gaps77 This film is fantastic, especially as it is based on a true story! The film is shot with modern special effects, but feels akin to the earlier Indiana Jones films of the 80s. As well as being full of action sequences it is also emotionally charged, not only for the struggle of our two heroes (Man & Horse), but also touching on the plight of the Native American Indian, Slavery and the Rights of Women in the Arabic World. A must for anyone's personal collection.

abi_sheldon After watching the 1918 Kentucky Derby, run in the rain on a muddy track with near to 20 horses, I needed more horse-racing and remembered Hidalgo, which I had seen and loved. I rented it, and started watching it, and then checked in with IMDB to get more background. To my amazement I had in the past only rated Hidalgo 7/10. As you can see, I now rate this a 10-star movie. I've also read many of the reviews posted here. I agree with those who give credit to Joe Johnston for putting together a truly fine movie--for bringing together a whopping good story with excellent cast, fine cinematography and editing, and a rhythm that makes Hidalgo easy for me to watch four times in a row--gallop, rest, passionate contenders, fierce obstacles, nasty villainess, lovely heroine, bugs! It is a real treat to see Omar Sharif and Viggo Mortensen work together--playing two strong personalities with a fundamental conflict that is less important than their shared interests. Two gentlemen, by golly--but passionate, witty, and very intelligent in conflict and reconciliation. I am tracking other cast members as well to see in other films they've made. Hidalgo is a movie-lover's movie.

Desertman84 Based on the legend of American distance rider Frank Hopkins and his horse Hidalgo,this film tries to recount how he raced against Arabia horses back in the 1890's.It stars Viggo Mortensen, Zuleikha Robinson, and Omar Sharif.This movie entitled "Hidalgo" is directed by Joe Johnston.The Ocean Of Fire is a three thousand mile survival race that is held across the Arabian desert and it restricts its participants to the finest horses found in Arabia that are owned by noble families. Then,a wealthy sheik invited an American,Frank Hopkins and his horse to enter the race for the first time.Billed as the greatest rider in the West back in the United States,Hopkins gets into a big challenge against the greatest Arabian horses who are just as determined to prevent a foreigner from winning.With another theme of having the main protagonist being the underdog and being up against the best of the world,we have another yet a clichéd and predictable film at Hidalgo particularly the conclusion when everyone knows who is going to win and how it is going to end.It also tries to relive Western movies when it was released but there is nothing groundbreaking nor refreshing in it except the excitement and entertainment that it can bring to viewers who love this particular types of films.What's even worth noticing is the fact that the story was definitely cheesy that people of today may no longer look for when going to the theaters.Overall,it is one clichéd movie from beginning to end.

marcshank-388-582372 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.