Corporate Line: Based on the true story of the greatest long-distance horse race ever run, “Hidalgo” is an epic action-adventure and one man’s journey of personal redemption. Held yearly for centuries, the Ocean of Fire — a 3,000 mile survival race across the Arabian Desert — was a challenge restricted to the finest Arabian horses ever bred, the purest and noblest lines, owned by the greatest royal families. In 1890, a wealthy Sheik invited an American and his horse to enter the race for the first time. Frank T. Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen) was a cowboy and dispatch rider for the US cavalry who had once been billed as the greatest rider the West had ever known. The Sheik (Omar Sharif) would put this claim to the test, pitting the American cowboy and his mustang, Hidalgo, against the world’s greatest Arabian horses and Bedouin riders—some of whom were determined to prevent the foreigner from finishing the race. For Frank, the Ocean of Fire becomes not only a matter of pride and honor, but a race for his very survival as he and his horse, Hidalgo, attempt the impossible.
The Good: As a cowboy and long distance rider Viggo Mortensen makes the most of the part. Frank Hopkins is portrayed as the too-cool-cowboy and it fits Mortensen perfectly. Mortensen looks the part and acts the part-a big surprise considering most of us know him as Aragorn from Lord of the Rings. Mortensen and his horse are as good a fit as Tobey Maquire and his horse in Seabiscuit.
Much like Seabiscuit you have a genuine desire to see this man and his horse come out on top. There is a sense of combined heart and soul that have become one with this man and his horse. Much like Seabiscuit, Hidalgo moves along at a good speed. I was surprised that it didn’t seem as long as it really was.
The Bad: The storyline of the usual Arab who is easily bought off and willing to do anything to get his reward on the back end. Also the temptation by the Arabian Princess who uncovers her face to Hopkins for whatever reason-which as we know is unforbidden at the cost of ones life. It’s a completely ridiculous notion that she would be so willing to give up her life for a stranger-especially an infidel cowboy.
Frankly: Let’s debunk the notion that this is a true story. Frank T. Hopkins was a storystory writer, not a great American hero. If you do a web search you’ll find numerous stories that tell of a man who tells tall tales and backs them up with more tall tales and the History Channel has worked up a true documentary thatwhich debunks his false legend. Apparently that didn’t stop Disney from telling us the story was real.
Hidalgo, true or untrue, offers a spirit deeper than most films. As the viewer you’ll find yourself rooting for the hero and his horse and jeering his band of desert villains. If you go in believing this is a true story then you might find yourself let down. This is no feel good Seabiscuit story. However if you go in thinking you’ll see an entertaining film you’ll get your fill.
+ Charlie Craine
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