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"Inspired By A True
Story, But A Complete
Lie" |
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Directed by Joe Johnston
- Written by John Fusco
Starring Viggo
Mortensen, Zuleikha
Robinson, Omar Sharif,
Louise Lombard
Distributed by Buena
Vista - 2004 - 136mins -
Rated PG13 |
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Unbridled. Unbroken. Unbeaten. |
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"Hidalgo" is supposedly based on true events that occurred in the life
of Frank Hopkins. Even if you believe that with all of your heart, you
will leave the theatre knowing that none of this ever happened.
Actually, Hopkins was real, as was his horse Hidalgo, but he was a
spinner of tall tales, and this is one of his more famous tales
brought to the screen.
Viggo Mortensen plays Hopkins, a cowboy in the dying west (1890). He
witnesses an Indian massacre and is traumatized. He now spends his
days with Hidalgo, performing at Wild Bill Hickock's traveling rodeo.
Soon, he learns of a long distance race across Iraq, Iran, and Syria
called "The Ocean of Fire." Since he and his horse are down on their
luck, and have never lost a long distance race, they decided to go
race in it to win the $100,000 jackpot. When they get there, not only
do they realize that the desert may kill them, but assassins may as
well.
"Hidalgo" reminds me of three movies: "Seabiscuit," because it
involves an underdog horse race where are hero is laughed at and
scolded, "Laurence of Arabia," because of magnificently shot desert
scenes and scorching heat, and "The Last Samurai," which also involved
an American hero, now down on his luck after witnessing a Native
American massacre, traveling to a distant land to regain his honor. It
also has some elements of "Raiders of the Lost Ark," especially during
a thrilling, bloody action sequence that has a surprising "take no
prisoners" mentality for a PG-13 film.
Aside from the excellent action, beautiful cinematography, and the
nice performance by Mortensen, "Hidalgo" has some problems. It is far
too long. At 2 and a half hours, it often feels tedious. The
supporting cast is also quite weak and filled with stereotypes. Only
Omar Sharif as a brave and honorable Sheik stands out.
These are minor quibbles and "Hidalgo" is a very good movie in every
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© Written by Jacob Hall -
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Me! |
TC Candler's Comment
A simple
adventure story... but nothing to get excited
about.
Richard Propes' Comment
n/a
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