Beautiful and noble horses are some of the most amazing animals in the world. They are very smart, faithful and majestic. It is not surprising that stallions often become protagonists of art paintings. The list of films about horses is huge, but this article lists the best and most popular works of eminent directors of the 20th century and today.
Family movies
When the whole family gathers near the TV in the evening, it is movies about horses that become the ideal option for watching. The list of the best paintings that will be interesting for adults and children should start with the film “Brave with Heart,” (1991) - this is a real story about an orphan named Sonora. The girl is engaged in a dangerous and now banned sport - diving on a horse, which, together with her, jumps into the water from a springboard. The film is not distinguished by the abundance of scenes of equestrian competitions, but it conveys an important thought for a person - only brave and strong-willed people are able to achieve their goal and fulfill their dreams.
“Silver Wind” (1993) and “Black Beauty” - no less informative films about horses - a complete list of the best paintings without them would be imperfect. The first film starring
Russell Crowe and Caroline Goodall is like a fairy tale story about the interaction of man and the legendary horse. The second film describes joyful and sad moments from the life of a beautiful black horse, which from natural open spaces falls on the dull streets of London - here he will face various trials and meetings. This picture, like the two previous ones, is highly appreciated by critics and the public.
Dramas
The film Horse Whisperer (1998) was awarded the Golden Globe Award for the best film of this genre. The heartbreaking story really pleased the audience. It describes the tragedy that happened with a little girl: she was seriously injured while riding. Mother takes her daughter to the Wild West - away from sad memories. Then they meet the tamer of unrootted horses. A person with mysterious power over animals is able to heal even spiritual wounds.
No less instructive are Russian films about horses: the list continues with the picture “Trotter” (2005), events in which unfold against the background of the outbreak of the First World War. In the center of the plot are three completely different personalities. The paths of these people, dissimilar in character and social status, crossed paths thanks to a horse named Flattery. In addition, the film “Big Risk” (2004) recommended for viewing is about a single mother who decided to start her life from scratch. Will she be able to become a participant in equestrian competitions? You will find the answer to this question at the end of a confusing and exciting storyline.
Actual Pictures
These unthinking stories continue the list of films. A lot of good pictures were made about horses, their devotion and affection for man. This topic, for example, was raised in The Dreamer (2005). According to the scenario, there is no mutual understanding between the father and his little daughter, although they love each other. The situation changes when a sick horse appears in their life. An animal is able to change their way of life, to bring friendship and the breath of a new life into it. "Dreamer" received high scores in reviews, as it was shot sincerely, touchingly and professionally. The same goes for the movie Frisky (2007) - about a horse that for several years was a champion in horse racing until a tragic accident changed the course of events.
Another picture based on real events is Champion (2010). This is an incredible story about a horse nicknamed the Secretariat, which won the most prestigious horse race in the USA three times in a row - the Triple Crown. Prior to this, not a single horse has succeeded in accomplishing this over the past 25 years. “Champion” is a film not only about competitions, but also about human relations and personality formation. “A very deep, informative and correct picture,” write ordinary viewers in their reviews.
"Cowboy" films
These paintings should be divided into a separate category. They talk about the life of cowboys and, of course, about rodeos and horses, since they are an integral part of their life. Therefore, the list is thin. films about horses are continued by Martin Ritt's film Casey's Shadow (1978). The film is quite old. Despite this, he faithfully presents the audience with the story of the friendship of a little boy and a foal. The kid lives in a family of true cowboys, so the features of racing, breeding and training horses are familiar to him from a very young age.
Another old movie about cowboys is The Electric Horseman (1979). It will appeal to those who are madly in love with adventure and travel. After all, the picture tells exactly about the trip that the former cowboy and his faithful horse made across America. The leitmotif of the film is human love for animals. The main character for the sake of saving his beloved horse throws everything he has and goes to the canyon, where he plans to let the animal out. The film starred the famous actress
Jane Fonda, her company was Robert Redford and Valerie Perrin.
Competition Films
They make even the most cold-blooded spectator worry about horse racing films. The list of these paintings is inexhaustible, but first of all I would like to highlight the good old movie “International Prize“ Velvet ”(1978). The storyline revolves around the fate of the girl Sarah. Orphaned, she comes to visit her aunt, who lives in the province. A woman raises horses, trains them and sends them to participate in various competitions. For little Sarah, a new life begins, full of exciting adventures and new acquaintances. Among her new friends is a beautiful racehorse, with whom the girl has a particularly warm relationship.
