Editorial Review

Imagine your pets traveling 200 miles over mountainous terrain just to see you. What would they eat? What if a bear attacked? What if they ran into a porcupine? This Disney classic answers these questions and more with style and fun, in a story the whole family will enjoy. It tells the tale of two dogs and a cat that head for home on a 200-mile journey through the Canadian Rockies, when they are separated from the family friend who's taking care of them. With a lot of teamwork, ingenuity, and a few human friends along the way, they make it home safe and sound. Unlike the '90s remakes, the animals don't "speak" in voice-overs--and that's a vast improvement. The narrator explains the animals' thoughts, and for their feelings, we need only look at their facial expressions. This trio can act. Watch for the scene where the Siamese cat gets into a spitting match with a lynx on a tree branch, or where he and the retriever scare off a bear that's attacking the older dog. Children under five may be a little frightened by some of the larger wild animals, but there's no violence (though one of the dogs is seen briefly carrying a dead rabbit). Children of all ages will gain respect for animals as independent, loyal, and sensitive beings; and you'll see your pet with new eyes. Read more

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Reviews (12)

Unsung Classic
One of my earlest childhood memories is watching this movie over and over again.It really disappoints me to hear that many people don't even realize "Homeward Bound" was a remake of this classic.This version is so wonderful for so many reasons...
The Original is Always Best
I hadn't seen this movie in a good 20 years. We rented the newer version for our 5 year old and were displeased with the way it was put together. The narration and animal "acting" in this one tell the story beautifully without smart-mouthed cats and farting dogs. My daughter LOVED this version and was spellbound from start to finish. If you want the Journey to be truly Incredible, stick with the Original after all, they're almost always the best.

this is the better movie - no contest
This 1963 version of Incredible Journey is so much better than the 1990's version it's hard to know where to start.In the first place, the animals in this movie are the breeds and characters of the book.With all due respect to the talents of M. J. Fox, D. Ameche and S. Struthers (the voices in the newer movie), one of the great joys of the original is that the only voice for most of the movie is Rex Allen's voice over.The animals tell the story here, just as they do in the book, and they do it by their actions, not words.
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Subjects:  1. Childrens    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Pop   

Editorial Review

Adapted from the beloved novel by Walter Farley, this 1979 family classic was hailed by no less than hard-to-please critic Pauline Kael, who wrote that "it may be the greatest children's movie ever made." A visual feast from start to finish, the timeless tale of Read more

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Reviews (85)

Startlingly Beautiful and Moving
This film would indeed by considered "slow" by contemporary viewers, and so much the worse for them. I saw it for the first time only a few weeks ago, knowing that Pauline Kael loved it, and hoping that my son would find it sufficiently engaging to give me a break from the Wiggles. I've seen it 5 times since then, and its beauty still startles me. There is no pandering in this film, either to parents or to children. There are no references to popular culture. Kelly Reno is a quiet, thoughtful boy who is never asked to play to the camera, and never does. No mood or action is unnecessarily underlined. The huge, spirited but dangerous stallion is never humanized or reduced to a toy; he remains a horse, and beautiful for that reason.
Excellent and different family movie
You won't find movies like this made any more.It would be considered "slow" by today's standards.However, the island sequences and sounds are incredibly beautiful and engaging, as well as the charming opening of the father regaling some of his intrigueing poker winnings to his son.I have to admit I fell asleep for most of the second half, but my 7 yr old son seemed mostly amused.Best fit for 6-10 yr. old kids.

