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From Amazon.com
Adapted from the beloved novel by Walter Farley, this 1979 family classic was hailed by no less than hard-to-please critic Pauline Kael, who wrote that "it may be the greatest children's movie ever made." A visual feast from start to finish, the timeless tale of The Black Stallion plays out on almost mythic terms. A young boy survives a shipwreck and is stranded on a deserted island with a graceful black stallion, with whom the boy develops an almost empathic friendship. After being rescued and returning home, the two make a winning team as jockey and lightning-fast racehorse under the tutelage of a passionate trainer, played by Mickey Rooney in an Oscar-nominated role. From its serenely hypnotic island sequence to the breathtaking race scenes, this delightful film is guaranteed to enthrall any viewer, regardless of age. The Black Stallion is a genuine masterpiece of family entertainment. --Jeff Shannon
From Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide
Exquisitely filmed story of a young boy's adventures with a magnificent black stallion - from a dramatic shipwreck to a racing championship. Too slow at times, but still worthwhile, with many precious moments, stunning cinematography by Caleb Deschanel, Rooney's lovely performance as veteran horse trainer. Based on classic children's novel by Walter Farley. Followed by 1983 sequel, and TV series (with Rooney). Copyright Leonard Maltin, 1998, used by arrangement with Signet, a division of Penguin Putnam, Inc.
Video Description
A family film about the adventures of a young boy and his love for a black, Arabian stallion. The adventures progress from a shipwreck to a racing championship. good performance by rooney as the horse trainer. Academy Award Nominations: Best Supporting Actor - Mickey Rooney, Best Film Editing. --This text refers to the DVD edition of this video
Viewers Comments
A viewer from New York City , July 13, 1999
Visually stunning movie for children and grownups If you've never seen The Black Stallion, you're in for a real treat. The first section, in which Alec and his horse friend find themselves alone on an island in the Mediterranean, may be the loveliest piece of cinematography ever shot for viewers of any age. The return to civilization is, inevitably, a bit of a let down, but the performances are refreshingly natural, especially the young star. Mickie Rooney reprising an older version of his National Velvet role is a nice touch, though it removes any element of suspense. This movie was produced by Francis Ford Coppola in his salad days: makes you wonder what kind of filmmaker he might have been if he hadn't got hold of that mafia book...Do not on any account avoid this movie just because you no longer think of yourself as a child. --This text refers to the DVD edition of this video
A viewer from Texas , June 15, 1999
wow...... This movie just flows like music. I saw it for the first time when I was 3 or 4 and I'm still enchanted whenever I see it. A masterpiece of visuals, of beautiful and haunting music, a talented child actor, and one drop-dead GORGEOUS horse! It does get a bit slow in some parts, but these segments are negligible in light of the rest of the movie. --This text refers to the DVD edition of this video
A viewer from Los Angeles, CA , December 24, 1998
Cinematography and visual storytelling at its best If you can get past the labeling of "children's story" or "melodramatic fable", The Black Stallion has the kind of stunning filmwork reserved only for the grandest epics. The first half of the movie -- about a boy and horse shipwrecked on a small island -- is basically a silent movie. It is a story of friendship and trust that is told without the benefit of dialog. Deschanel's wonderful cinematography conveys both the island's beauty and Farley's storytelling without becoming maudlin or trite. The still photography alone brings to mind Adams, and the haunting score is near perfect for the occasion. The second half of the film reverts back to a formulaic Nerd-wins-Girl, or in this case, Boy-and-Horse-Win-Big-Race, but the performances are superb and the movie never patronizes to its adult viewers. Predictable ending aside, The Black Stallion is an awesome, visual masterpiece masquerading as a children's movie. --This text refers to the DVD edition of this video
A viewer from phoenix, az , November 29, 1998
enthralling tale of a boy's bond with a horse moving and enthralling tale of a boy who comes to terms with his loss and learns to survive with the comfort and love of a horse. Patience is required as it moves seemingly slow at times, but the drama of the story draws you in. Excellent children's movie for a thoughtful child.
A reader, July 7, 1998
A must-have for any horse lover! If you've read the Walter Farley series, you MUST see the movie! Also a musical pleasure - the score will bring you goosebumps. Cinematography: excellent. This movie is absolutely beautiful. --This text refers to the DVD edition of this video
A Review from MGM can be found here
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