Another film about horse racing - “Hidalgo: Desert Chase” (2004) - really liked the critics and the audience. And not in vain: in the frames you can see spectacular scenes captured in the desert of Saudi Arabia and in the vastness of the Wild West. The main character goes to Asia, where he becomes the first foreign participant in the history of competitions. The local sheikh bet a huge sum on the victory of the famous hidalgo in his homeland. At the same time, the other participants in the competition are not happy with the victory of the impudent alien and they are ready to do everything possible so that he never comes to the finish line.
Champions Legends
As you can see, the list of films about horses is very extensive: this topic is popular and relevant for different time periods, countries and population groups. But they are united by one common nuance - each picture tells of love, affection, the desire for victory, the nobility of animals. Therefore, the scope of categories is quite blurry. First of all, I would like to include the movie “Champion Abduction” (1999) with its main character - the legendary horse Shergar, the winner of races and races. Irish terrorists stole a horse and hid it on a remote farm. A young man helps a horse to escape from captivity: together they embark on a journey full of dangers and adventures.
The audience liked the film “Favorite” (2003) even more - about a small unprepossessing horse, which few put on the hippodrome. Imagine the audience’s surprise when an unprepossessing animal controlled by a half-blind jockey begins to slowly but surely conquer the sports peaks. This is a film story about the triumph of the most famous horse in the history of the American continent. The picture returns the viewer to those times when the earth was not overflowed with skyscrapers and asphalt, and noble and intelligent animals were worth its weight in gold.
About friendship
This topic is raised by all films about horses without exception. The list of the best directing works is headed by the stunning movie of the middle of the last century “National Velvet” (1944). Filmed during the war years, the picture truthfully shows us England in the 1920s. Girl Velvet Brown accidentally wins the lottery of Pye's horse. Friendly relations are struck between them: the animal and man are united not only by love, but also by a common dream - to win prestigious competitions. For the sake of this, the girl loses her long hair, posing as a jockey boy, hires an experienced trainer and takes part in races. Will she reach the finish line? Will the long-awaited victory snatch? The answers open while watching this interesting movie.
Clara film (2010), although it is a modern film, but, unlike National Velvet, it cannot boast of high ratings. Despite this, the story of the girl and the horse is very bright, warm, touching. The baby after the divorce of her parents changes her place of residence and school. In the new class, many children are interested in equestrian sports. In order to win the respect of classmates, who took the girl cautiously, she decides to take part in the competition. “Clara” is a film for the whole family, kind and impressive.
New items
War Horse (2011) is the best movie about horses. The list, new items in which are highly praised by critics and viewers, begins with the work of Stephen Spielberg. She shows us that attachment to an animal can be much stronger than a love of life. When Joey's horse is mobilized on the battlefields of the First World War, his young master, hiding his age, voluntarily becomes a military man and sets off in search of his comrade. As ordinary viewers write in reviews: “The picture is old-fashioned in a good way.” And indeed it is. Despite the presence of special effects, it is stylized as films of the 60s of the last century. This applies to dialogues, and landscapes, and musical accompaniment.
But this is not the only modern film about horses: the list (news) will not be complete without such films as “Turin Horse” (2011), “Flica” (2006) and “Flicka 2” (2010). In all films, the characters are very individual, deep and sensual. They demonstrate all the power of feeling that can arise between an animal and a person. These films are required to watch.
Other paintings
The list of films about horses to the end cannot be complete. A huge number of paintings were shot about animals: listing them in one article is simply impossible. In the end, I would like to name a few more directorial works that are worth paying attention to. Firstly, this is the old Australian film Far Far Lep: The Path to Victory (1983) and the relatively new American film The Winner (2007). Both films are about competition, triumph and the desire to become a leader.
Secondly, critics recommend an adult and children's audience sports and adventure film "Black Horse" (1979). In the center of the plot is a stallion and a man who, after the ship's wreck, fell on a
desert island. Thirdly, the picture “Born Free” (2005) is well-posed - about a little horse that became a symbol and hope of cavalry soldiers during the Civil War in the USA. Remember that each of these films is special and unique in its own way. Therefore, be sure to take the time to review these kind and touching films with the whole family.