The Horse Whisperer (DVD, 1998, Widescreen)

This movie is about a young thirteen year old's tragic accident involving her horse, the loss of her best friend, and the healing and regrowth of her and her horse, with the help of a wizened cowboy. "Wizened cowboy" is putting Robert Redford's character, Tom, way too simply, as he is a complex character who is educated, worldly, and simple at the same time. From the time that the girl's mother speaks with "Tom" on the phone, you witness the clash of two cultures - big city and country life. That side-theme is played on throughout the movie, and can be both funny to the country person, and probably flustering to the city person who doesn't understand country ways. The personal growth of both the child and the horse is achieved well, under the guiding eye of Redford's character, and the effect splashes over onto the mother. Of course there HAS to be a little bit of romance in a Redford movie, but the makers don't get carried away in that story line.
If you like horses and Redford together, this is a great movie to see. This movie is one that we don't get tired of seeing - one of those where you catch another nuance every time you see it. I have to admit though that my reasons for buying it were purely selfish, in that I have been to Montana and the Dakotas many times (I am in Indiana) and grew up in very similar mountains - so for me, the scenery is every bit as important as the story line. The classical music script for this movie adds richness and depth, and fits the storyline and the scenery fantastically.

I think this is one of Robert Redford's best movies. It ranks up there with The Natural and Jeremiah Johnson. The film has a wonderful main story line. One of the subplots, and there are several woven skillfully throughout the movie, is whether Annie, played by Kristen Scott Thomas, will leave her lukewarm marriage to stay with Tom, Redford's character. It kind of allows the viewer to ponder all the ramifications of such a life-changing move. Is it worth hurting the people you love most to indulge in a short-term infatuation? Tom not only has a way with horses, but people as well. The way he deals with the hurts and fears of Scarlett Johansson's character made me want to find someone to mentor myself. Great casting. Great scenery. Great performances by all. I very highly recommend The Horse Whisperer.

I had watched this with my late husband when it was released on TV. Since then, I have seen it EVERY TIME it has been on! AND...will continue to EVERY TIME!

A close friend has only DVD ...TV (area has no cable, local is LIMITED to at best, 2 channels or you HAVE to HAVE either Direct or Dish TV...TOTALLY different than I was used to ALL MY LIFE- until 5yrs ago!) So, for a gift, I bought DVDs. I was THRILLED to see THIS on EBAY!

This is by far one of the best films I have ever seen! No doubt!... HAS TO BE SHOWN MORE & become a true "classic"!!! One of those that families will watch & save & watch over & over! I have MANY that are on the top of my list- this is one I added! One of those you can't depict but a single word. Here are some words that may describe the film-

AWESOME- UPLIFTING- EMPOWERING- MOVING- BEAUTIFUL- TOUCHING- ENLIGHTENING- REAL- AMAZING- HEARTFELT- INSPIRING... and... SO MUCH MORE!!!

I don't think I've EVER seen a "Redford" film I didn't totally love! This is ANOTHER that SHOULD HAVE blown all the "others" away! UNFORTUANTELY, people take kids to...well, "others"! "IF" they would take them to movies like "THIS"!!!... I TRULY BELIEVE we would have a better world!

Kodos- THANK-YOU! Robert Redford for: GIVING- SO MUCH - TO SO MANY!!!

HOPEFULLY, this "review" (of sorts) will matter. I Want ALL networks to pick up this film! I know myself, I have told SO MANY about it!

I bought this movie because it involved a horse and a little girl. My daughter shares this love of horses like the little girl in the movie. It was a heart warming story about a tragic accident she experiences with her horse and the struggle they both go through together to find peace. It is during this time that her Mother finds her priority in life; family. The movie is set with beautiful scenery, great actors and good story line. I recommend it as a value in the entertainment industry.

This film can be looked at on different levels. One may see metaphors, and more than a story about romance and a child. I see the horse as a man of faith in God who is in rebellion by not submitting to His authority. It is the authority to which man must submit and is demonstrated in the character of Robert Redford who in the final scene of breaking the horse shows in his performance all the love, the firmness and tenacity that a loving God would have in bringing those He loves back to a sound realtionship. The final scence with the horse displays his final submission to authority as God would bring in the discipline needed for submission and to produce healing, growth and maturity. A believer in Christ would find this movie captivating.