Black Beauty

Black Beauty is, (at least in my opinion,) one of the most underrated films of all time. It seems to be widely ignored, for the reason that it doesn't seem to be targeted at any specific age group or audience. For the people that pass it by because it seems boring, or another childrens book adaptation, try it, it really is a wonderful picture. Anyone who likes animals, period pieces, or stories of courage and love would especially like it. The costumes, carriages and scenery are beautiful. And the horses! This movie is a horsepersons dream. The scenes featuring the horses were breathtaking...colts racing over green grass, a filly and pony trotting together, their sinewy legs moving together in smooth rhythm, an elegant black stallion rearing up; they were all absolutely beautiful. My favorite scene was the scene in which Beauty is being broken -(being taught to carry a rider). The wonderful line - "But once I discovered that he and I, that the two of us could become one, this business turned out to be perfectly glorious!" - the music swells, and the horse takes off, racing across the green, and everything else turns to a blur. (I get goosebumps thinking about it!)Kudos to the voice of Black Beauty - I don't know who it is, but he really made the picture. (And the horse, too - he was wonderful, a gentleman.) All in all, a beautiful, moving picture that no family should be without a copy of.(Some parts are sad.) Seven out of ten stars.

Whether you happen to be a serious horse-hugger, or not, 1994's "Black Beauty" (impressively directed by Caroline Thompson) is an emotionally-charged tale that I'm sure will tug on your heart-strings in a very special way.

Beautifully photographed by Alex Thomson, "Black Beauty's" story of trust and betrayal (which was based on Anna Sewell's novel of the same name) was set in England in the late-1800s.

As the viewer is soon to find out - Awaiting the magnificent, black stallion in this top-notch story are both good times and bad times - And, yes, as well, there are times for this fine steed that are sure to break your heart (if you have one).

Regardless of your age, I guarantee that "Black Beauty" will, most certainly, leave you moved by its first-rate story-telling.

There are so many things to love about Black Beauty. It is a truly beautiful, moving film, and do I think it is underrated? Yes I do and unjustly so. For one thing, Black Beauty is just amazing to look at. The cinematography was just tremendous throughout and the scenery was magnificent. The costumes were lovingly designed, and on the whole the period detail was flawless. Caroline Thompson's screenplay also deserves credit. The book is a timeless literary classic, and out of the numerous adaptations of the book, this is the truest. The screenplay itself is enough to evoke tears, Black Beauty's inner thoughts especially were so beautifully written. And she does a remarkable job directing as well. Danny Elfman is one of my favourite film composers, his score for Edward Scissorhands is still one of the most beautiful scores I have ever heard in a film. His score here is just as effective, it never affects the quiet composition of the film, as a matter of fact the tone of it is just right. The acting from Sean Bean, David Thewlis, Peter Cook and Eleanor Bron is all top notch, but the real star of the show is Black Beauty himself, though all the horses look superb. I also thought that Alan Cumming's voice for Black Beauty was perfect, very sensitive and melodious as it should be. The film is so beautiful and has a lot of poignant moments and an unexpected soft centre. If I had one minor quibble, and it is ever so minor, it is that the film is too short. Other than that beautiful; I remember sort of liking the 1971 film, but it didn't have the emotional impact that this adaptation did on me. 10/10 Bethany Cox

For the horse lover, Black Beauty is a tragic tale in which the sensual beauty of horses is artfully depicted. It will pull at your heart strings, make you smile from ear to ear, cry honestly, and desperately want to take a trip to the barn.

For the music lover, Black Beauty is an emotional ride in which the music all too well toys with the human soul. The music is so delicately composed, performed, and chosen for the movie that it is worth seeing just to enjoy the soundtrack.

For the critic, Black Beauty is an endearing story laden with green actors and a plot directed toward the youth. The green actors allow the film to be honest and emotional, however. And the youthful plot allow the earnestness and sensuality to create an even greater effect upon audiences of all ages.

For the average viewer, Black Beauty is a film worth watching. It is a film that will make an impression. It will not go down in the Hollywood hall of fame, nor will it be recollected by high and mighty of movie making. It will, however, stand the test of time as a film loved and cherished by the few who have seen and loved it.

I'm just a toasted marshmallow when it comes to this story. I've read the book many times and CRY every time. This movie and the earlier productions of it have the same effect on me. Needless to say, the book is ultimately superior to any of the movie versions but this movie does do justice to the book.

A movie about life from the animal's point of view will conjure visions of 'Mr. Ed' or 'Francis, The Talking Mule' in a few unimaginative folks but this story really puts the idea of 'walking in another's shoes' in perspective.

The novel and the movies helped me develop respect and empathy for all creatures at a very early age. See this movie with someone you love. You won't be sorry.