The Black Stallion
Carroll Ballard, 1979 (8.5*)
One of the best horse stories ever, from the children's novel by Walter Farley. A young boy, played by Kelly Reno, on an ocean voyage is intrigued by a black stallion on board, when a sudden shipwreck strands them both on a deserted island. The boy and the horse become inseparable friends out of loneliness and mutual need.
After rescue, the two are returned home, and an aging Mickey Rooney, a former race horse trainer, gives a wonderful and Oscar®-nominated performance for supporting actor as he persuades the boy to race the almost wild stallion. Beautiful cinematography and an inspiring G-rated story make this one of the best family films. A classic in the Disney tradition established in the 1950's, this is my favorite Rooney performance on film; he's not so over-energetic and obnoxious in his older age.
After rescue, the two are returned home, and an aging Mickey Rooney, a former race horse trainer, gives a wonderful and Oscar®-nominated performance for supporting actor as he persuades the boy to race the almost wild stallion. Beautiful cinematography and an inspiring G-rated story make this one of the best family films. A classic in the Disney tradition established in the 1950's, this is my favorite Rooney performance on film; he's not so over-energetic and obnoxious in his older age.
3 comments:
really interesting list you've got!!!
I fondly remember watching The Black Stallion when I was a kid. What as your favorite scene?
Joseph,
I think the scene when the kid is first befriending the stallion on the island is the most exciting visually and the most moving emotionally
What makes this film is the beautiful cinematography - the story is predictable but good directors can get away with that if they maintain your interest visually..
Some directors, Wong Kar-Wai comes to mind, often don't even tell a story, the film itself is the story (Chungking Express, Fallen Angels) - Antonioni's brilliant L'AVVENTURA is also in this category, winner of a special award at Cannes for "giving us a new way of looking at cinema"
thanks for the comments.. Jose
Post a Comment