Black Beauty (1994)

Though this is reviewed many years hence it is one of the time honored testaments of this media even some ten plus years having past,that this tribute was never the more beautiful then even now some ten years plus since then.This contribution comes at the expense of ones heart as you grow in the knowledge of the possibility of a dream.Reality provides the greatest test of ones courage under fire,though "Black Beauty" is billed as a child's film,this adult had a very hard time not caring a great deal about the wonderous even glorious relation we share with the animal kingdom and nature.The film seems to be beautifully constructed perhaps deliberately with many areas of the film working very well.It is a beautifully photographed film where these magnificent creatures are showcased and nature is highlighted.There is in the telling of this story a narrator whose ability to place intelligence in the very heart of these magnificent beasts is heart warming and engaging,truly this story skirts the issue of inspiration,it is that beautifully told.Historically soundtracks are there for a reason,this soundtrack almost steals the show,it is such a testament to the creative abilities of Daniel Elfman.It is literally a great piece of musical composition and motion picture scoring.If the reader wishes to know first hand listen closely from the very start and the human heart will be tested as to its ability to break.So loving and eloquent is this musical interlude that rarely is this mark been attained,it is beautiful.I watched this film 4 times in less than 24 hours and each time one of the reasons why I watched again and again was the lovely even emotional interplay between the film and the music.However last but not least though only for children it may very well be,it was very hard to take when the suffering ensues and the majestic Black Beauty and Ginger struggle to survive.Truly it is a lovely sentimental story deeply held and faithfully portrayed.The belief in a better world or in the dream of another world is even now a thoughtful and abiding conviction in the love we share when we share that love with each other.This is more than a children's story but a lessen in caring and it may actually surprise you to know that we must care for the wild as we have the privilege of dominion over the wild.We must never abuse that privilege and always care as a caretaker cares,such is the testament to this graceful telling of the life of Black Beauty.Highly recommended for both children and adults alike.

Fmovies: Black Beauty the film has done an excellent job at being as captivating as the book. The acting is superb and i love the amazing job done at making the viewers have a look at the past. It is a very well-done film, and not for the weak at heart. It gives wonderful insight to the rough life of a horse, and his travels. The end is truly heartfelt.

Exciting life of a horse named Black Beauty is here expanded to include the adventures of the humans who surround the horse . Set in 19th Century England , about the fates of horses, and the people who own and command them, are revealed as Black Beauty narrates the circle of his life and seen through its own carefree life . It deals with a horse's trials as it passes from an owner to owner , experiencing from benevolent guardianship to ignorant abuse . The unfortunate black stallion reminds his life through from his birth through his existence as a colt, and the many hardships , passing several owners both good and bad and suffering hardships after achieving maturity .

Handsome take off of the Anna Sewell family novel but sometimes fails to capture qualities that make Sewell's book a classic . The animals in this film were in no way harmed or mistreated , and all scenes in which they appeared were under strict supervision with utmost concern for their handling . Narrated quite energetically by the horse itself with voice of Alan Cummins , as the story is told of the horse's life and through its profound and wizened eyes . The impressive scenery , photography and music enhance the story of ¨Black Beauty¨ and its adventures , sufferings and adversities . The tale is treated in good sense and high sensibility ; environment , horses , landscapes combine to enhance the glories of nature , one of which, after all, is silence . Good cast full of fine British actors as David Thewlis as Jerry Barker , Jim Carter as John Manly , Peter Davison as Squire Gordon , Alun Armstrong as Reuben Smith , John McEnery as Mr. York , Eleanor Bron as Lady Wexmire , the notorious Sean Bean , Peter Cook's last film and James Cosmo acting was cut out of this film . Colorful and glamorous cinematography by Alex Thompson. Sensitive as well as emotive musical score by Danny Elffman who married the screenwriter and filmmaker Caroline Thompson . The music all plays with the soul , it is so delicately composed, performed, and chosen for the movie that it is worth seeing just to enjoy the soundtrack .

Other film based on this classic novel are the following : First silent version , 1921 , titled ¨Black Beauty ; first sound rendition of 1933 by Phil Rosen ; ¨Black Beauty¨ 1946 by Noel Nossek with Mona Freeman and Richard Denning ; ¨Courage of Black Beauty ¨ by Harold Schuster with Johnny Crawford ; ¨Black Beauty¨ 1971 by James Hill with Mark Lester , Walter Slezak, Maria Rohm and Peter Lee Lawrence and various TV movies and TV-series . This equine melodrama for grown-up adolescents and children will appeal to horses lovers ; resulting to be the best filmization of the classic story to date.

Black Beauty fmovies. Beautiful movie, beautiful music, beautiful scenes, beautiful horses!

This movie let us people see the life of a horse through his eyes. Now you can better understand what's it like to be a horse, although, this horse can 'talk' and has emotions like we have. But that doesn't make it less sad. Unfortunately, even today, lots of horses have a life like Black Beauty. Even much worse...

The story is about the life of Black Beauty. A Quarter horse. During his life he meets a boy, Joe, and becomes attached to him. After Black Beauty is being sold (according to him, every horse knows this terrifying word) he meets the horses Ginger and Merrylegs. After being sold again Black Beauty's life becomes more and more a misery: waiting and hoping to see Joe and Ginger again.

The best, and true, line from the movie: "We don't get to choose the people in our lives, for us it's all chance" -Black Beauty-

I'm just a toasted marshmallow when it comes to this story. I've read the book many times and CRY every time. This movie and the earlier productions of it have the same effect on me. Needless to say, the book is ultimately superior to any of the movie versions but this movie does do justice to the book.

A movie about life from the animal's point of view will conjure visions of 'Mr. Ed' or 'Francis, The Talking Mule' in a few unimaginative folks but this story really puts the idea of 'walking in another's shoes' in perspective.

The novel and the movies helped me develop respect and empathy for all creatures at a very early age. See this movie with someone you love. You won't be sorry.

Yet another film-adaptation of Anna Sewell's popular 1877 children's book opens with a elderly horse looking back on his tumultuous life--narrating the story himself (with a British accent no less!). What might have been a twee gimmick turns out to be a surprisingly canny stroke of genius, as the screenplay, although prosy, is smart and direct and Alan Cumming's gentle voice-over is very sympathetic. Director Caroline Thompson is sensitive as well, getting terrific "performances" from all the horses involved; her film is a bit heavy on the sad farewells, yet it has lots of heart and works on its audience through pure emotion. Thin at 88 minutes, but beautifully photographed and with a tasteful score by Danny Elfman, fine acting by the humans. A must-see for horse-lovers, the movie is genuinely touching without being too manipulative. **1/2 from ****