La légende de l'étalon noir

This family-friendly film is a kind of prequel (previous film) to The Black Stallion (1979), which was a huge hit at the time. Neera (Biana Tamimi) is an Arab girl who was separated from her father in her homeland during World War II. Left alone in the desert, she ends up befriending a black colt, which she names Sheetan. However, as time goes by, she finds her father again and is forced to abandon her horse friend. But it won't be easy to forget him, and she is haunted by the image of the animal lost in the desert all the time. Later she discovers that it is a legend about a steed born from the desert sands. The film is directed by Simon Wincer (Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles) and features a script by Jeanne Rosenberg, the same screenwriter of the original film, based on the book by Walter and Steven Farley.

Based lightly (considering the changes made to the original work) on the novel series started in 1941, Black Stallion, by Walter Farley and his son Steven Farley, but very cute, and the girl Biana Tamimi captivates and charms with little Patrick Elyas, well like the beautiful Corcel, beautiful scenes on the dunes, beautiful images, a simple and charming production...

This movie, no question is a very beautifully shot movie. Much like The Black Stallion of 1979 was. The horses were amazing too and the horse race was fun. The score was very nice. I enjoy this movie, and put it on often when I need something simple to watch. That's the key, this movie is simple. Although the acting annoys me, I still find myself coming back to this movie for that reason. It's under an hour long, it's simple and right to the point. In this movie, I think it works beautifully.

I love this short movie. Its a simple girl and horse film but special. A girl lost in the desert finds a young colt. They become friends as they wander. . . Patriarchal standards block her potential.

So, how is it special?

First, the cinematography in the desert is awe-inspiring, heart- heartbreakingly beautiful. Second, Biana Tamimi (Neera), who is not an actress, but an equestrian, is a joy to watch. I enjoy her amateurish acting and girlish enthusiasm. Third, The costumes are beautiful, even if I have no idea if they are authentic. Neera's hijab even looks beautiful. Fourth, the villains, especially the one in the black beard, are villainously delightful. And last, The race course is the most difficult I've seen on film and the horse race the toughest I have ever seen, made especially heart-stopping because we know the stakes for Neera.

I agree with other reviewers that the film seemed too short. I could have easily watched more of Neera wandering through the desert looking for water, and more training in her secret valley.

I'm not sure you'll find a more spellbinding debut than that of Biana Tamimi. Grounded in compassion and emotional complexity, her performance, at times, borders on the ethereal. Breathing new life into an all too familiar genre, Tamimi acts as a torch bearer for young actresses who seek to break the cycle of form over substance.

The rejection of cinematic norms is what raises this particular film above many of the tried and true Disney formulaic offerings. Tamimi is at the center of this paradigm shift. At once mysterious and spiritual, Tamimi's star is on the rise. She's here and for real!!

The scenery is superb! The characters are portrayed in a life-like manner. Neera and Black proved excellent! However, I was a little disappointed with the set-up of the story. It was slow-going for the first 30-minutes. It was great for the next 15-minutes. Then it was over. I felt that what I saw in the advertisement on the Disney channel is actually the entire movie. Wonderful story. I would have liked the beginning to have been shorter and the excitement last a little longer. After the movie I stated outloud, "That's it?"