Movie Review: The Black Stallion
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What Parents Should Know
Pauline Kael said this "may be the greatest children's movie
ever made." Although the movie is rated G, the shipwreck is
very scary and Alec's father is killed.
Common Sense Media Review
A young boy named Alec Ramsey (Kelly Reno) is on a ship with
his father. Everything seems mysterious to him, the exotic
passengers, the high-stakes poker game his father is playing,
the wild and beautiful black horse he comforts with sugar
cubes. Then the ship is destroyed in a storm, and only Alec and
the horse survive. Alec patiently and persistently tames the
horse. They are rescued and return to Alec's home. When the
horse runs to a farm, Alec meets Henry (Mickey Rooney), a
former trainer. They enter the horse in a race against two
champions, and he and Alec triumph.
Walter Farley's novel was adapted by director Ballard and Francis Ford Coppola's studio into one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and genuinely magical movies ever made. Part of the magic is that the movie has the courage to be quiet. There is very little dialogue, and long stretches without a single word. It allows its images to do the work, and the cinematography, by Caleb Deschanel ("The Right Stuff," "The Natural") is a joy for the eye and for the spirit, creating exactly the right atmosphere for what Pauline Kael said "may be the greatest children's movie ever made."
There are some good themes to discuss here, including Henry's views about being a trainer: "It was a lot of work, but it was worth it," and the way that Alec's relationship with the horse (and with Henry) help him deal with the loss of his father.
Questions for Kids:
What is the importance of the story Alec's father tells about Alexander the Great and his horse?
Why does the horse trust Alec?
Why is it important for Alec to win the race?
What is the most important lesson Alec learns from Henry?
Connections: There is a sequel, called "The Black Stallion Returns," which is enjoyable, but not nearly as good.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