The most underated movie of all time??
As one reviewer said, this movie tells only what's relevant to the story, and oh what a story it is.I knew this movie could be truly great when Alec's father gave him a stallion figurine and a story.Looking back its easy to forget the importance of that moment.Before his death, Alecs dad provided the story that would analogize the entire movie.To ride the horse became Alecs drive, then when realized it became his gift, and finally it became our inspiration.The secret of the movie lies in everything unspoken, we don't need to be reminded, and assured of the great bond between boy and horse, we can see it, and then we can internalize it.The final scenes, the match race could have easily been distanced from the story line, after all the story was up to then not that Black was faster than other horses, but that the bond was strong between him and Alec.And so in the final turn, as the Black broke from the other two, we were taken back in time, on a beach with a boy and a stallion who simply rode.While the spectators were amazed at this horse, the viewer knew the story, we knew the bond between the two, and this is the greatness of the movie.As far as I'm concerned the give-and-take scene, as Alex and Black finally make there immortal bond, is one of the most beautiful, touching, innocent, and just plain entertaining moments ever filmed.A case could be made for the sucessful ride scene as well.Reno's performance was perfect, I don't know if I could ever "feel" an actor as well as he, as opposed to simply watch an actor.His body language and expressions were as powerfull as any dialogue.Rooney was very good, seamless in his role, but he was far less central to the movie than Alec himself.Movies are inherantly powerfull in showing, not telling.The imagery, the facial and body language, and the score of The Black Stallion take movie making to the highest level, of its most powerful level.Its one of my favorite movies, and surely one of the greatest movies the critics have largely ignored. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children    2. Childrens    3. Family    4. Feature Film-action/Adventure    5. Movie   

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Reviews (8)

Most excellent adaptation
Gold was found in Alaska, the rush to obtain it required a strong constitution and many dogs to do the work that horses usually did in the states. The environment bred harsh attitudes. Also in the testing of ones mettle one finds their true potential. Wonderful Movie and great dog
The reason that I purchased this movie was the fact that the dog in the movie was a Leonberger.I personally own this breed and was interested to see how they made it in the movie.It was wonderful to see the basic characteristics of the breed were NOT lost by the actions in the film.They are truly magnificent animals and this movie is a testament to them and the wonderful story that they portrayed.

Beautifully Rendered Film Version of London's Classic Tale!
I must admit I am a Rutger Hauer fan, and have been ever since "Ladyhawke" was released in 1985.And as an English teacher, I am always looking for new videos to augment my literature units.Thissuperb version of Jack London's tale of unconditional love, survival of thefittest and London's belief that all living creatures including man arecapable of reverting to their wild beginnings has been the perfect visualcompanion to my teaching the novel "Call of the Wild" for thepast two years - and it has Rutger Hauer to boot!Exquisitely photographedin muted tones, "Call of the Wild" tells the story of Buck, thehandsome Newfoundland, who is kidnapped because of his massive size fromhis pampered life in California, and endures horrific hardships, numerousowners, and self-discovery as he is taken to man's "holy grail" -the Klondike Gold Rush.Rutger Hauer protrays John Thornton, the grizzledbut kind man who saves Buck's life and introduces Buck to the unbridled joyof unconditional love.Richard Dreyfuss narrates beautifully, giving theviewer an opportunity to actually experience bits and pieces of London'sexquisite prose.Although a number of film versions have previously beenmade, this version is by far superior!Not only is Buck accuratelyrepresented by the actual breed that London wrote about, but the screenplayfollows the story most faithfully.Except for the brief insertion of asaloon girl to romance Thornton for a moment and the minimizing of a numberof Buck's owners, this film visually portrays the fear and growth andfinally the trust and love that Buck experiences.I do recommend, however,that to fully experience the depth of London's metaphor, the book should beread!It is an excellent way for children to understand that films comefrom the written word and to possibly help "turn them on" toreading.Additionally, although the story depicts cruelty to animals whichis an important element in London's plot, the film exhibits a largedisclaimer at the beginning of the movie explaining that absolutely noanimals were harmed in the making of the film.As an avid animal lover andadvocate, I could NOT have viewed nor could I recommend the film if thishad not been done.However even if the book is not read, this is anoutstanding adventure film suitable for the family.After viewing, youmight even start a discussion with your children about greed, love andsacrifice! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Buried like a bone in a snowdrift, Read more

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Reviews (63)

Balto Rocks
one of the best cartoons i have watched artwork is really good and it follows a true story

Traveling with 3 kids.....andBalto 1, 2 and 3
I purchased the three Balto animated movie dvds as a surprise for my three daughters for a long road trip. My girls are 10, 9 and 6. It was the easiest and most quiet trip ever. The girls watched each movie in order and when the last movie finished... we had arrived. Yeah!

