User reviews

Black Beauty is, (at least in my opinion,) one of the most underrated films of all time. It seems to be widely ignored, for the reason that it doesn't seem to be targeted at any specific age group or audience. For the people that pass it by because it seems boring, or another childrens book adaptation, try it, it really is a wonderful picture. Anyone who likes animals, period pieces, or stories of courage and love would especially like it. The costumes, carriages and scenery are beautiful. And the horses! This movie is a horsepersons dream. The scenes featuring the horses were breathtaking...colts racing over green grass, a filly and pony trotting together, their sinewy legs moving together in smooth rhythm, an elegant black stallion rearing up; they were all absolutely beautiful. My favorite scene was the scene in which Beauty is being broken -(being taught to carry a rider). The wonderful line - "But once I discovered that he and I, that the two of us could become one, this business turned out to be perfectly glorious!" - the music swells, and the horse takes off, racing across the green, and everything else turns to a blur. (I get goosebumps thinking about it!)Kudos to the voice of Black Beauty - I don't know who it is, but he really made the picture. (And the horse, too - he was wonderful, a gentleman.) All in all, a beautiful, moving picture that no family should be without a copy of.(Some parts are sad.) Seven out of ten stars.

Yet another film-adaptation of Anna Sewell's popular 1877 children's book opens with a elderly horse looking back on his tumultuous life--narrating the story himself (with a British accent no less!). What might have been a twee gimmick turns out to be a surprisingly canny stroke of genius, as the screenplay, although prosy, is smart and direct and Alan Cumming's gentle voice-over is very sympathetic. Director Caroline Thompson is sensitive as well, getting terrific "performances" from all the horses involved; her film is a bit heavy on the sad farewells, yet it has lots of heart and works on its audience through pure emotion. Thin at 88 minutes, but beautifully photographed and with a tasteful score by Danny Elfman, fine acting by the humans. A must-see for horse-lovers, the movie is genuinely touching without being too manipulative. **1/2 from ****

Whether you happen to be a serious horse-hugger, or not, 1994's "Black Beauty" (impressively directed by Caroline Thompson) is an emotionally-charged tale that I'm sure will tug on your heart-strings in a very special way.

Beautifully photographed by Alex Thomson, "Black Beauty's" story of trust and betrayal (which was based on Anna Sewell's novel of the same name) was set in England in the late-1800s.

As the viewer is soon to find out - Awaiting the magnificent, black stallion in this top-notch story are both good times and bad times - And, yes, as well, there are times for this fine steed that are sure to break your heart (if you have one).

Regardless of your age, I guarantee that "Black Beauty" will, most certainly, leave you moved by its first-rate story-telling.

This film is brilliantly made and enjoyable for anyone of any age.For horse lovers like me it is a wonderful film, I've seen it several times and even though I know the story well, it still never fails to move me to tears. Even my husband watched this film with me and the children and said that it was good and that he enjoyed it, so it can't be bad!! The music is incredibly moving as is the story and the acting is also very good. Their are several bits in the film that will amuse even young children and even my son who is not yet two enjoys watching Black Beauty running with his friends Ginger and Merry-legs.The bottom line is if you love animals at all, especially horses, then you will completely adore this film.

I'm not one for kid's films, but I do like my novel adaptations and particularly when they're of classic Victorian literature. BLACK BEAUTY is one such beast, an all-star-cast adaptation of the Anna Sewell novel. I haven't read the book but this wide-ranging and wide-reaching film seems to have the right touch of authenticity to it.

It's a heartfelt and moving story in which the horses of the era are mistreated and put upon by their human owners, although there's still time for a few joyous moments here and there. Elsewhere it's as downbeat and depressing as many a Catherine Cookson adaptation, although the presence of numerous familiar faces (like Sean Bean, David Thewlis, Peter Cook, Peter Davison, Jim Carter, Alun Armstrong and John McEnery) keep it more than watchable.

The film is well shot and the acting honours obviously go to the various horses who do commendable jobs. My only problem really is the Hollywood-ised decision to give the horse a twee and childish voice-over from actor Alan Cumming. As ever, this is entirely unnecessary and slightly mars what could have been a near-classic.

