Customer Reviews

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken

5 star:		(118)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(15)

 

 

Based on a true story, this film is not only entertaining, but as inspirational as they come; a paean to the indomitability of the human spirit in the face of the kind of adversity that would make most of us simply roll over and quit. It's the story of the kind of challenges life can throw at anyone at random, and then follow up with yet another curve that seemingly takes it beyond the limits of human endurance. It's a film that should be required viewing for anyone who has ever cried out that the world owes them a living, because the message of "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken," directed by Steve Miner, is that "Life" isn't fair, but when the worst happens you have to pick yourself up by the bootstraps and get on with it; nobody's going to do it for you. It has something to do with a little thing called "pride," and everything to do with the courage and tenacity it takes for someone to at least try to stand up when even the very hand of Fate seems bent on keeping them down. There's a very definite lesson to be learned from this story; a lesson of which many living in the world today would be well advised to take note.

In 1932, the Great Depression is on, but times are even more trying for teenager Sonora Webster (Gabrielle Anwar), who after losing her parents is taken in by her aunt, only to be told that because of financial difficulties besetting her own family, Sonora must be given over to the state. Undaunted, the head-strong Sonora, even at such a tender age takes it upon herself to set the course of her own life. She packs a bag and runs off to answer an ad placed in the newspaper by a certain Doctor Carver (Cliff Robertson), a showman looking for able young ladies to train as "diving girls" for his show.

As part of a traveling circus, Doctor Carver currently has only one diving girl, Marie (Kathleen York); the act entails diving a horse off a forty foot tower into a pool of water. Carver is skeptical that the young Sonora can do it, but she is adamant and refuses to leave until he gives her a chance. And so he does; Carver hires her, but as a stable hand. What he doesn't know is that he's just hired a girl who refuses to give up on something once she's set her mind to it, and when Sonora takes the job, it puts a hay fork in her hand, but her determined eye is on a horse, as well as that forty foot tower looming above that pool of water, beckoning to her, even as a dream borne on the wings of desire. And in her heart, Sonora knows that it won't be long before she's up there, herself. Up on the top of the world.

Working from a screenplay by Matt Williams and Oley Sassone, Miner delivers a poignant film that works at the heart strings, but at the same time circumvents any undo sentimentality. In light of the tragedy that befalls Sonora, this film could easily have played on sympathy and portrayed her as a victim of happenstance. But to be known as a victim would have been the last thing in the world the real Sonora Webster would have wanted; indeed, she took the lemons life handed her and made the proverbial lemonade, refusing to be a "victim" in any sense of the word. And that is the Sonora that Miner presents here, as he emphasizes the positive aspects of her life and what she accomplished, rather than dwelling upon the negative. It's a story of pluck and determination, the message of which is delivered in a straightforward manner by Miner, without resorting to any superfluous action or melodrama to sell it. This is a story that the filmmakers were wise enough to recognize would stand on it's own, without any attempt at dramatic enhancement. They have taken some license as far as certain dates and specific lengths of time involved, and certain elements are compacted in order to move the story along; but the important thing is, the essential elements of Sonora's life and her incredible achievements are portrayed accurately.

Young Gabrielle Anwar gives a performance in which she perfectly captures Sonora's spirit and the stubbornness that refused to allow her to give in to any and all of the obstacles life put in her path. Through Anwar's portrayal, we see a girl who overcomes the most heartbreaking situations by always looking forward; a true individual who always sees the glass as half full rather than half empty, and it's Anwar who makes that vital connection with the audience happen. It's a solid performance, worthy of the character she so ably brings to the screen.

Cliff Robertson gives a memorable performance, as well, as Doctor Carver. He affects an outwardly ostentatious look and attitude that marks him as a true showman-- he looks like Buffalo Bill in full regalia-- but he indicates an individual of some complexity residing beneath it all. And there is a reserve to his performance that contradicts his appearance and effectively points up that intricacy of his nature. Most importantly, Robertson is convincing, and it makes the flamboyant Doctor Carver very real.

The one weakness of the film is in the performance of Michael Schoeffling as Al, Doctor Carver's son. He has the chiseled features of a GQ model, and though his portrayal is passable, it lacks the depth that would've made it a bit more believable. He comes across as something of a "wooden" Matt Dillon, and while his performance does not necessarily detract from the film, neither does it add anything. It's a minor consideration, though, that "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken" manages to transcend quite effectively. In the end, this film is a thoroughly satisfying and emotional experience.

A great movie for horse-lovers of all ages. The main character, Sonora endures a number of life changing events that to the average person may seem exceptionally dramatic and difficult to overcome. Her strong will to have her dream even when it seemed impossible shows a great example to us all! Vic- tory only comes to those of us who are always willing to try one more time. Overall this video shows us good moral examples. There is no sex or violence to speak of. This is also a true story. It shows our children to have dreams and go after them. Have integrity, faith, hope, love through the bad times as well as the good. Above all, if you want something out of life be willing to work hard for it. Don't let someone else steal your dream!

Call me sentimental. Call me a pushover for kids and animals but this is a great movie I just happened to stumble on.

