Prince noir

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-

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 ****

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.

Black Beauty is true to Anna Sewell's wonderful book, and the beautiful scenery and music enhance the story of Black Beauty's adventures with his friends. We laughed and cried in the same places during the movie as we did when reading the book. Thank you to all responsible for creating this movie and making one of our favorite stories come to life before our eyes!

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.