Hidalgo

In his film "Hidalgo," Viggo Mortensen makes a solid follow-up to his star-making turn in the Lord of the Ring trilogy. While not as epic as his most recent work, the movie is an entertaining adventure for both horse and action enthusiasts. "Hildago" is based on the autobiography of distance rider Frank T. Hopkins (Mortensen) and his mustang, Hidalgo. Hopkins made a name for himself in the late 1800s as the best long distance rider/dispatch. But after a tragedy that he helped cause in his last courier mission, Hopkins spends his time drinking his life away while performing in a traveling Western show. Representatives of Sheikh Riyah (Omar Sharif "The 13th Warrior") attend Hopkins' latest show and invite him to participate in the annual Ocean of Fire, a 3,000-mile survival race across the Arabian Desert. The race is exclusive to royal Arabian families, but Sheikh makes an exception because he has issues with Hopkins' claim that Hidalgo is the world's fastest horse. Hopkins' participation in the race doesn't sit well with many of the competitors, who don't believe that an American will be able to survive the contest and in some cases, actively plot to stop him from finishing the race. Mortensen makes for a great leading man. This role is a smart follow-up for him, as it isn't a major deviation from his Lord of the Rings role, yet it is different enough to prove that he won't get typecast as his Lord of the Rings character Aragorn. His Hopkins is likable, and like any great character, has a demon that he has to fight outside of the elements and the other riders - his past and his true heritage. With so much of the film consisting of a race, Mortensen doesn't really have that many people outside of his horse to interact with for large portions of the film. Fortunately, Hidalgo actually has some charisma to him, so Mortensen doesn't carry the load all by himself. When the supporting characters do make their appearances, they are fairly interesting, particularly Louise Lombard ("Claim"), who plays Lady Anne Davenport, the black widow-esque character who wants to do a little more than discuss horse breeding with Hopkins. Breaking from most film stereotypes, Sharif's Sheikh doesn't spout off a bunch of hokey Middle Eastern sayings. Surprisingly, the film's best scenes occur when Hopkins is off Hildago and operating more as an Indiana Jones-type character -- rescuing Sheikh's daughter, assisting his fellow riders and showing off his gun tricks while battling sword-wielding Arabians -- than as horse rider extraordinaire. It's in these scenes that the film gets really interesting and serves as a nice break from the horse racing. At 2 hours and 25 minutes, Hildago's a bit too long for its own good as Director Joe Johnston attempts to make the film more than it really is -- which is the story of a man and his horse trying to complete a race. There are only so many times that the audience can watch Hopkins battle fatigue, the elements and his fellow riders before it loses some of its emotional impact on the viewer. Johnston wants to convey just how much Hopkins and Hidalgo have to face in completing the race, but he has gotten too attached to what he's filmed. A little bit of editing would have done wonders for the pace and intensity of the film's truly dramatic moments, such as the sandstorm scene. Still, it's hard to argue with Johnston's fascination with his subject matter, as the concept of a man and his horse racing across the Arabian Desert does indeed make for a unique plot. With a nice mix of "Indiana Jones" and "Seabiscuit," "Hidalgo" easily stands out as one of 2004'a best adventure films. It's an ideal film for anyone looking for their next fix of Mortensen, who proves that he has a future in Hollywood beyond Lord of the Rings.

It is a rarity for me to give out 5 stars. I watched this movie more than a decade ago - on a whim. I loved it. It is one of those movies that are hidden in the recesses of my memories where if it came up, I would watch it all over again. And I just did. It never ceases to amaze and does not disappoint with the beautiful story, story telling of this movie. It would make you want to do an online search and find out if the story of Hidalgo is true. This movie may be a "based on a true story," or "inspired by a true story" kind of movie and whatever kind of semantics those lawyers come out with in terms of labeling a movie, but the truth is, this is a very beautiful movie that's wonderfully made and expressed to your average movie watcher. It is very inspirational and there are life lessons depicted in it, both obvious and subtle, that are worth noting and being reminded of that are sadly very absent in today's world. True (Hollywood) movies do not employ an overwhelming amount of CGI or any artificial film effects to tell a a very good story. And this movie is proof of that. Viggo Mortensen is one of Hollywood's most underrated and underappreciated actors of all time. He is a real man who embodied the real manliness of Mr. Frank T Hopkins. And let's not forget the great Omar Sharif who is another one of those unappreciated Hollywood actors long forgotten in today's chaotic world where real character values are noticeably absent. Lessons to be learned, ladies and gentlemen. Lessons to be learned. Watch this movie - without any distractions. You will never be disappointed.

Great different kind of movie heart warming.

An enjoyable film,based on a historical event. Viggo is excellent in the part and the story held me spellbound until the end.

The film opens to a windswept winter landscape as two cross country riders race against one another. This 2004 film allegedly recounts the story of Frank Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen) who claimed he was the dispatch rider that carried the message that led to the Wounded Knee Creek Massacre in 1890. Frank then ends up in Buffalo Bill's Wild West carnival where he gets offered the chance to take part in a 3,000 mile desert endurance race against Bedouins. Loading offers English, Portuguese and Dutch. Then goes into trailers. Main menu is play, Bonus [Sand & Celluloid, which is a making off and what inspired it], scene selection and set up[ basically subtitles, and English or Portuguese sound –no Dutch! ] The Disney Corporation marketed the film as "based on a true story" although subsequent investigations failed to find any evidence of such a race and the entire tale is based upon Hopkins own autobiographical account [unpublished in his lifetime] of which the major part is easily dismissed as fantasy as there is no evidence a race of its type ever took place. In other words its all fiction and reality plays second fiddle, yet it’s a great tale and remarkably entertaining. Basically the story is a challenge between the ‘impure’ blood of commoner Franks Mustang and the ‘pure’ blood of the Bedouin Sheiks thoroughbreds. Despite the dodgy facts, this remains a swashbuckling yarn in true ‘Boys Own’ tradition as man and beast face adversity from nature and people alike and includes sandstorms and kidnapped maidens to be rescued. It has elements of the Scorpion King, Indiana Jones, Romancing the Stone, The Jewel of the Nile, as well King Solomon's Mines, and if they appealed to you, then this might as well. The content is inoffensive but younger viewers might be disturbed by some scenes and the 12 rating is thus apt. This is lively family fun and deserves to be better known. Its hard to be disappointed by this.

以前、テレビ放映されたときに大いに気に入ったのですが、その後10年以上も放映がなく、待ちきれなくで購入。 やはり、見ごたえがありました。野生馬ヒダルゴの表情（クリクリした目で語り掛ける）が豊かでユーモラスで、にんまり笑えたり感動したり。冒険好き、馬好き、ヴィゴ・モーテンセン好きな方にはおススメです。

Love the movie

This is a great, heart-warming story about friendship, honesty, love of the world and doing the right thing no matter what. A great tale for everyone, but especially for men in today's world.

Hermosa película