"Black Beauty" is a nice, bitter-sweet movie. It has a stunning soundtrack, OK acting, a nice story, gorgeous cinematography, and a few likable characters. There have been a lot of adapt ions, but this one shines above the rest because of it's faithfulness to the book.

It's main weaknesses lie in the story. It's kind of slight, and a little slow. It's not as absorbing as I would like, but it's still enjoyable. The other main weakness is the acting. The voice-over of Black Beauty stands out too much sometimes, but not enough to spoil the movie, and isn't all that bad. The other actors are only mediocre, and the characters they portray are sometimes stock characters.

Its main strengths lie in the artistic realm. The cinematography is so beautiful it causes your heart to beat faster. The score by Danny Elfman is simply outstanding; the strings are breathtaking. If you don't like that movie you will still love the score.

I would like to mention its family friendliness. There are one or two scenes that may frighten the youngest and most sensitive children, but there are no morality issues.

This movie may function for some as an animal-rights movie. The story was written with that in mind, when horses were treated very cruelly. However it doesn't raise animals above humans the way that movies like "Spirit: The Stallion of Camero" does.

So in summary, it's a good little movie, good for younger children, and maybe for a date movie. Overlooking some weaknesses, it's an enjoyable movie.

Exciting life of a horse named Black Beauty is here expanded to include the adventures of the humans who surround the horse . Set in 19th Century England , about the fates of horses, and the people who own and command them, are revealed as Black Beauty narrates the circle of his life and seen through its own carefree life . It deals with a horse's trials as it passes from an owner to owner , experiencing from benevolent guardianship to ignorant abuse . The unfortunate black stallion reminds his life through from his birth through his existence as a colt, and the many hardships , passing several owners both good and bad and suffering hardships after achieving maturity .

Handsome take off of the Anna Sewell family novel but sometimes fails to capture qualities that make Sewell's book a classic . The animals in this film were in no way harmed or mistreated , and all scenes in which they appeared were under strict supervision with utmost concern for their handling . Narrated quite energetically by the horse itself with voice of Alan Cummins , as the story is told of the horse's life and through its profound and wizened eyes . The impressive scenery , photography and music enhance the story of ¨Black Beauty¨ and its adventures , sufferings and adversities . The tale is treated in good sense and high sensibility ; environment , horses , landscapes combine to enhance the glories of nature , one of which, after all, is silence . Good cast full of fine British actors as David Thewlis as Jerry Barker , Jim Carter as John Manly , Peter Davison as Squire Gordon , Alun Armstrong as Reuben Smith , John McEnery as Mr. York , Eleanor Bron as Lady Wexmire , the notorious Sean Bean , Peter Cook's last film and James Cosmo acting was cut out of this film . Colorful and glamorous cinematography by Alex Thompson. Sensitive as well as emotive musical score by Danny Elffman who married the screenwriter and filmmaker Caroline Thompson . The music all plays with the soul , it is so delicately composed, performed, and chosen for the movie that it is worth seeing just to enjoy the soundtrack .

Other film based on this classic novel are the following : First silent version , 1921 , titled ¨Black Beauty ; first sound rendition of 1933 by Phil Rosen ; ¨Black Beauty¨ 1946 by Noel Nossek with Mona Freeman and Richard Denning ; ¨Courage of Black Beauty ¨ by Harold Schuster with Johnny Crawford ; ¨Black Beauty¨ 1971 by James Hill with Mark Lester , Walter Slezak, Maria Rohm and Peter Lee Lawrence and various TV movies and TV-series . This equine melodrama for grown-up adolescents and children will appeal to horses lovers ; resulting to be the best filmization of the classic story to date.

When it comes to live-action movie productions where an animal is the main focus of the story-line - "Black Beauty" is definitely a film that ranks right up there as being one of my all-time favorites.

Set in the olden days of England (during the Victorian Era) - "Black Beauty" is, of course, a horse's tale that has both its fair share of joyful moments as well as its sadly tragic episodes, too.

