Black Beauty [DVD] [1994]

Bit of a tear jerker but fantastic film

This movie perfectly captures the essence of the book and is probably the most faithful adaptation so far. Beautiful visuals, good pacing, and a the heartfelt story of a beautiful black horse who is passed through circumstance and choice from home to home, and experiences both the best and worst of human nature. Personally I love this film and the message it conveys, however, although Black Beauty is often seen as a story for children the author originally intended for it to be read by adults as a plea for people be more compassionate and thoughtful in how they treated their horses, and it did lead to a reform of animal welfare laws at the time including as mentioned in other reviews the abolishment of the bearing rein. As such this is a touching and thought provoking film, but due to its nature in addressing the issues of the cruelty and neglect some horses suffer at the hands of uncaring owners, it is also very sad and harrowing in some parts and younger or more sensitive children may be upset by it. Even I found it sad in places, but I agree with the reviewer Anne, the messages of compassion and consideration of others, human or animal, are important ones, and this film conveys them very well. Also the film really isn't as "depressing" as a lot of people are making out..... there is actually a good deal of gentle humour mixed in to balance out the sad. I'd personally recommend this film highly for any fan of the book, adult or not, but for younger children perhaps rent the film and watch it alone first, that way you can see and judge for yourself before showing the film to them (and easily return it if you feel its not suitable).

This film is one of the best I have seen and I've watched hundreds. I don't have a problem at all with the narration of the horse's thoughts. One thing that the 20th century did teach us was that many animals whom many humans had assumed to be somewhat stupid, were in fact highly intelligent (and possibly more so than some humans). Pigs, crows, chickens, dogs, etc are just a few examples. Thus, "dumb" does not in any way describe the highly intelligent and sensitive animal which is the horse, other than to point out that it can't speak "human". Not to say that it can't communicate with humans, but then you have to know your particular horse intimately. Difficult in a relatively short movie. The narration cleverly and, in my opinion, very effectively, bridges this gap. Do horses know that they are about to be sold? Perhaps not, but they almost certainly are able to sense when something is amiss, and that's enough to build a story on. And what a great story it is, as we follow this beautiful animal's passage through life, with its ups and downs, loves and hates, terrors and joys. And even sly humour in places. Throughout, the photography is stunning, with charming shots of the English countryside, and amazing sequences of the horses playing and frolicking together. No sex, of course, which is only proper. Stupendous!

This is a beautiful version of Black Beauty but overall quite a sad movie so have your tissues ready! It advertises Sean bean but he has actually only a very short role in the beginning; not a movie for Sean Bean fans, lol!

I purchased this for my young Grand-daughter as she is 'Horse mad' and I wanted her to see this timeless classic film, which I might add that I bought a copy for her to read also. She was totally engrossed in the film from beginning to its end and loved it, encouraging her to want to read the story.

I love this movie and wouldn't be without it. In my view, it's suitable for all ages, whether you're a horse lover or not. It can be sad at times, so have some tissues ready, but there are happy chapters and it does have a happy ending. Over the years I have watched it over a number of times. If you're interested in the horse that played Black Beauty, then google "Docs Keepin Time". He lived for 26 years and in reality probably had a pretty good life as a horse actor. He also featured in a move called "The Black Stallion", which I would also recommend.

Lovely film, tells the truth about how horses were treated and how laws were changed.... My month old grandson loves this film as he always even as a baby would turn to look at the Black horse on the telly advert for LLoyds bank.

I had ordered Black Beauty for a friend of mines grandchildren as a present. They love horses. I was surprised that 3 other animal films were included. I would have preferred just the one I'd ordered. Hence a 3 star !