Hidalgo

Hidalgo is the story of Frank Hopkins who while riding his mustang Hidalgo is famous for winning long distance races throughout America.  However with both well past their prime the pair become part of the Buffalo Bill travelling show with Hidalgo being introduced as the 'greatest endurance horse in the world'.  Hearing about this title Sheikh Riyadh sends representatives to invite Frank Hopkins and his wonder horse to prove this title in the Ocean of Fire a 3000 mile race in the Arabian Desert where only the fittest survive let alone finish.

Frank Hopkins takes up the challenge against the finest horses in Arabia including the Shiekh's champion stallion Al Hattal.  On their way to Damascus Frank Hopkins and Hidalgo must overcome dishonesty, massive sandstorms and the sheer harsh conditions in a race they not only must survive but try to win against the odds.

There is a secondary story involving the sheikh's daughter and internal turmoil within the sheikh's extended family but focus soon returns to the race itself.

Viggo Mortensen plays the centre figure of Frank Hopkins with Omar Sharif as the Sheikh.  It was filmed after Viggo Mortensen returned from filming the Lord of the Rings Trilogy while for Omar Sharif it was one of only two films he has chosen to accept a role in since 1996.

The horse that played Hidalgo was TJ (the horse used for the close up shots) and 4 'doubles' that were painted to look similar to the main horse.  Viggo Mortensen ended up buying the horse after the production had finished.  In total there were over 800 horses used in the production of the film plus 25 other different species of animal.     

The movie is well worth watching but be aware there some moments of medium level violence which may upset younger viewers and a couple of images of animal injuries which look incredibly realistic (just remember it is just movie magic).  As there are a few mini plots in the film it does run for well over two hours but if you are looking for an action packed adventure movie themed around horses then this should be on your list.

The movie was available to be purchased on video and DVD in January and if you are a collector of Breyer horses there are several products in their range relating to the movie.

© Cyberhorse 2005 Jenny Barnes