Release Date: March 5, 2004
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for adventure violence and some mild innuendo
Directed by: Joe Johnston
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Omar Sharif, Zuleikha Robinson, Louise Lombard, Said Taghmaoui, Adam Alexi-Malle, Peter Mensah, Malcolm McDowell

Plot:
Based on the true story of the greatest long-distance horse race ever run, “Hidalgo” is an epic action-adventure and one man’s journey of personal redemption. Held yearly for centuries, the Ocean of Fire — a 3,000 mile survival race across the Arabian Desert — was a challenge restricted to the finest Arabian horses ever bred, the purest and noblest lines, owned by the greatest royal families. In 1890, a wealthy Sheik invited an American and his horse to enter the race for the first time. Frank T. Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen) was a cowboy and dispatch rider for the US cavalry who had once been billed as the greatest rider the West had ever known. The Sheik (Omar Sharif) would put this claim to the test, pitting the American cowboy and his mustang, Hidalgo, against the world’s greatest Arabian horses and Bedouin riders—some of whom were determined to prevent the foreigner from finishing the race. For Frank, the Ocean of Fire becomes not only a matter of pride and honor, but a race for his very survival as he and his horse, Hidalgo, attempt the impossible.

Review:
After being involved in the very stunning and visually amazing trilogy that is Lord Of The Rings, actor Viggo Mortensen turns to play a character of a cowboy. The film is a true story set back in 1890. It combines adventure with a nice western feel to it. The principal of the film is a horse racing competition that runs a few thousand miles. The winner of the race of course will receive a grand prize.

A man cannot refuse an offer of that caliber and especially an American for that matter. Viggo's character Frank Hopkins doesn't let anything get in his way between himself, the race and his horse. He almost seems to abide by the cultures of the countries and actually seems to be superior towards them.

It's quite nice to be remembered of the different cultures around the world. In Hidalgo we see Indian women with hoods that cover the lower half of their face. If a man were to see a woman's face than he would receive a very harsh punishment. We also get a spice of the wealthy life when a few British men and women are on screen.

Viggo's character Frank Hopkins and his horse Hidalgo share a very strong love. With the passion he has and the charisma, he strives to crush the competition and walk away with a satisfying taste in his mouth. He has plenty of experience riding horses and it certainly shows in the film. A certain aspect that stands out in the film is the fact that it not only shows the race, but the different struggles to survive with hardly any accessories.

The film nonetheless is enjoyable, but its flaws are noticeable and annoying, but it doesn't affect the film as a whole I must say. There is plenty more the film gave us that the problems it did have was forgivable. If you are wondering exactly the flaws it did have, it had plenty to do with reality I suppose you can say.

There were flaws with the film being entirely realistic. For instance, a scene in the movie included a huge wave of what seemed to be sand heading towards the contenders of the race. A deadly wave that took height of around fifty feet by the looks of it. While I can't say for certain something in that nature could happen while traveling along deserts, the way it was shown on the screen was quite exaggerated.

It definitely is noticeable, but it doesn't ruin or change the experience the film delivers to the audience. Its almost as if the directors aimed for comedy with these certain situations. Speaking about that, this is a film that also has its moments of laughter. Although it is an adventure, it is an adventure with a bit of comedy believe or not. The films takes itself seriously, but their are instances of comic relief.

There is plenty of violence in Hidalgo and I'm surprised the Motion Picture Association Of America did not choose to give it an R rating. Although its not extremely violent, there are quite a few gunshots and knife stabs to the chest. Blood is not shown often, but you can clearly see the number of humans being killed.

Hidalgo is nothing spectacular, but the adventure in the film is exciting and plotted well. There is very good pacing and it keeps you entertained until the finish. Actor Viggo Mortensen deserves all the credit he can get for acting great in his role. Once the film comes to a conclusion, you can clearly see that it succeeded in entertainment.