Robert Redford and Kristin Scott Thomas star in The Horse Whisperer along with Scarlett Johansson who plays the teenager who loses her leg in an accident and must learn not to fear what life has thrown her.
Film making 3.5/5
Video 4/5
Audio 4/5
Bonus Features 1/5
Total 3/5 Stars
Scarlett Johansson plays Grace who at first cannot grasp what has happened to her and just does not want to face the rest of her life without her leg. During a winter horse ride with best friend Judith their horses tumble down a slippery hillside into the path of a semi and Judith is killed.
Grace loses her leg but her horse Pilgrim is not killed, horrible wounds on his face and chest show how badly he is hurt but Grace’s mother refuses to let the veterinarian put down the horse. After Grace has refused to cope emotionally with her lose Annie, Grace’s mother played by Kristin Scott Thomas, seeks the help of horse expert Tom Booker, “the horse whisperer”.
Tom lives with his brothers’ family on a Montana ranch raising cattle and Annie packs up the horse and Grace to head to Montana to enlist Toms help. Tom agrees to help Grace and Pilgrim get better but he emphasizes to Annie that Grace must decide if this is what she wants and she has to work at it.
Tom and Annie start a budding romance until the day comes when their seemingly perfect world is rattled by the appearance of Annie’s husband, Robert played by Sam Neill. Robert is no fool and knew before Annie left that their relationship was strained and it only takes him a few days to see that Annie has fallen for Tom.
Grace rides Pilgrim and finally both are healed but Robert needs to head back to the city and his job so he takes Grace with him but with a warning to Annie. Robert tells Annie to decide one way or the other whether see will be continuing their relationship or if she is going to part ways and separate with him.
Robert Redford directs The Horse Whisperer which is a very good film with a clear theme using the backdrop of the Montana country side giving the movie a fantastic majesty. Redford uses the country and mountains, the weather and ranch setting to set the scene and draw us into the film without us figuring that this tale is one told time and again in film.
Redford uses the scenery to create a calm working environment where his character works to heal the horse and the girl who were both devastated by the accident. The romantic moments are ones that are both expected and completely not needed for the emotional well-being of each character that one moment in the film really hits home.
Tom’s sister in law is talking with Annie and comes right out to say that Annie needs to decide if she is going to be with Tom or not while explaining about Tom’s trouble in the past with his ex-wife. From the beginning of the film we know the moment is coming but we still tell the characters not to do it like talking to the television screen is going to change things.
The Horse Whisperer is a good movie to sit back and watch with a friend or loved one and not worry about the little things in life, just marvel at the natural beauty that Redford captures and enjoy the moment. The films Blu-ray transfer is outstanding and with little to even complain about as the films clarity is great most of the time but a few times problems do sneak in.
Only a few blemishes mar this otherwise fine film but of note is the unusual use of changing formats part way through the film to emphasize the natural wonder of Montana. About a half hour into the film during the road trip to Montana they switch from one aspect to another that gives a wider and better view of the scenery.
Audio quality is fantastic with the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio sound track in full 5.1 surround sound which emphasizes the great musical score. Thomas Newman and Gwil Owen really make this film a winner audibly by adding some great songs and emotion filled music that adds to the films enjoyment.
The Horse Whisperer is a 15 year old movie brought to the newest format and has a few bonus features but only about six minutes of them for an exceedingly short bonus content. A music video rounds out the extras but there really is no reason to do anything but watch and enjoy the film as the bonus content is not worth viewing other than for curiosities sake.
The Horse Whisperer is a great movie and well worth a collection addition if you have a special someone who likes romantic films or horses which this has both in great quantity. The Blu-ray release of The Horse Whisperer is a great film and shows the care that can be used to create a film that is well worth watching over and over again.
