Belleza negra

This film is truly excellent. Not only does it feature superb location and music, but it is also an unforgettable story. You soon learn to look past the idea of "animals can't talk" and see how wonderful it really is, and you don't need to be young to enjoy. So powerful, it will bring you to tears.

Yet another film-adaptation of Anna Sewell's popular 1877 children's book opens with a elderly horse looking back on his tumultuous life--narrating the story himself (with a British accent no less!). What might have been a twee gimmick turns out to be a surprisingly canny stroke of genius, as the screenplay, although prosy, is smart and direct and Alan Cumming's gentle voice-over is very sympathetic. Director Caroline Thompson is sensitive as well, getting terrific "performances" from all the horses involved; her film is a bit heavy on the sad farewells, yet it has lots of heart and works on its audience through pure emotion. Thin at 88 minutes, but beautifully photographed and with a tasteful score by Danny Elfman, fine acting by the humans. A must-see for horse-lovers, the movie is genuinely touching without being too manipulative. **1/2 from ****

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.

Beautiful movie, beautiful music, beautiful scenes, beautiful horses!

This movie let us people see the life of a horse through his eyes. Now you can better understand what's it like to be a horse, although, this horse can 'talk' and has emotions like we have. But that doesn't make it less sad. Unfortunately, even today, lots of horses have a life like Black Beauty. Even much worse...

The story is about the life of Black Beauty. A Quarter horse. During his life he meets a boy, Joe, and becomes attached to him. After Black Beauty is being sold (according to him, every horse knows this terrifying word) he meets the horses Ginger and Merrylegs. After being sold again Black Beauty's life becomes more and more a misery: waiting and hoping to see Joe and Ginger again.

The best, and true, line from the movie: "We don't get to choose the people in our lives, for us it's all chance" -Black Beauty-

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.