Entrants in the 3000-mile Ocean of Fire horse race kick up a dust storm in Hidalgo

Horsing around
Hidalgo


Stars Viggo Mortensen, Omar Sharif, Zuleikha Robinson, Louise Lombard. Rated PG.

Reviewer :: Lt Simone Heyer

Can you name the titles of the films in which Viggo Mortensen starred pre-Lord of the Rings? I can't. But after seeing him long-haired and stubbly, I'll see anything he's in.

Hidalgo is his latest film, named for the main character's mustang horse.

Frank T. Hopkins was one of America's top riders of the 1800s. He was a dispatch rider who, after the Battle of Wounded Knee, became a show rider and slowly drank himself into oblivion. He was half-Native American, which might have been the reason he chose a mustang horse - tough, strong and hardy.

I'm not a fan of Westerns, or American history, so it was pleasing to see the direction change to the Middle East.

Sheik Riyadh (Sharif) invites Hopkins to bring Hidalgo to Saudi Arabia to compete in the Ocean of Fire horse race. Hopkins has nothing to lose, except his horse, and sets out to prove himself and his horse.

Of course he's going to win. Why would there be a movie about Hopkins if he didn't? It's not the fact that he's got there that appeals, it's the getting there. Hopkins is a gentle, kindly soul who doesn't get on anyone's goat and is happy doing his own thing.

The race is 3000 miles and the competitors are mostly Arabians. Places are expected to be taken by horses from the Royal family's stud. The Arabs don't like foreigners entering the race with their inferior horses, and when Hopkins proves himself, they make sure he runs into a bit of trouble.

Scenically, this is an outstanding film. The acting and mood also get the thumbs up.

Simone rates this movie 4 out of 5