Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (Widescreen) [Animated]

For a 15 year old guy, like me, I was very Satisfied to see that Dreamworks also thought of the Adults, with the story being strong, as it is, but also giving us the normal humor that we expect from a kids film.

From the Opening Scene to the Final Jump, Spirit is a film that Everyone should go out and see, because it will bring people closer together. For sure Spirit will be getting an Award for the Excellent work that each individual did on this movie. I can't wait to get this on DVD!


Wonderful and uplifting family film...   May 20, 2002
M. Acosta (Virginia, USA)
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

I went to see this film in sneak preview with my 8 year old cousin.

I thought that it was incredible! It's the story of a wild stallion who's captured, first by US soldiers, and then by a young Native American... All through out though, Spirit's heart is with his herd, running the hills of the untamed west!

Since the horses didn't speak in the film, except for narration by Matt Damon as the voice of Spirit, the horses facial expressions became central, so they had some really fun to watch "conversations". This movie had one of the most touching mother/son relationships since Bambi, in my book, even without a word spoken between them!

It's a movie about being you are, and about never accepting defeat, and about soaring on wings of eagles... We can all stand to have a little of that untamed majesty beating in our hearts every now and then, so go see it, and let your self be taken away!

Marie


Excellent movie.   June 17, 2002
26 out of 31 found this review helpful

First of all, I need to disagree with the Amazon reviewer's opinion of Bryan Adams, the "80's rocker," who contributed to the soundtrack. I feel Adams' voice added much to the film, having that rough, gritty sound that stuck in my head as part of the West.

That being out of the way, I was looking forward to seeing this movie ever since I saw the preview on Shrek. I am a 23 year old visual artist, and I adore good animation that doesn't come just from Disney. I loved the facial expressions used to convey emotion, and the fact that the sound editors used recordings from real horses, instead of using human voices, other than Matt Damon's voice, of course, but Spirit couldn't really talk.

There were a couple parts in the movie where I got a little twitchy... such as the part where Spirit is cruelly mistreated by the American army trying to settle the West. If you're a parent, I would definitely talk to your young child about the parts involving the cruelty.

About the soundtrack... I definitely think it fits the movie. The beautiful score has some ethereal strands to it, especially during the instrumentals... and you all know my feelings on how Bryan Adams' voice ties in with the movie. I will actually be purchasing it as soon as the soundtrack gets in my area.

This is a movie I would most certainly see repeatedly. The animation is incredible, the story is beautiful, and the music is unforgettable. I highly recommend it to anyone, of any age. Hope this review helped.


Spirit Will Lift Your Spirits!....   May 21, 2002
Cherie Sumner (Stanley, NC United States)
14 out of 16 found this review helpful

This movie was the best animated family movie I have ever seen! You will leave the theater uplifted and in love with the wild mustang - "Spirit who could not be broken". The music in the film is excellent and really fits in well with telling the story. The horses' expressions are done superbly, and they help you understand their emotions and thoughts, without the need for them to actually talk in human language. There's not a moment in the movie where you feel bored. There's plenty of action, and the scenery is gorgeous! You want to just step into the picture and be there too. There are several underlining themes of the movie including trust has to be earned not demanded, the importance of survival and not ever giving up, and the main theme of not forgetting who you are and the need to be yourself to flourish. You really admire the wild mustang's determination and stubborn will. He is a born leader, and a proven hero time and time again in the movie. I found myself really sympathetic for Spirit and his quest to return home to his herd of horses. He knew where his heart was, and he stayed determined that it was not going to be any other way, despite us two legged creatures' wishes! It teaches you to respect and appreciate the horses' natural wild nature. There is no bad language in the movie to shield your children from either. Spirit's courage can be understood by everyone. You will be touched by Spirit's love and tenderness for his new friend, Rain, a sassy paint horse. She teaches him to see things a different way. You will understand the connection between the wild horse and Little Creek, the Indian. They are linked by fate with the common instinct to survive and be free. At the end of the movie, you will be left happy with a sense of justice and that feeling that everything is the way it should be for a wild horse who loved his home and family. A truly unique and well thought movie. You won't regret seeing it. I recommend it to all!