The Horse Whisperer (1998)

The Horse Whisperer is an epic drama about a mother who wants to help her child's horse who was injured in an accident, so she finds a farmer called a horse whisperer in order to heal the horse's soul. The mother and the child then stay on the farm while the horse is healed, and on the way the mother experiences the beauty and passion of the country life. The plot doesn't sound too good, no. But you'll be surprised how well the plot is handled in the film.I'm not a fan of sentimentality, but I think this film used it really well. It crafted itself out of sentimentality, yet it remains rich to the core because of solid performances, fascinating cinematography and an ability to not be excessive with the emotional factor. Robert Redford and Kristin Scott Thomas act as the main characters in this film, who both give performances worthy of the film's gold, dream- like personality. Watching The Horse Whisperer is like watching a dream with the beautiful scenery, cinematography and soundtrack to back it up. This film is what they call a good one. I suggest you go see it, you'll like it a lot more than you'll expect.

I had always dodged this movie, I think I still associated Robert Redford with what I thought were self-indulgent movies in the late 70s -80s. He never entirely gets away from being smug, but if you can deal with that this movie has a lot going for it. Scarlett J and her horse are involved in horrific accident which leaves both of them physically and psychologically scarred. Her mom Kristen Scott Thomas (always fine) tracks down horse whisperer Redford in Montana or thereabouts, and when he refuses to see them in NY she travels to his turf, Scarlett, damaged horse and all. Redford's family are nicely played, and there are tons of beautiful scenery where Robert calls home. What I liked best about this movie was the slow but persistent pace, along with the scenery and beautiful music. I would have played out the potential love interest between Redford and Thomas differently, but I really think the story is in the Redford-horse-Scarlett angle anyway. Much better than I anticipated.

...he coulda snagged Scarlet for his harlot!! Perfect amalgamation of Montana wilderness, horse training, and healin' at a squealin' fast pace! I have some experience with horses, primarily in Virginia, Main Line Philadelphia, etc., but this film is an extreme misrepresentation of their interaction, characteristics and personality. "They Shoot Horses Don't They?" more aptly aspires to a realistic film concept of humane treatment. I expected more from the man of western lore, who truly is a major bore.Animals are amazing creatures that elevate the human experience and those who interact with them at any level could not possibly sit through this movie unless at gun point.Thank you for Sundance, Butch, and most especially Paul in "Park", but call it a day my friend, stick with your day job...sigh.

I think the film is great but it has odd changes from the book. Pilgrim and Gulliver should have been switched due to color. and Henry Logan should have been in the book. And how the focus the story should change a little, otherwise it is a brilliant film, I enjoy it. The way they portray the story really gives a feel on how the character feels. Redford did a great job making sure that you could really feel the emotions the book had displayed almost to a point. Evans, the writer, wrote a really moving piece and sold the rights to the right director, all and all as said above loved, i only wrote so much because it said I have to