Hidalgo (B+ or 3/4 stars)
Horses take priority in 'Hidalgo', an action-adventure film directed by Joe Johnston. Frank T. Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen of Lord of the Rings) is a half-Indian cowboy who's known for winning many races with Hidalgo. However, after witnessing a massacred tribe at Wounded Knee, Frank loses hope in 'the white man' and turns to alcohol to drown his sorrows. He joins the Wild Wild West show with Buffalo Bill & couldn’t give a care in the world about anything. That is until he enters the Ocean of Fire, a 3,000 mile race starting in the Saudi desert; it's a challenge. The winner gains respect and $10,000 for this feat. To Frank, the achievement of crossing the finish line first & making a better life for himself and his horse is a priority. He needs inspiration in his life.
With nothing to lose, Frank wants to prove to himself & naysayers that he & Hidalgo are the real deal. It's difficult to gain respect in this race when nearly everyone entered are Middle Eastern & doesn't approve of this American mixed-breed man entering 'their' contest with his mixed-breed mustang. All of the horses entered in the race are pure breeds. This setting sets up some interesting scenes with a powerful sheik (Omar Sharif) in his tent. In a culture clash, Hopkins learns he is not allowed to shake the hand of the sheik, as it is not in their culture to touch. He also learns that it is forbidden to talk to, touch, help, the sheik's daughter, Princess Jazira (Zuleikha Robinson), or else he could be castrated. It's very scary for the male viewer to fathom this punishment.
There are some fantastic action-adventure scenes throughout the film. Hopkins has to endure scorching temperatures, little or no water, quicksand, booby traps, sandstorms, dangerous enemies, locusts … the list goes on & on. But Hopkins and his horse face and tackle each nemesis as they come. I will not say, however, the outcome of the race, or how fate plays into several characters lives in the end; just go and see it.
'Hidalgo' has a little bit of everything without being monotonous or too clichéd. There's the leading man, the enemies, the conflict, the action, the lives at stake, the possible romance (Princess Jazira & Lady Anne, the latter played by Louise Lombard), the race, & an emotional ending. And of course, there are lessons to be learned. Courage, love, & belief are paramount in making a difference in the world of humans and animals. Viggo Mortensen is stellar as leading man, Frank T. Hopkins. His transition from Aragorn of Lord of the Rings to drunken cowboy-turned hero is smooth & effortless. Omar Sharif's presence and acting is impeccable in this film, as well. He is seen as a sort of enemy, and yet you love him and feel his passion for the race, mankind, & his daughter.
This Disney film is being likened to some of the old fashioned swash-buckler movies from the early 20th century – quite refreshing, really. Visual effects are not a necessary or pertinent ingredient in this film. It reminds me of some of the caliber that is in the Indiana Jones movies. Plain & simple, it's a great movie with a good storyline, fantastic action, & true heartfelt emotion. And if you love Viggo Mortensen and/or love horses, this movie is for you.
With nothing to lose, Frank wants to prove to himself & naysayers that he & Hidalgo are the real deal. It's difficult to gain respect in this race when nearly everyone entered are Middle Eastern & doesn't approve of this American mixed-breed man entering 'their' contest with his mixed-breed mustang. All of the horses entered in the race are pure breeds. This setting sets up some interesting scenes with a powerful sheik (Omar Sharif) in his tent. In a culture clash, Hopkins learns he is not allowed to shake the hand of the sheik, as it is not in their culture to touch. He also learns that it is forbidden to talk to, touch, help, the sheik's daughter, Princess Jazira (Zuleikha Robinson), or else he could be castrated. It's very scary for the male viewer to fathom this punishment.
There are some fantastic action-adventure scenes throughout the film. Hopkins has to endure scorching temperatures, little or no water, quicksand, booby traps, sandstorms, dangerous enemies, locusts … the list goes on & on. But Hopkins and his horse face and tackle each nemesis as they come. I will not say, however, the outcome of the race, or how fate plays into several characters lives in the end; just go and see it.
'Hidalgo' has a little bit of everything without being monotonous or too clichéd. There's the leading man, the enemies, the conflict, the action, the lives at stake, the possible romance (Princess Jazira & Lady Anne, the latter played by Louise Lombard), the race, & an emotional ending. And of course, there are lessons to be learned. Courage, love, & belief are paramount in making a difference in the world of humans and animals. Viggo Mortensen is stellar as leading man, Frank T. Hopkins. His transition from Aragorn of Lord of the Rings to drunken cowboy-turned hero is smooth & effortless. Omar Sharif's presence and acting is impeccable in this film, as well. He is seen as a sort of enemy, and yet you love him and feel his passion for the race, mankind, & his daughter.
This Disney film is being likened to some of the old fashioned swash-buckler movies from the early 20th century – quite refreshing, really. Visual effects are not a necessary or pertinent ingredient in this film. It reminds me of some of the caliber that is in the Indiana Jones movies. Plain & simple, it's a great movie with a good storyline, fantastic action, & true heartfelt emotion. And if you love Viggo Mortensen and/or love horses, this movie is for you.