Five stars for the film three stars for the DVD.
Great film of course, buit the DVD needs work. There is no widescreen option in this film (which is mostly a bad thing since this film was almost certainly made in widescreen) and the extra fetures are lacking. Other than that, it is a highly recomended film. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cartoons & Animation    2. Children's Video    3. Pop   

Editorial Review

Walt Disney studios had previously adapted Sheila Burnford's classic animal-adventure novel Read more

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Reviews (55)

For the Animal Lover in Us All
I avoided this film at first because I felt they "cartoonized" Sheila Burnford's original novel and the original Disney movie, which I remember seeing on the weekly television series. But seen as a stand-alone this is a fun film about three animals trying to make their way back to their family. The animals are provided voice-over thoughts by Don Ameche (as elderly Shadow), Michael J. Fox (as Chance, the young, recently adopted dog who doesn't trust the humans not to abandon him), and Sally Field (as Sassy, the sarcastic Himilayan cat), and the story is more light than Burnford's original, although there are many touching moments as well. One BIG point off for Disney failing to release this film in letterbox. Apparently they just Don't Get It.

Homeward Bound - The Incredible Journey
This movie would have to be one of the best animal movies of all time.My whole family loved it (adults and kids).I highly recommend this movie to any animal lovers.

Great movie, but no widescreen!
Unforunately, this great movie got bad treatment when Disney decided to make a DVD of it full screen only. Why is it so hard to release a movie in its original aspect ratio?
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Subjects:  1. Childrens    2. Feature Film Family    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Walt Disney studios had previously adapted Sheila Burnford's classic animal-adventure novel Read more

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• Original recording reissued
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Reviews (55)

For the Animal Lover in Us All
I avoided this film at first because I felt they "cartoonized" Sheila Burnford's original novel and the original Disney movie, which I remember seeing on the weekly television series. But seen as a stand-alone this is a fun film about three animals trying to make their way back to their family. The animals are provided voice-over thoughts by Don Ameche (as elderly Shadow), Michael J. Fox (as Chance, the young, recently adopted dog who doesn't trust the humans not to abandon him), and Sally Field (as Sassy, the sarcastic Himilayan cat), and the story is more light than Burnford's original, although there are many touching moments as well. One BIG point off for Disney failing to release this film in letterbox. Apparently they just Don't Get It.

Homeward Bound - The Incredible Journey
This movie would have to be one of the best animal movies of all time.My whole family loved it (adults and kids).I highly recommend this movie to any animal lovers.

Great movie, but no widescreen!
Unforunately, this great movie got bad treatment when Disney decided to make a DVD of it full screen only. Why is it so hard to release a movie in its original aspect ratio?
Read more

Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Feature Film Family    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Carroll Ballard's 1983 adaptation of Farley Mowat's autobiographical novel turns his life-changing experience studying the wolves in Canada's inhospitable North into a moving drama of one man's courage and discovery of nature's majesty. Charles Martin Smith plays green biologist Tyler, sent by the Canadian government to "prove" that the wolves are depleting the caribou herds, but what he finds is a natural world in perfect harmony where he becomes a tolerated outsider. Dumped unprepared in the wilds by a hard drinking bush pilot (Brian Dennehy), Tyler learns survival skills from the aged Eskimo who saves his life and the rules of coexistence from a neighboring wolf (which results in a literal pissing contest as man and beast mark their respective territories). Tyler's journey culminates in the majestic run with the wolf pack, an exhilarating sequence where for an instant he becomes one with natural environment of the wilds. For all its beauty, however, Tyler's experience becomes a bittersweet lesson as the encroachment of hunters, tourism, and the social landscape threaten the natural order. As in his previous film, the delicate and lovely Read more

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Reviews (79)