In order to help the viewer better understand the horse's perspective throughout "Black Beauty's" story, voice-over narration is used as a means to smoothly move the action along.

This motion picture was adapted for the silver screen from the Ann Sewell novel which she had written back in the year 1877.

This film is truly excellent. Not only does it feature superb location and music, but it is also an unforgettable story. You soon learn to look past the idea of "animals can't talk" and see how wonderful it really is, and you don't need to be young to enjoy. So powerful, it will bring you to tears.

I thought that the film Black Beauty was pretty good. When I voted though, I only gave it 7. This is because I have read the book many times(it is one of my favorites) and I just don't think that the movie does justice to it. So if you liked the movie I recommend that that you read the book!

Black Beauty is a visually beautiful but in the end disappointing movie. Based on the classic novel, it was fairly highly regarded by critics, but didn't prove itself at the box office. Black Beauty has no problems with visuals. Half of the movie is taken up with wide sweeping shots of the location and endless scenes of horses running. I realize that it's about horses, but watching them run around is not what I had in mind. This movie is saturated and oozing with running horses. I also understand that you can't really get inside a horse's head for a movie, but the voice-over is below average. The voice of Black Beauty is not distinctive and only expresses certain emotions, like fear or anger, which are only demonstrated by raising his voice and talking louder. It gets very old, very fast. The acting done by the humans in the movie is adequate, but they aren't given the chance to become full characters because we're herded through the horse's life at a rapid speed. The plot moves too quickly to be as lavish and rich as the scenery. It gives us no chance to feel for any of the characters, even Black Beauty. Maybe if we didn't have to watch the horses running laps in the English countryside for an hour, there would be time to develop both plot and character. A novel concept. A warning: there are violent scenes of animal cruelty which may be too strong for some young children. The birthing scene was too much for ME to handle, let alone some wide-eyed five-year-old clutching her My Little Pony.

Final Verdict:

The movie is, essentially, pretty horses running around pretty trees, and random spots of hurried plot. If you or your child is not REALLY into horses, I wouldn't bother with this one.

For the horse lover, Black Beauty is a tragic tale in which the sensual beauty of horses is artfully depicted. It will pull at your heart strings, make you smile from ear to ear, cry honestly, and desperately want to take a trip to the barn.

For the music lover, Black Beauty is an emotional ride in which the music all too well toys with the human soul. The music is so delicately composed, performed, and chosen for the movie that it is worth seeing just to enjoy the soundtrack.

For the critic, Black Beauty is an endearing story laden with green actors and a plot directed toward the youth. The green actors allow the film to be honest and emotional, however. And the youthful plot allow the earnestness and sensuality to create an even greater effect upon audiences of all ages.

For the average viewer, Black Beauty is a film worth watching. It is a film that will make an impression. It will not go down in the Hollywood hall of fame, nor will it be recollected by high and mighty of movie making. It will, however, stand the test of time as a film loved and cherished by the few who have seen and loved it.

The performances have a reverent authenticity in this screen adaptation of the classic Anna Sewell novel. There are other screen versions of this film ( possibly some of them yet to come), but this is the only one I have seen thus far, and I found it to be enlightening. While not completely faithful to the book ( possibly due to time and attention constraints), it does a respectable job of giving us the story from the horse's P.O.V., and I think it's probably easier for an animal to get inside of the head of a human than for a human to truly get inside of the mind of the animal--at least in life terms--but this is a very watchable movie. Some of you may want to have hankies and buckets at hand...it can be a tear-jerker at moments. I delayed watching the film because, sometimes, if it's told from the human perspective, it can get pretty mushy and sentimental...but this one is rather balanced, trying more to get the points and morals across than using sentiment as a weapon or a shield. I recommend it for the entire family.

Well, it's taken me many years to get around to seeing this film. I love animals, I enjoy animal stories, and there are many, many good actors in this cast.

