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Hidalgo
2004 136 min United States of America, Morocco PG-13 18+
★6.5
Western, Adventure
Director: Joe Johnston
Trailers
Description
Set in 1890, this is the story of a Pony Express courier who travels to Arabia to compete with his horse, Hidalgo, in a dangerous race for a massive contest prize, in an adventure that sends the pair around the world...
Budget:
$100M
US Gross:
$67.3M
Worldwide:
$108.1M
Starring
Viggo Mortensen
Actor
Omar Sharif
Actor
Zuleikha Robinson
Actor
Awards
1 win & 2 nominations total
Key opinion
Hidalgo is widely regarded as a visually stunning and emotionally resonant adventure that effectively explores themes of cross-cultural connection and the bond between human and animal. While some viewers criticize the film for its implausible narrative and historical inaccuracies, most find its sweeping scale and performances to be a compelling throwback to classic heroic cinema.
| Cinematography | The desert landscapes are captured with exceptional visual grandeur, serving as a primary strength of the film. | |
| Emotion | The film succeeds in establishing a profound, brotherly connection between the protagonist and his mustang that serves as the story's emotional anchor. | |
| Acting | Viggo Mortensen's portrayal of Frank Hopkins is generally praised as a nuanced performance that carries the narrative, though a minority of critics find the characterization unremarkable or lacking a rugged 'cowboy' edge. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative's internal logic and historical grounding are polarized; supporters appreciate the adventurous spirit, while detractors find the plot implausible and occasionally pompous. | |
| Runtime | The extended runtime is a point of contention, with some viewers finding the deliberate, contemplative tempo rewarding while others feel it drags and requires trimming for better dynamism. |