Cry WOLF its worth it
To survive we must learn by nature-Anon.
Must see
The caribou population is declining at an alarming rate and the Canadian government is concerned.After a harrowing and kind of funny plane flight with tundra pilot Brian Dennehy government researcher Tyler is dropped in the frozen middle of nowhere.It's a `kind of' funny plane flight because it's so well done.Dennehy is a hung over, buckaroo bonzai type independent flyer.His little prop plane, heavily laden with Tyler's (Charles Martin Smith) equipment, has a tough time both taking off and, later, staying afloat.The in-flight repairs Dennehy makes had me on the edge of my seat - although the photography is the great strength of NEVER CRY WOLF, the acting - especially by Smith - and the editing are also nearly perfect. As harrowing as the plane ride is it's a pretty safe bet the plane will land (elsewise there'd be no movie) and Tyler will find survival, rather than research, is the pressing order of business.
"Keep movin, Tyler. Gotta keep movin."
One of the most beautiful and sympathetic movies ever made about wolves, Alaska, and the Inuit, I could watch this movie over and over and not get tired of it. A mid-level analyst who just happens to be in the right place at the right time (he has his doubts early on)is chosen to go North to investigate the Arctic wolf and its impact on the caribou population. Along the way he encounters a host of intriguing characters, including a crazy-like-a-fox entrepreneurial bush pilot looking to make some sort of big score, a number of wacky bit players who I can easily imagine were not actors, but the real deal, and every bit as eccentric as they appeared; and an endearingly sage old Inuit of few words but many eloquent silences.
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Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

This movie follows the unwritten law of sequels: bring back the same characters and put them in similar jeopardy with slightly tweaked circumstances. Instead of a cross-country journey, this time the pet trio must get from the San Francisco airport across the Golden Gate Bridge to their suburban home. Michael J. Fox and Sally Field return as the voices of Chance the bulldog and Sassy the cat, with Ralph Waite replacing the late Don Ameche as the elderly golden retriever. Their journey features dogfights, house fires, an epic battle with a pair of petnappers, and a love affair for Chance with a stray from the other side of the bridge (Carla Gugino). Sinbad voices another dog who guides them through the mean streets of the city by the bay, and Robert Hays stars as the father, but, frankly, that hardly matters. What does is the animals' banter, and they're funny. (Ages 3 and up) Read more

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Reviews (18)

Those Lovable Critters are Back!
This movie is the third movie that Disney has made using the same theme.The first was 1963's "The Incredible Journey."The second was essentially a remake of the first, "Homeward Bound."In the remake the animals talked rather than having a narration.This movie capitalizes on the success of the original with a variation on the theme of the original.
homeward bound 2
this is one of the best films I have seen yet.
Awesome movie!! I've loved this for years!!
I just watched this movie again for the first time in a long time... It's better than I remember...
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film Family    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

A complete lack of imagination is what qualifies this as a B movie. Thankfully, this snowy adventure about a boy and his dogs is charming enough to entice the kiddies. Charismatic MacKenzie Astin plays a teenager trying to save the family farm by entering a 522-mile sled-dog marathon. Except for Astin, the lusciously scenic background has more depth than most of the characters. This is so predictable you could take a nap and miss nothing except a few rousing scenes in the 1917 Winnipeg-to-St.-Paul sled race. Although this is visually more appealing than most family fare, one wishes more attention had been paid to the script. Read more

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Reviews (39)

THE RACE IS ON
Admittedly contrived and predictable with stereotypical characters, Disney's 1994 IRON WILL is nonetheless an enjoyable, sentimental and heartfelt film.Sean's younger brother Mackenzie Astin stars as a deteremined youth who in 1917 plans on winning a 500 mile dogsled race from Winnipeg to St. Paul.He is of course faced with nasty adversaries (BRIAN COX included)and a blizzard and his lead dog who is attacked by an opponent's vicious lead dog.Kevin Spacey brings his usual fire to the role of an opportunistic journalist who initially uses Astin's exploits to gain readers, but eventually warms to the boy's heroic persistence.
I love this movie
I don't expect anything more of a movie than to enjoy it and be entertained. I don't seek to psychoanalyze or offer up in-depth critique, it's only a movie. I either enjoy it or I don't. Oh sure, it's a little corny here and there, but the dogs and the scenery more than compensate for any shortcomings. A thoroughly enjoyable movie..

