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Black Beauty
Black Beauty
A wondrous new version of Anna Sewell’s classic about a remarkable horse and the various owners whose lives he transforms. “The most imaginative and stirring picture since The black Stallion” (Washington Times) Year: 1994 Director: Caroline Thompson Starring: Sean Bean, David Thewlis, Jim CarterDon’t waste this one on your children: buy it for yourself. A spectacular adaptation of the Anna Sewell novel, this is faithful to the source material but creates a life of its own on the screen. Told from the point of view of the horse, it recalls a time and a place that could be both beautiful and cruel. Black Beauty faced both hardship and kindness as he passed through the hands of many owners throughout his life. Some are generous, but the agonies endured by the title character may be too harsh for small children. Unfortunately, director Caroline Thompson did not resurrect her magical touch a few years later with another animal tale, Buddy. –Rochelle O’Gorman
Rating: (out of 90 reviews)
List Price: $ 5.98
Price: $ 2.44
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Jefferson T. Packer
November 4, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Review by Jefferson T. Packer for Black Beauty
Rating:
I rented this thinking that my son might enjoy it, and that I might possibly be able to stand to sit through most of it.
What a surprise! This really is one of the more beautiful films I’ve ever seen, and I’m quite demanding. I think it’s safe to say that this film is the ultimate “sleeper;” I didn’t even know it existed until I saw it on the video store “Family DVD” shelf.
It’s possible that it might be almost a little too true to the novel for very young children; but my 4 year old son and I had some very nice conversations about it during and after the film, and he never seemed to be overly disturbed.
It is true to the novel, which alone would recommend it; but it also has a stunning visual presence all its own. The director’s vision is really quite profound, and it contains what is perhaps the most perfect footage of frolicking, running horses ever made.
This film certainly tapped some deep wells of feeling within me; if you love animals in general and horses in particular, I can confidently promise that you won’t be disappointed.
Michele T. Woodward
November 4, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Review by Michele T. Woodward for Black Beauty
Rating:
This version of the classic is definitely the one to purchase. The cinematography is outstanding, the performances are just right and the story is compelling. My children (7 and 4) were glued to the film the entire way thru. It’s exciting, engaging and even made me cry. If you have a horse lover in your house, I can’t think of a better film. Actually, if you have a love of great film-making, you should own this film, horse lover or not.
M. Packo
November 4, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Review by M. Packo for Black Beauty
Rating:
A simply perfect story told with exquisite compassion
and artistry.
This version of BLACK BEAUTY should be considered the
unsurpassable classic of its genre – as well as one of the
truly memorable films of the ’90s – if only for these few
reasons:
Danny Elfman’s soulful score.
Alex Thomson’s gorgeous cinematography.
A perfectly balanced ensemble of actors, all of whom
add great heart to the story.
All-around production design of wonderful taste and period
versimilitude.
Most of all, director Caroline Thompson’s obvious love
and dedication. She has made of this simple story of the
life of a horse a movie that puts to shame all but a slim
few involving people about whom we are expected to care
and empathize with.
This interpretation of Black Beauty is touching and…beautiful.
Staci L. Wilson
November 4, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Review by Staci L. Wilson for Black Beauty
Rating:
Considered to be the truest filmed version of Anna Sewell’s timeless book,1994’s Black Beauty follows the unstable life of an intelligent ebony stallion (played by Doc’s Keepin Time) in Victorian England. As he does in the novel, Beauty narrates the tale (he’s voiced by Alan Cumming) from his idyllic birth, through the tragic events that led to him having to be sold, and how his happiness was completely at the mercy of those who held his reins. Masters both kind and cruel shape the horse’s rather Dickensian life, as do his closest equine companions: A mare called Duchess and a self-willed pony named Merrylegs. Very nicely filmed and well-acted.
Staci Layne Wilson
Jessica E. Bowen
November 4, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Review by Jessica E. Bowen for Black Beauty
Rating:
Unlike other adaptations of Anna Sewall’s classic, this film version respects the intentions and the words of the book. We read the novel aloud with my 6 year old daughter and got this DVD as a treat for her to watch. We were not dissapointed. For one thing, Black Beauty himself narrates the film in a voice over (there’s no corny talking animals), just as the novel is written in the first person from the p.o.v. of the horse. The film also does a nice job of retaining the message of the novel about treating animals fairly.
As others have mentioned, the score is lovely and the cinematography is beautiful. There are lots of little animals to see and pretty landscapes, etc.
Highly recomended, a very nice family film.