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From Amazon.co.uk
Director Joe Johnston has always had an entertaining sense of adventure, and with Hidalgo he proves it in spades. It's yet another underrated film for Johnston (along with such enjoyable popcorn flicks as The Rocketeer and Jurassic Park III), dismissed by many critics but a welcome treat for anyone drawn to good ol'-fashioned movie excitement. In his first role since playing Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Viggo Mortensen brings handsome appeal to his low-key portrayal of Frank T. Hopkins, a real-life long-distance horse racer who, as the movie opens, has witnessed the appalling massacre of Native Americans at Wounded Knee in 1890. Drifting into Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, he agrees to compete, with his trusty mustang, Hidalgo, in "The Ocean of Fire," a treacherous 3,000-mile horse race across the Arabian desert. Toss in a bunch of conspiring competitors, a noble sheik (Omar Sharif), his lovely daughter (Zuleikha Robinson), and enough fast-paced danger to fill 133 minutes, and you've got a rousing, humorous, and lightly spiritual adventure that's a lot of fun to watch. It hardly matters that it's almost pure fiction (the real Hopkins was known by many as "a pathological liar"). More important is the love of movies and moviemaking that Johnston so delightfully conveys. --Jeff Shannon
Product Description
Hidalgo is the epic adventure that brings to life Frank T Hopkins, the greatest long distance rider ever, and his beloved mustang Hidalgo. With his glory days long past, Hopkins is invited to enter the Ocean of Fire, a death defying 3.000 mile race across the Srabian Desert. Pitted against the finest Arabian Horses and villainous competitors vowing victory at all costs. this race for extraordinary riches becomes a race for their lives.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why are all the best films the ones that aren't marketed or publicised?
11 Oct 2007
By J. Smith
Format:DVD
The only reason I found out about Hidalgo was because my family rented it from a small corner shop quite a while ago. It was supposed to be just be a popcorn flick that would entertain us one dull Friday evening in winter. So my expectations were not high, so I was totally amazed by this film. Viggo Mortensen (Lord of the Rings) and Omar Sheriff (Lawrence of Arabia) gave tremendous performances and really carried the film well. The action scenes were fun, exciting and graphic enough to keep us teenagers entertained. The storyline was simple yet clever at the same time, and the film was basically fantastic.
More than just a good popcorn flick, an excellent film that managed to become hugely successful without the help of all the marketing etc. that Hollywood feels is necessary for every one of their disappointing turn-outs. 'A splendid romp'...as Jonathan Ross put it.
More than just a good popcorn flick, an excellent film that managed to become hugely successful without the help of all the marketing etc. that Hollywood feels is necessary for every one of their disappointing turn-outs. 'A splendid romp'...as Jonathan Ross put it.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By D. Reynolds
Format:DVD
This film is rather good. The storyline is easy to follow and the plot is in the same place but you can't really change it in this movie.
Based on a true story, Frank Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen, Lord of the Rings) is a wild cowboy type of man who races in long distance horse races though the country. His horse, called Hidalgo, who is a mustang has great endurance and has led Frank to never loose a race in his life.
Frank is invited to race in The Ocean of Fire, a 3000 mile race across the Arabian Desert along with the Arabians best horse racers. They are vicious racers and are not afraid to cheat. Can Hidalgo and Frank outrun the other competitors? Or will they die of thirst by sizzling in the baking hot sun?
This is a good adventure with some great action scenes. You're into it after the first 5 minutes. An outstanding performance by Viggo Mortensen and a great performance by 2 time Golden Globe award winner, Omar Sharif (Lawrence of Arabia). Also starring Said Taghmaoui (Three Kings).
It's something different to what you usually see. Overall a good film which will give you a fun two hours.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
I bought this DVD purely from seeing the trailer advertised on TV. I have to say that I was not disappointed and thoroughly enjoyed this film from beginning to end.
There is a suprisingly old fashioned feel about this movie - it's the kind of film you thought Hollywood didn't make anymore. For a start, it has gorgeous cinematography, traditional heroes and villains and a plot you can actually follow! With it's 'wannabe' grandeur (of films like Lawrence of Arabia, English Patient, et al) and a good serving of action and comedy (in the Indiana Jones, The Mummy, etc, style) this makes for enjoyable viewing. Add to this state-of-the-art CGI special effects by 'Industrial Light & Magic' and it really does become something special.
And because it's an old fashioned kind of film, the kids can enjoy it too! Highly recommended.
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4.3 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hidalgo dvd
My father in law has been wanting to see this film for a long time now he can at last
Published 5 days ago by nichola long
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great story
If you want a good story with a good actor then this is it. The horses were good too!
Whether it was based on a true story or not it was still a feel good story.
Whether it was based on a true story or not it was still a feel good story.
Published 6 days ago by Rosemary Williams
3.0 out of 5 stars
Pure fairy tale
I love most horse stories but this was not a credible story.Unmarried daughter of a Sheik wandering alone in the desert to chat with a man, an infidel one at that ! Read more
Published 14 days ago by Ms. D. A. Scollan
4.0 out of 5 stars
Hidalgo
Very good film kept me interested and never got bored like some films I have watched.I would recomend this to a friend.
Published 18 days ago by Christine Scammell
3.0 out of 5 stars
I have not seen it
I brought the 2 videos as a present for a friend & hope he enjoys it when he watches it
Published 2 months ago by DHS
4.0 out of 5 stars
Hidalgo.an interesting tale or daring do
I liked this film although I have to admit that I feel it more a" Man's" type of enjoyment..tales seemed rather far fetched but quite adventurous.
Published 2 months ago by Pauline
5.0 out of 5 stars
<3
good film had a good story line really nice ending loved it so much. and aswel as him racing he helps other people with there problems aswel (with the help of hidalgo) and proves... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Amy Moscrop
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of my favourite films and favourite actors.
I love this film and never get tired of watching it, great acting, lovely horses, great story! My favourite actor too!
Published 3 months ago by Mrs. Jane Rainey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Xmas present
For a lady who loves horses. Ideal gift and good entertainment for the family, at a very good value price.
Published 3 months ago by Robbo
4.0 out of 5 stars
Hidalgo
Great film. Very underrated. Based on a true story - it contains as much action as you would imagine this type of film does. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Robert Laffan
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