in a cinema filled with children makes it even more fun. Meet Winkie Wong, originally from China gets confronted with the upcoming event of Sinterklaas coming to town. Tradition allows children, if they have been good throughout the year, to ask Sinterklaas whatever they would like to get. This makes Winkie hope and think beyond her expectations. Right from the beginning it becomes obvious Winkie would not settle for less then asking for a horse.

And because of the 'weirdness' of this dutch tradition, it makes this movie so cute and a must see for anyone, with or without kids.