Young Black Stallion (2003)

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

I love this short movie. Its a simple girl and horse film but special. A girl lost in the desert finds a young colt. They become friends as they wander. . . Patriarchal standards block her potential. So, how is it special? First, the cinematography in the desert is awe-inspiring, heart- heartbreakingly beautiful. Second, Biana Tamimi (Neera), who is not an actress, but an equestrian, is a joy to watch. I enjoy her amateurish acting and girlish enthusiasm. Third, The costumes are beautiful, even if I have no idea if they are authentic. Neera's hijab even looks beautiful. Fourth, the villains, especially the one in the black beard, are villainously delightful. And last, The race course is the most difficult I've seen on film and the horse race the toughest I have ever seen, made especially heart-stopping because we know the stakes for Neera. I agree with other reviewers that the film seemed too short. I could have easily watched more of Neera wandering through the desert looking for water, and more training in her secret valley.

I understand that this movie is made for kids and as a parent I have sat through many movies that don't particularly hold my interest, but I can appreciate from a constructive point of view in how it is being received by my children. Parents are supposed to be encouraged after all to take part in their children's activities and to monitor the quality of the entertainment that they view so there should be something that appeals to an adult audience on some level even in children's movies. Disney has always understood this which is why it is so hard to fathom how it could allow such a complete piece of drek to bear their name.Technically, the sound editing is horrible and all dialog sounds over-dubbed and unnatural. Personally I hate that, but it was doubly awful considering the dialog itself seemed as though it was written by a 12 year old for a school project. The "acting" reminded me of a school play and none of the child actors had any range of emotion in their voices. Thankfully it was a very short movie.Now, before I come off like a video-geek measuring a kids movie with an adult yard stick, the one thing that can save even the worst children's movie is a positive message. Far be it from me to determine how a message has to be delivered so long as the right one is. Let us take a walk through this film to see what messages are given: If you are lost, don't worry, you will inevitably find your way home.Approach wild animals without any fear.You can win any competition just because you "know" you can.and my favorite, the final message left in the film: It's okay to disobey authority figures and do what you think is right.

The horses are beautiful,and the little girl is quite pretty.Young kids will like the movie.I might add if you like horses maybe you can overlook the the absurd things that happen.Even if I suspend my belief about her finding the way home through the desert, or that a wild colt will let you walk right up to it,it's too much to ask that after "running wild" for a year, you can walk right up and climb on.I was with my wild filly a lot longer than she was.I climbed on and Zephyr threw me half way over a 6'fence.Folks enjoy the movie but PLEASE explain to your kid that getting on a wild untamed horse is NOT a good idea.

OK, I have been a huge fan of the Black for a long time and was DISGUSTED after seeing this film. Let's name the problems...First this film has much of the same crew that the first two had. It has also been called the PREQUEL to the original Black Stallion. Why is it that they can't get Shetan's dam's name correct or her color?? In The Black Stallion Returns, we learn the Sagr was the Black's CHESTNUT mother and in this film she is a gray mare name Jenny?!?!?!?!? WTF? And it's set in Africa in 1946 and 1947...I could be wrong but the first one was set in the 1940's as well when the ship wrecks. Time line doesn't sound quite right to me. Also, as a goof, there is a friesian in the beginning of the movie that is supposed to be Shetan's father...upon further notice it appears to be a gelding. Ben Ishaak is the only character that remained to even make this film appear to be related to the previous two in any way. Might be a cute family film to some but it's my biggest movie disappointment of the year.