Great Film: Hidalgo
This is a film that I could watch almost any time.
OK: so what makes a film a "10"? For me, every scene has to work. Would
I take out any scenes? If so, then the flick isn't a 10. Also, does
each scene move the story forward? If this is seamlessly done, then all
the better. "Hidalgo" not only does this; but it does so easily, and
unobtrusivesly, with the sense that the lead actor (Vigo Mortensen) is
the vehicle for an ongoing, and interesting, story ... and what a story
it is! Just as with the film Apollo 13, the fact that the story is
based on real history and fact makes the story-telling more than a good
tale. It tells us something worth remembering.
Did I mention that this is a rippingly good story? Did I mention that
all of the actors are compellingly good ... including the horse
(Hidalgo)? Did I mention that this movie transcends facile
categorization (Western, Adventure, Drama, etc.?) This is just a damned
good, under-appreciated movie.
The bonus material on the DVD is worthy of inclusion in a course on
Western Civilization (a course that I've taught several times)? See
this for yourself. I doubt that you'll be disappointed. In fact, I
think that you'll recognize this as equal to such under-appreciated
films such as "King of Hearts" and "Kasper Hauser" ... films that
you'll be proud to own and to show to your friends.
Cast
- Frank Hopkins played by Viggo Mortensen
- Buffalo Bill Cody played by J.k. Simmons
- Jazira played by Zuleikha Robinson
- Sheikh Riyadh played by Omar Sharif
- Lady Anne Davenport played by Louise Lombard
- Aziz played by Adam Alexi-malle
- Prince Bin Al Reeh played by Saïd Taghmaoui