One Of Disney's Better Efforts
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.
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Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Wilson Rawls's novel about an Oklahoma boy's devotion to two hunting dogs during the Great Depression was the basis for this appealing 1974 film made by a former Disney director, Norman Tokar. Stewart Peterson is very effective as a 12-year-old, hurtling down the path toward manhood with hounds at his side. (Though how he raised $50 to get the pooches in that economic climate is still a mystery....) Read more

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Reviews (53)

Great Family Movie
"Where the Red Fern Grows" is as good as I remember frommy youth.Great for the whole family, it brings out a range of emotions.

Good Movie about friendship
I bought this for my granddaughter who had read the book with her class at school. She wanted the movie to share with the class. She likes to read books and then see the movie if available. It seems to help in seeing the characters and the story line. All of the family has viewed this movie and we all love to watch it every chance we get. I highly recommend this movie for all families.

loved it!
i just love this show..i guess one reason i really liked this show parts of it was filmed in vian oklahoma.. and i was raised around that area...My 3 yr old even enjoys watching this.. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Feature Film Family    3. Movie   

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Reviews (7)

GrandKids loved it
I had purchased this for my granddaughter who loves dolphins.I remember watching it with my children 30 years ago. All three of my grandchildren loved it as well as the other two I had purchased.

Flipper DVD
The color was really good on this DVD, and the picture clear. Having grown up in south Florida, I can remember playing in many areas much like you see (except for maybe the scenes filmed in the bahamas). It's a good clean movie, with action and outdoor adventure. Now maybe they will release Gentle Ben on DVD?

FLIPPER-1963
Flipper 1963 is a good family film, but i dont like the chorus of what sounds like little childrens voices singing everyone loves the king of the sea, ever so kind and gentle is he, okay for a family film but it sounds like something that would make people think flipper is sappy and inspire put down jokes. One person said flipper is just a rehash of lassie, in some stories like the Ditching, where you hear go for help flipper were counting on you, youre our only hope but youll find stories like shark hunt or even flippers hour of peril quite different from lassie and the wolf cub. Flipper went more for adventure than the tearducts ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film Family    3. Movie   

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Reviews (44)

Cry vs. Cry
This movie is NOT the movie of the same title based on Gary Paulsen's book, "Hatchet". Despite the identical titles, this movie is based on a very real abduction and manhunt in 1963, in central Pennsylvania. Both were released on TV in 1990, but this movie had the subtitle "The Taking of Peggy Ann." It is a very accurate account of the kidnapping of teenager Peggy Ann Bradnick, and the ensuing search that cost the life of FBI agent Terry Anderson (played by David Soul) before the kidnapper, William Hollenbaugh, was killed by the police.
This movie is NOT appropriate for 5th grade students
I rented the movie to show to my students after we read the novel.It cut out most of the good stuff from the book, had cussing in it, and was awful.Needless to say, I didn't let the kids watch it.We just got into groups, chose our favorite scenes and worked up minidramas to act out.Don't buy this movie.

Hatchet the movie? Or the book
I havent seen the actuall movie, however, I think its best to rent the movie and also read the book first, I have read the book and it is very good so I sugest to rent the movie and when I do see the movie I will post how it doffers and wich is better.Also the book is rich in detail and jugging by the book I bet the movie will be very good ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Movie   

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Reviews (44)

Cry vs. Cry
This movie is NOT the movie of the same title based on Gary Paulsen's book, "Hatchet". Despite the identical titles, this movie is based on a very real abduction and manhunt in 1963, in central Pennsylvania. Both were released on TV in 1990, but this movie had the subtitle "The Taking of Peggy Ann." It is a very accurate account of the kidnapping of teenager Peggy Ann Bradnick, and the ensuing search that cost the life of FBI agent Terry Anderson (played by David Soul) before the kidnapper, William Hollenbaugh, was killed by the police.
This movie is NOT appropriate for 5th grade students
I rented the movie to show to my students after we read the novel.It cut out most of the good stuff from the book, had cussing in it, and was awful.Needless to say, I didn't let the kids watch it.We just got into groups, chose our favorite scenes and worked up minidramas to act out.Don't buy this movie.

