Black Beauty
The most imaginative and stirring picture since "The Black Stallion." - Gary Arnold, Washington Times.
Anna Sewell's novel Black Beauty has been one of the world's most beloved animal stories since its 1877 publication. The story is told by its hero, a remarkable black horse with a white "star" on his forehead, whose joyous and heartbreaking life takes him from idyllic country life to London's cobblestoned streets.
Written and directed by Caroline Thompson (1993's The Secret Garden), this is the most faithful of the book's several filmings. You'll cherish rebellious filly Ginger, mischievous pony Merrylegs and gallant Beauty, Whose generous heart guides him under caretakers both kindly and harsh, from Farmer Grey (Sean Bean) and young groom Joe Green (Andrew Knott) to sweet-natured cabbie Jerry Barker (David Thewlis).
Member Reviews
Boring and overly-sentimental. - estefan
Watching Black Beauty, I felt like the people in the world who hate War Horse. Caroline Thompson fills the screen with so much sentimental syrup, it's completely nauseating. I felt no sympathy whatsoever for the horses on-screen or most of their human co-stars as they're all poorly written and not the least bit subtle. The worst is a family of aristocrats that the horses are brought to at one point. As soon as they stepped on-screen, I expected them to burn down an orphanage. Matters aren't helped by Alan Cumming's annoying and pointless narration for the title horse. The only solid point in the film is when David Thewlis shows up as a taxi driver and he's the only character I legitimately cared about and the only actor delivering a halfway decent performance. Regardless, Black Beauty is exactly the sort of sentimental tripe people are usually accusing of Spielberg of doing.A great horse movie! - Calzephyr
I have seen quite a few horse movies, but I must say that this was the best. Although some details were left out or compressed for time, the main message about kindness to animals is never lost. It is much better than the 1970s Black Beauty movie and a great way to get kids interested in books.as wonderful as the book! - dtwhalen
I have always loved these types of stories, and have seen this one before. I read the story to my daughter before renting, and we very much enjoyed the movie. Although for time's sake they had to leave out many parts of the book, they still kept the key elements intact, and it comes out very well.
Member Reviews
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Boring and overly-sentimental. - estefan
Watching Black Beauty, I felt like the people in the world who hate War Horse. Caroline Thompson fills the screen with so much sentimental syrup, it's completely nauseating. I felt no sympathy whatsoever for the horses on-screen or most of their human co-stars ...A great horse movie! - Calzephyr
I have seen quite a few horse movies, but I must say that this was the best. Although some details were left out or compressed for time, the main message about kindness to animals is never lost. It is much better than the 1970s Black Beauty movie and a great ...as wonderful as the book! - dtwhalen
I have always loved these types of stories, and have seen this one before. I read the story to my daughter before renting, and we very much enjoyed the movie. Although for time's sake they had to leave out many parts of the book, they still kept the key ...