Customer Reviews

Black Beauty

5 star:		(72)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Unlike other adaptations of Anna Sewall's classic, this film version respects the intentions and the words of the book. We read the novel aloud with my 6 year old daughter and got this DVD as a treat for her to watch. We were not dissapointed. For one thing, Black Beauty himself narrates the film in a voice over (there's no corny talking animals), just as the novel is written in the first person from the p.o.v. of the horse. The film also does a nice job of retaining the message of the novel about treating animals fairly.

As others have mentioned, the score is lovely and the cinematography is beautiful. There are lots of little animals to see and pretty landscapes, etc.

Highly recomended, a very nice family film.

Considered to be the truest filmed version of Anna Sewell's timeless book,1994's Black Beauty follows the unstable life of an intelligent ebony stallion (played by Doc's Keepin Time) in Victorian England. As he does in the novel, Beauty narrates the tale (he's voiced by Alan Cumming) from his idyllic birth, through the tragic events that led to him having to be sold, and how his happiness was completely at the mercy of those who held his reins. Masters both kind and cruel shape the horse's rather Dickensian life, as do his closest equine companions: A mare called Duchess and a self-willed pony named Merrylegs. Very nicely filmed and well-acted.

Staci Layne Wilson

A simply perfect story told with exquisite compassion
and artistry.

This version of BLACK BEAUTY should be considered the
unsurpassable classic of its genre - as well as one of the
truly memorable films of the '90s - if only for these few
reasons:
Danny Elfman's soulful score.
Alex Thomson's gorgeous cinematography.
A perfectly balanced ensemble of actors, all of whom
add great heart to the story.
All-around production design of wonderful taste and period
versimilitude.

Most of all, director Caroline Thompson's obvious love
and dedication. She has made of this simple story of the
life of a horse a movie that puts to shame all but a slim
few involving people about whom we are expected to care
and empathize with.

This interpretation of Black Beauty is touching and...beautiful.

I rented this thinking that my son might enjoy it, and that I might possibly be able to stand to sit through most of it.

What a surprise! This really is one of the more beautiful films I've ever seen, and I'm quite demanding. I think it's safe to say that this film is the ultimate "sleeper;" I didn't even know it existed until I saw it on the video store "Family DVD" shelf.

It's possible that it might be almost a little too true to the novel for very young children; but my 4 year old son and I had some very nice conversations about it during and after the film, and he never seemed to be overly disturbed.

It is true to the novel, which alone would recommend it; but it also has a stunning visual presence all its own. The director's vision is really quite profound, and it contains what is perhaps the most perfect footage of frolicking, running horses ever made.

This film certainly tapped some deep wells of feeling within me; if you love animals in general and horses in particular, I can confidently promise that you won't be disappointed.

I don't know how anyone can think of this movie as anything but great. It has triumphs, sadness, and yet is filled with hope. It is one of my favorite horse movies, one of my favorite movies actually. Anyone can watch it. 4 year olds to age 82. I don't think it is a childish movie, since it is so touching. Anyone that doesn't enjoy the movie, obviously doesn't have a great passion for horses. Any horse person, that is just in love with these magnificent creatures, will love this movie too. I can gauruntee it. Also, since the horse does go through many physical and emotional struggles I cannot see how some may think this is just the perfect horse never doing anything wrong. All I have to say to people with this attitude is watch the movie again. It is a wonderful, warm, and inspiring movie, that touches the heart of everyone that sees it.

This version of the classic is definitely the one to purchase. The cinematography is outstanding, the performances are just right and the story is compelling. My children (7 and 4) were glued to the film the entire way thru. It's exciting, engaging and even made me cry. If you have a horse lover in your house, I can't think of a better film. Actually, if you have a love of great film-making, you should own this film, horse lover or not.

Wow have you seen the movie `Black Beauty". It was one of the best movies I've seen so far. It made me feel different things. It made me laugh and cry. I think it was a wonderful movie. If you see this movie you'll see what I mean. It was about this horse named Black Beauty. He was a very happy horse until His owner's house got burned. Then he got sold to this other man that did not take good care of him. Black Beauty never got fed and he always got hit. Since that day he was a very unhappy horse. The best part of this movie was When Black Beauty fell in love with a horse named Ginger. He was no longer the same horse. He was a happy horse. One thing that I didn't tell you was that Black Beauty's happiness didn't last for long because after few days Ginger died because she got hit to many times. Once again Black Beauty was the same old horse that he was before he met Ginger. I think that movie was very good because it had a happy ending. At the end of the movie I cried because Black Beauty was once again with his first owners whose house got burned. If you see this movie I'm sure that your going to enjoy it.

This movie really is a beauty.
The only dissapointment is, that there are no special features.
From start to finish, everything about this gem of a film, is beautiful.
Set in circa 1890 England, during the Edwardian period, the entire film is narrated by the title character, 'Black Beauty'. From the time of his birth til his retirement, it shows how he changes owners and makes and loses friends. Although none of the animals talk during the film, only 'Beauty' tells in narration about his life. The sets, costumes and characters are all very nicely portrayed.
Nothing bad to say about this film.
***** Five Stars! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

This version of Black Beauty, is the best. The narration works very well. There will not be a dry eye in the house, I can tell you.

Great story! Heart-warming for young horse lovers. The book is also very entertaining. And I know your little children will be delighted with charming Merrylegs, the pony. Recommended!
-Megan