Hatchet the movie? Or the book
I havent seen the actuall movie, however, I think its best to rent the movie and also read the book first, I have read the book and it is very good so I sugest to rent the movie and when I do see the movie I will post how it doffers and wich is better.Also the book is rich in detail and jugging by the book I bet the movie will be very good ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Movie   

Editorial Review

Charlize Theron is the latest stunning blonde to be hanging around some big ape in a Hollywood movie, this one a remake of the 1949 semi-classic with echoes of the superior Read more

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Reviews (82)

Pretty funny
Very great movie. You should watch it. And Charlize is just amazingly pretty and cute. If I were God and had a magic wand, that would be her. Such a masterpiece of art..!! The movie should be one in your library.

A really great kids movie
An excellent remake of the original.Enough differences to be a stand alone movie.You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll bite your nails.It's really great.

I'd rather swim in King Kong's crap than watch this movie
This is awful. Simply awful. The effects on Mighty Joe Young were laughable back in 1998, and looking at them now after seeing the glory that is Peter Jackson's King Kong... no. Just... no. Bill Paxton also needs to be banned from acting. Hell, even CONGO was better than this tripe! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Feature Film Family    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (7)

The Greatest Family Movie ever Made
I thought this movie was made really well. This has been the greatest family movie I have ever seen. It had me laughing and crying at the same time. This is a film that the whole family can enjoy from 0 to 99 years old. And I believe that your whole family will love this movie and watch it everyday like I do.

One of the best family flicks ever.
This movie was made for everybody likes comedy.There are no boring parts at all.It is a bit sad at the end but not very sad.It is half sad half happy at the end.Every minute of this is entertaining.Buy this and enjoy.

Great movie
It is the best movie for kids. My kids watch it over and over again. So if you have kids aged 5 to 10 you should buy this vidio. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Feature Film Family    3. Movie   

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Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Children    3. Comedies    4. Family    5. Feature Film-action/Adventure    6. Movie   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (116)

very entertaining
I don't expect anything more of a movie than to enjoy it and be entertained. I don't seek to psychoanalyze or offer up in-depth critique, it's only a movie. I either enjoy it or I don't. The dogs (and Koda the fabulous bear) are what makes this a 5-star. Well, the critters and Coburn, he's just a fantastic character. You just can't help but be entertained. It's like a comedic version of Iron Will, an excellent sled dog movie.

GREAT Movie; Even Funnier "Extras" on the DVD
Loved the movie.Had been waiting for someone to take Gary Paulsen's incredible book WINTERDANCE: THE FINE MADNESS OF RUNNING THE IDITAROD and make it into a movie.And IF you have seen the movie and not read the book...go read the book.It stands alone from the movie.Both the movie and the book will make you laugh and cry and laugh some more.When Gary's dogs hit the "third" (or was it the fourth?) skunk on a training run, I almost fell out of my chair laughing.And you'll do the same thing in the movie.

I am not putting any part of that dog in my mouth!
If Disney ever wanted to make the argument that they have not lost touch with their childhood roots, I would strongly suggest not mentioning Snow Dogs in that argument.Sure, the numbers showed that this film was a success (i.e. the budget was $35 million and it took in $81 million in the US alone), but the final product that was released to the screen was nothing but sheer drivel.From the unoriginal story, to the inconsistent characters, to the painful acting of Cuba Gooding, Jr., Snow Dogs proved two truths.The first is that Disney can successfully make and mass-produce B-level cinema.The second is that they can make Oscar-winning actors give the worst performances of their careers.Snow Dogs demonstrates fully that some people in Hollywood choose money over scripts, they choose flimsy over developed, and recycled over original.What upset me the most about this film was the use of CGI to exaggerate the dog's expressions.To me, that is a huge slap in Cuba Gooding, Jr's face.If the studio didn't think that Cuba could successfully make the audiences laugh, then they needed to get stronger talent, do not muddle the genre with CGI created eyes, mouths, and expressions on the dogs.With this CGI, I felt as if I was watching a quick fix to an already unfixable problem.
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Subjects:  1. Children    2. Comedies    3. Family    4. Feature Film Family    5. Movie   

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Reviews (4)