Parents: Run don't walk and buy this for the family. Disney did it again. Heartwarming tale of an orphan girl makes good. She makes good in the public eye but also, and the important lesson from the story, makes good overcoming terrible odds.

I am surprised there have not been hundreds of reviews of this movie. Absorbing for adults and children. Good lessons to be learned. An hour and a half well spent.

Buy it!

I have loved this movie ever since the first time I saw it around 10 years ago. The acting is really good, and plus it takes place in the 20s/30s! The music is great and the story is the best. I would love to read the book(A Girl and Five Brave Horses) but it's almost non-existent. So I have two wishes: 1.)PLEASE re-print the book and re-sell it. There are many many people out there who want to at least read the book if not buy it and they can't because like I said it's almost non-existent. And 2.)PLEASE bring the movie out on DVD and for special features have some biography video on the real Sonora Webster Carver!

An great video for horse-lovers of all ages. Gabrielle Anwar's
character, Sonora endures a number of life changing events that to the average person may seem exceptionally dramatic and difficult to overcome. Her strong will to have her dream even when it seemed impossible shows a great example to us all! Vic tory only comes to those of us who are always willing to try one more time. Overall this video shows us good moral examples. There is no sex or violence to speak of. This is also a true story. It shows our children to have dreams and to go after them. Have integrity, faith, hope, love through the bad times as well as the good. Above all, if you want something out of life be willing to work hard for it. Don't let someone else steal your dreams. I firmly believe we can be or do exactly as we dream. God almighty gives us the freedom to create our own destiny by the building of our own character dispite others opinions. It's a darn good movie, even after 6 times! What more can I say? Buy it!!!

Currently available in the UK on DVD in widescreen and basic Dolby 2.0 Surround with no special features, it is due for release in January 2006. Note that despite not being THX mastered, the picture quality is excellent.

First off, I found my UK packaging to be pretty unclear. It mentions that this film is about a diver and pictures indicate that this is a movie about swimming. It isn't.

This film is about a horse diver in a circus act- a person leaps onto a horse and they both dive together off of a diving board into a pool. It was released in 1991 by Walt Disney Pictures and stars the beautiful Gabrielle Anwar and Michael Schoeffling (from "Mermaids"), and is directed by Steve Miner who would go on help produce and direct "Dawson's Creek". Based on a true story, it tells of a very determined orphan girl named Sonora who strives to be a horse diver. Along the way, she is on the brink of stardom, until an accident challenges everything she has been working for.

I generally liked this movie. There's no particular human antagonist- the antagonists here are the depression, and life and death itself. Still, it holds your attention.

For my generation, I found the best of Disney's live action movies to be in the 1990s- eg. the Mighty Ducks trilogy, Hocus Pocus, The Three Musketeers, The Jungle Book, Iron Will- the list goes on. Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken got by me, and I have to be honest I probably wouldn't have missed it, but it does a pretty good job. I could give it 3 stars but let's be generous and give it 4 stars.

I saw "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken" years ago with my stepdaughter and loved it. Now I have my own daughter and she is into horses & I remembered this movie. We rented it & I still love this movie! It's an inspiring story. Excellent family movie!

I first saw this movie with two of my girlfriends when we were young girls, it capured all of our hearts and we watched it over and over. Years later I'm flipping through the channels and see it on, I turn to it for old times sake and fell back in love with it all over again. It's one of those movies I can watch over and over and still one more time. The characters are great and the actors playing them do such a great job. It shows that determination does pay off no matter what. The moral of the movie is great, and I would recommend that any parent buy this movie for their children, they'll love it themselves as well.

Every once in awhile a story comes along that is so heartfelt, so touching, that it reaches a chord deep inside us. Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken is one of those stories.

Based on real life, it follows the tale of an orphan girl named Sonora Webster. After Sonora's parents die of "the fever" and her aunt leaves her at the mercy of the local orphanage, Sonora runs away with plans to become one of Dr. Carver's diving girls, a journey that takes her on an exciting adventure.

Sonora is given the opportunity to prove she can be a diving girl; when she falls from her horse and gets a bloody nose, (while attempting to pull herself on) she answers in response to a gruff, "you gonna cry, you gonna cry?" "I never cry." she says, with a determined look in her eye.

You'll laugh and you'll cry, right along with Sonora: I can watch this film over and over again, it continually inspires me to follow my dreams and never give up! From the first time that I saw this movie as a girl of 13, and even until today, I still tear up as Sonora defies impossible odds to fulfill her dreams. "If you want something bad enough, anything is possible."

I first saw this movie 10 years ago in 5th grade and I just got it on DVD. "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken" is truly a feel-good drama, but not without its sad parts. The performances are excellent, with Gabrielle Anwar playing all the innocence and maturation of Sonora Webster in the film perfectly. I love this movie, and not just because of the nostalgia and the horses. This film makes you feel for the characters, because of the well-written script and the strength of the performances. My only complaint is not even about the movie itself. The film is only available in the US in full screen format, so it's not the "theater" version. But this movie is still worth to buy. You'll be so engrossed in the story you won't even notice the difference.