Hidalgo - 3000 Meilen zum Ruhm

Directed by Joe Johnston, the man behind the excellent & severely underrated "The Rocketeer" ('91) which was also a period piece, "Hidalgo" is a biographical adventure film loosely based on the life of Frank T. Hopkins and his mustang, Hidalgo that competed on a long distance Middle Eastern race called itself "Ocean of Fire", against the best pure- blooded Arabian horses.

The real life Hopkins and his alleged exploits were most likely fictional / tall stories told by a 'fabulator' man that once was a professional horseman performing with the Ringling Brothers Circus. Even if it wasn't all true, the Hopkins & Hidalgo's daring adventure across the scorching desert of Arabia was the perfect scenario for an adventure / drama film shot on location, with a sense of the classic swashbuckling style, long gone from the Entertainment Industry of nowadays.

It looks & feels something like a lighthearted / toned-down version of such classics as "Lawrence of Arabia" meets "Dances with Wolves" with an Indiana Jones urge to it, some of the funny gags & action sequences are even based (or more like a tribute) to the world's most famous archaeologist.

Smartly, the director Johnston keeps the CGI effects to a minimum, only when was strictly necessary (like the sandstorm who reminds a lot the less-inspired Stephen Sommers' blockbuster, "The Mummy") which enhanced the old school filmmaking factor.

"Hidalgo" is an entertaining, upbeat & reckless ride that moves at nicely pace, competent photographed by Shelly Johnson with great sets & costume design and great performances all around from Viggo, still in the heroic & manly, but sensitive role of an Aragorn type of character to the legendary & sorely missed, Omar Sharif in a gracious & witty role as the Sheikh Riyadh. Malcolm McDowell, C. Thomas Howell & J.K. Simmons also provided interesting cameos, but above them all, T.J. as the beautiful mustang Hidalgo, deserves the highest praise.

I have seen this film before, but I felt compelled to watch again yesterday in memory of Floyd Red Crow Westerman (Chief Eagle Horn), who died last week.

This is a thrilling movie about persistence and will. It has all the excitement you could wish for in a western-type movie, and it has subplots that are truly interesting.

Viggo Mortensen is perfect in his role of a half Sioux/half American rider that is struggling with finding out who he really is inside. Zuleikha Robinson was intriguing as the daughter of the Sheikh who knew who she was and wanted others to recognize it. Seeing Omar Sharif as the Sheikh was a thrill as it has been too long since I have last seen him.

A thrilling film blending the cultures of two peoples of the horse.

I've seen Hidalgo twice and will go again (and again) and I will buy the DVD. I hope that people will not listen to the critics and will give this movie a chance for success. It doesn't matter if Frank Hopkins did these things or not. If he didn't, he gave us a rousing story. Viggo is perfect in this role as the "cowboy" and rides Hidalgo like the wind. The Arabian desert is frightening and beautiful. The horses are beautiful. Some don't like what seems like stereotypes, however, it takes place in 1890 and Native Americans were killed, then played for sport in "shows". Africans were enslaved and women wore (wear) veils. The movie is right with the times. The music is enjoyable. I'll look for the soundtrack on CD. See it and decide for yourself.

Viggo Mortensen is terrific, Omar Sharif is terrific, and the horse, whose name, I believe is J.T. in terrific! And I heard that Viggo loved the horse so much, he bought him. And he rode him to the premier (sp) of the movie. I think Viggo Mortensen is absolutely gorgeous. He's also a painter and a poet. I think this explains his soft-spoken way. He seems like a very sensitive man and this is what I like. I generally see a movie for the stars in it and not particularly the story, which in this case was breath-taking. I also love an animal storyline and this was one. Reminds me of the times years ago when films were of the type you could take your kids to. Bravo HIDALGO!!!!!!

Today I watched "Hidalgo"... that's how I needed to start because for me it was a real event. I haven't seen such "touching" movie for a long time. I said "touching" in the meaning that something in it - humour, breathtaking adventures, worth of respect friendship of man and horse, magic of arabian desert and idea of will, both human and animal, that is the reason for success - all these are mixed in unique brew, called "Hidalgo". I would recommend this movie to all people of all ages, whose hearts are still alive and able to sympathize. Take your kids or go alone - anyway manage somehow to watch this movie. It is so pure and mood lifting,so I can compare it in its influence on viewer only with "Big Fish". I'm not a critic and I won't talk about "actors' play, plot", etc etc etc. I'm just telling about my own experience and feelings that this movie put in me. Wish you the same good movie-evening :)))