Slightly disappointing when compared to the book
This is the story of how The Godolphin Arabian, Sham, became one of the three foundation sires from which the Thoroughbred breed sprung. Set in the early 1700s, the cinematic adventure follows the colt's birth and early training in Arabia, his fateful friendship with a young groom called Agba (Navin Chowdhry), and his journey to France where he settles in the Royal Stables of King George II (Richard Harris) and Queen Caroline (Glenda Jackson), only to find misfortune and then rescue in England. Based on the book by Marguerite Henry, which was a childhood fave of mine. When I saw the movie, I didn't think it captured the spirit of the novel -- but taken on its own, it's a good horse tale.
charming
Perhaps 4.5 stars.It was a real sweet story.After being sold to the French king, the horse and the boy go through a lot of misfortunes and were handed over from one owner to another.Half of the time in the hands of kind people, half of the time at the mercy of evil hands.The boy is extremely passive and good-natured, and accepts his fate as it unfolds.He doesn't seem to hold grudges against his tormentors, neither does he have strong emotions toward his losses.But he's not weak or coward, either.He has pretty good endurance toward hardships and knows how to move on.
King of the Wind
A most sensitive and moving film.The love the young boy has for his horse is especially touching.Great acting all around, especially by Jenny Agutter.This film is one that children of all ages will enjoy, and all adults should appreciate. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Childrens    2. Drama    3. Feature Film-action/Adventure    4. Movie   

Editorial Review

Adapted from the beloved novel by Walter Farley, this 1979 family classic was hailed by no less than hard-to-please critic Pauline Kael, who wrote that "it may be the greatest children's movie ever made." A visual feast from start to finish, the timeless tale of Read more

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Reviews (85)

Startlingly Beautiful and Moving
This film would indeed by considered "slow" by contemporary viewers, and so much the worse for them. I saw it for the first time only a few weeks ago, knowing that Pauline Kael loved it, and hoping that my son would find it sufficiently engaging to give me a break from the Wiggles. I've seen it 5 times since then, and its beauty still startles me. There is no pandering in this film, either to parents or to children. There are no references to popular culture. Kelly Reno is a quiet, thoughtful boy who is never asked to play to the camera, and never does. No mood or action is unnecessarily underlined. The huge, spirited but dangerous stallion is never humanized or reduced to a toy; he remains a horse, and beautiful for that reason.
Excellent and different family movie
You won't find movies like this made any more.It would be considered "slow" by today's standards.However, the island sequences and sounds are incredibly beautiful and engaging, as well as the charming opening of the father regaling some of his intrigueing poker winnings to his son.I have to admit I fell asleep for most of the second half, but my 7 yr old son seemed mostly amused.Best fit for 6-10 yr. old kids.

The most underated movie of all time??
As one reviewer said, this movie tells only what's relevant to the story, and oh what a story it is.I knew this movie could be truly great when Alec's father gave him a stallion figurine and a story.Looking back its easy to forget the importance of that moment.Before his death, Alecs dad provided the story that would analogize the entire movie.To ride the horse became Alecs drive, then when realized it became his gift, and finally it became our inspiration.The secret of the movie lies in everything unspoken, we don't need to be reminded, and assured of the great bond between boy and horse, we can see it, and then we can internalize it.The final scenes, the match race could have easily been distanced from the story line, after all the story was up to then not that Black was faster than other horses, but that the bond was strong between him and Alec.And so in the final turn, as the Black broke from the other two, we were taken back in time, on a beach with a boy and a stallion who simply rode.While the spectators were amazed at this horse, the viewer knew the story, we knew the bond between the two, and this is the greatness of the movie.As far as I'm concerned the give-and-take scene, as Alex and Black finally make there immortal bond, is one of the most beautiful, touching, innocent, and just plain entertaining moments ever filmed.A case could be made for the sucessful ride scene as well.Reno's performance was perfect, I don't know if I could ever "feel" an actor as well as he, as opposed to simply watch an actor.His body language and expressions were as powerfull as any dialogue.Rooney was very good, seamless in his role, but he was far less central to the movie than Alec himself.Movies are inherantly powerfull in showing, not telling.The imagery, the facial and body language, and the score of The Black Stallion take movie making to the highest level, of its most powerful level.Its one of my favorite movies, and surely one of the greatest movies the critics have largely ignored. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Movie