Directed by Joe Johnston, the man behind the excellent & severely underrated "The Rocketeer" ('91) which was also a period piece, "Hidalgo" is a biographical adventure film loosely based on the life of Frank T. Hopkins and his mustang, Hidalgo that competed on a long distance Middle Eastern race called itself "Ocean of Fire", against the best pure- blooded Arabian horses. The real life Hopkins and his alleged exploits were most likely fictional / tall stories told by a 'fabulator' man that once was a professional horseman performing with the Ringling Brothers Circus. Even if it wasn't all true, the Hopkins & Hidalgo's daring adventure across the scorching desert of Arabia was the perfect scenario for an adventure / drama film shot on location, with a sense of the classic swashbuckling style, long gone from the Entertainment Industry of nowadays. It looks & feels something like a lighthearted / toned-down version of such classics as "Lawrence of Arabia" meets "Dances with Wolves" with an Indiana Jones urge to it, some of the funny gags & action sequences are even based (or more like a tribute) to the world's most famous archaeologist. Smartly, the director Johnston keeps the CGI effects to a minimum, only when was strictly necessary (like the sandstorm who reminds a lot the less-inspired Stephen Sommers' blockbuster, "The Mummy") which enhanced the old school filmmaking factor. "Hidalgo" is an entertaining, upbeat & reckless ride that moves at nicely pace, competent photographed by Shelly Johnson with great sets & costume design and great performances all around from Viggo, still in the heroic & manly, but sensitive role of an Aragorn type of character to the legendary & sorely missed, Omar Sharif in a gracious & witty role as the Sheikh Riyadh. Malcolm McDowell, C. Thomas Howell & J.K. Simmons also provided interesting cameos, but above them all, T.J. as the beautiful mustang Hidalgo, deserves the highest praise.

This film has several points of interest. To begin, remember the importance of the horse to the man. The horse is truly our best friend. However, despite being an adventure film, it is not as adventurous as other such films. It has moments of great psychological depth, calm, humor and even sad moments. All this has value. I, at least, I was not displeased or felt that the film deceived me. Sometimes what deceives us is advertising.Vigo Mortensen plays the lead role, with his mustang horse, and get a good performance, full of humanity and feelings, particularly visible when you talk to the horse or recalls his forebears. Your character is a man marked by conflicts against the Indians, with whom he sympathizes, to the point of knowing the language. Omar Sharif is also participating in this film, giving life to the Arab sheik, the host horse racing that the film portrays. As usual, the actor managed another great performance. The scenarios are great, as are displayed desert landscapes. The dialogues were very well thought out and avoid inelegant words.This is a family film, essentially based on humanistic values ​​and is recommended for the whole family.

I loved this film. Wikipedia says this man's story is all horse-poop but I like to think that it was true - or as close to true as one expects from Hollywood. The film is beautifully shot and the horse is marvelous!And who doesn't want to look at Viggo?Viggo plays Frank Hopkins, a trick rider who worked as a scout and messenger for the US Military when it was "cleaning up" the west. We know how that went.He's a long-distance racer on his American Mustang, his "painted horse". I can't say much more without it being a spoiler, so enjoy!

How strange the infidels give this classic a rating below, oh, 8. A fabulous movie, full of adventure and honor. Thanks, Joe and Vergo. IT would be easy to call this the American against the Muslims. And you may be right. But there is something about this movie that speaks to the American spirit. Something about the old west, too. Every scene is significant. Every scent an adventure. How could you not love it and how could the droids give it a numerical rating like that. There are only movies and anyone who doesn't recognize the great ones should stick with "Saw." The only movie besides "Little Big Man" that salutes the American Indian. The only movie that gives credit to our true heritage.