Laikals The greatest movie ever made..!

Skunkyrate Gripping story with well-crafted characters

FuzzyTagz If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

CrawlerChunky In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

SnoopyStyle Black Beauty (Alan Cumming) recounts his turbulent life with various owners as he finally found peace in a pasture. He was born and cared for by Farmer Grey (Sean Bean). At age 3, he is sent to Birtwick Park. His mistress Lady Gordon is ill and gives him the name Black Beauty. He is treat well by stable master John Manly (Jim Carter) and his incompetent nephew Joe. He is taken with spirited mare Ginger and befriends the smart pony Merrylegs. After Lady Gordon's death, Beauty and Ginger are sold to the cruel, pompous Lady of Wexmire at Earlshall Park. They are painful-bounded to pull her carriage. Ginger struggles with the pain and bolts. This leaves Beauty damaged. The bad treatment continues until Lord Wexmire sells him to become a rent horse under even worst conditions. He is sold once more to London taxi driver Jerry Barker (David Thewlis). It's tough work but Jerry treats him well. He sees Ginger again but she's little more than skin and bones before her death. Jerry gets sick from a freezing night and can no longer work. Beauty is sold again and forced to spend the last of his energy hauling grain. Beauty has nothing left and is on the auction blocks again but this time, he is rescued by Joe.The narration is weird. It gives the horse Black Beauty humanity but none of the other animals have their voices. It's feels like an old-time Disney movie gone amok. What does interest me is to treat this story almost like a slave who gets sold over and over again. The ups and downs of the various cruel and humane owners are intriguing. This ends up being a tear-jerker if you're an animal lover although it could annoy the hell out of you.

AaronCapenBanner Caroline Thompson directed this fine adaptation of the popular Anna Sewall novel set in England about a horse with a white star on its forehead named Black Beauty, which in this film narrates its own story(sounds silly but it does work) from his birth as a carefree colt to the many different owners it had(some good, some bad) from Farmer Grey(played by Sean Bean) to young groom Joe Green(played by Andrew Knott) Cabbie Jerry Barker(played by David Thewlis) and a kindly squire(played by "Doctor Who" actor Peter Davison) Beauty's journey takes him from idyllic country life to London's cobblestone streets. Charming and moving film is fine viewing for the whole family.

story_of_a_girl95 'Black Beauty' is such a brilliant film, and when I asked my friend if he had seen it, and he said no because it was a 'horsey' movie and they were always the exact same. I was actually quite angered at this statement, Black beauty is a different film all together. The film comparison with the book, was quite clear, while the story line was there, some of the message, that the author 'Anna Sewell' wrote the novel for, was lost in the film. The author originally wrote the book, to make people aware of the brutality and cruelty that was thrust upon horses in those days. Though the director (Caroline Thompson)demonstrated the message, through the bearing reins, whipping and jumps racing (where they raced ginger before she was fit). In the novel there are many events where they come along a horse and rider, who is being cruel, and help the horse. In the film there is no mention of that. Although all in all, it was a great film, and the voice-over of 'Alan Cumming' suited the film the butter to bread, it was his smooth real voice that you would believe, was the very voice inside Beauty's head. The characters well fitted there description in the novel, although what was lost was the story of ginger when she was younger, and how she was treated so badly. As well as the story of the old war horse 'Captain'.The film toys with your emotions and does bring a tear to your eye. twas the first film that actually made me cry, one of the favorites and ALWAYS will be.

PudgyPandaMan This is perhaps one of the most moving and beautiful films I have ever seen. I first saw it probably 10+ years ago when my daughter was little and crazy about horses. I had read "Black Beauty" as a child and it was one of my favorite books. So I was looking forward to seeing it but really wasn't expecting much - just a children's film about an old childhood favorite.Boy, was I surprised. This movie was such a moving film. I still remember it this many years later. (I did also recently watch it again). But from memory, the thing that stood out most to me was the superb narration by Scotish actor Alan Cumming as he brings Black Beauty to life. His voice lent so much charm and personality to the entire film. Usually I'm not a fan of accents as it can make the movie harder to understand. But his enunciation was so clear as to not be a problem. He truly MAKES the film. His voice is so rich, with layers and textures. An American narrator couldn't have possibly been nearly as effective. I'm glad this film didn't go with the special effects to make it look like the animals mouths moved when they talked - it would have cheapened the film and it is much more beautiful the way it feels like you are listening to Black Beaauty's thoughts.The other stand out feature is the musical score and sound effects. I can't believe they were overlooked for any awards. The film wouldn't have been 1/10th the experience without it - it is that integral to the whole atmosphere. Listen for how they use breathing and other sound effects to bring the horses to life - especially when Black Beauty was sick. Another time, when Beauty is teasing Jerry and steals his bread - listen when he brings it back to Jerry. I am almost certain Beauty laughs - in a horse whinny kind of way!Usually, I would comment on the cast - but here, the most important ones are the horses. So I guess kudos go to the trainers and director in getting such great footage of them on film. There are times when they are racing through pastures, or rearing up on their hind legs so that it appears as though they are dancing. And with the beautiful music playing alongside - it is truly magic.The film does great justice to Anne Sewell's original novel of BLACK BEAUTY (1878). It's unfortunate she never lived to see the great success her novel achieved - as she died just 3 months after it was published.This film will definitely pull at your heartstrings. Have the tissues handy, especially if you are an animal-lover. There are great themes of love and loyalty, trust and betrayal. The film will have you laughing, smiling with pure joy, and crying. It ends on a high note with more great scenes of Beauty racing through pastures, reflected in the pond like a dream. Don't miss this one!