I grew up on the book. It's a truly amazing story, and a wonderful look at both the animal cruelty of society in the Victorian era, but also at the growing social awareness of animal rights as well, and the very practical knowledge of people who genuinely know about animals - that an animal always provides its best when well treated, and thus mistreating animals is actually cutting off your own nose to spite your face.

In fairness to the film, this message does come across. And that's why I didn't give it 1/10. And, given the little material they have to work with, the actors do their best.

What mystifies me, however, are the amount of critics and fans who think this film is true to the original story. It captures the GIST of the original story, and concentrates on the theme of animal cruelty that the original story is all about - but that's all it does. It makes alterations to the original story that make no cinematic sense and - for me at least - made a wonderful story yet another formulaic irritation. As brilliant as the actors are in other films, they couldn't fix this story. I was never emotionally lost in the film, the way I was in the novel. I didn't care about the people or horses at all, and considering the story was originally designed to make people care, that's a brutal failure on the part of this film.

Sadly, it is the best Black Beauty adaptation that exists, but it's an appalling shadow of the original book. Read the book and love it, but this film does not do the story justice and makes some ludicrous deviations.

What a waste of well trained animals, beautiful scenery and good actors. The film is incredibly disappointing. I recommend Black Beauty lovers stick with the novel and avoid buying this film.

I'm just a toasted marshmallow when it comes to this story. I've read the book many times and CRY every time. This movie and the earlier productions of it have the same effect on me. Needless to say, the book is ultimately superior to any of the movie versions but this movie does do justice to the book.

A movie about life from the animal's point of view will conjure visions of 'Mr. Ed' or 'Francis, The Talking Mule' in a few unimaginative folks but this story really puts the idea of 'walking in another's shoes' in perspective.

The novel and the movies helped me develop respect and empathy for all creatures at a very early age. See this movie with someone you love. You won't be sorry.

I bought this from a discount DVD bin, thinking if it was wretched I could just give it away. But it's definitely a keeper! I have a 3-year-old daughter who adores horses, and I have always loved them myself; I hoped when I bought this film that it would have a lot of pretty horses and scenery for our enjoyment. I was definitely not disappointed. The horses are filmed artistically, and the setting is stunning. The acting's good also, and the script is, while not perfectly faithful, a decent adaptation of the novel, but the true stars of this movie are the horses. Beautiful animals, well-filmed.

My only irritation with this movie is that occasionally they relied a bit too much on unnatural expressions on the part of the horses -- tossing heads, rolling eyes, much nipping, etc. -- in order to show the horses' emotions. It doesn't bother the kids but it does make me cringe a bit. Not enough to make me fail to enjoy the movie whenever my daughter requests it. :)

Caroline Thompson directed this fine adaptation of the popular Anna Sewall novel set in England about a horse with a white star on its forehead named Black Beauty, which in this film narrates its own story(sounds silly but it does work) from his birth as a carefree colt to the many different owners it had(some good, some bad) from Farmer Grey(played by Sean Bean) to young groom Joe Green(played by Andrew Knott) Cabbie Jerry Barker(played by David Thewlis) and a kindly squire(played by "Doctor Who" actor Peter Davison) Beauty's journey takes him from idyllic country life to London's cobblestone streets. Charming and moving film is fine viewing for the whole family.

Black Beauty is true to Anna Sewell's wonderful book, and the beautiful scenery and music enhance the story of Black Beauty's adventures with his friends. We laughed and cried in the same places during the movie as we did when reading the book. Thank you to all responsible for creating this movie and making one of our favorite stories come to life before our eyes!

Black Beauty (Alan Cumming) recounts his turbulent life with various owners as he finally found peace in a pasture. He was born and cared for by Farmer Grey (Sean Bean). At age 3, he is sent to Birtwick Park. His mistress Lady Gordon is ill and gives him the name Black Beauty. He is treat well by stable master John Manly (Jim Carter) and his incompetent nephew Joe. He is taken with spirited mare Ginger and befriends the smart pony Merrylegs. After Lady Gordon's death, Beauty and Ginger are sold to the cruel, pompous Lady of Wexmire at Earlshall Park. They are painful-bounded to pull her carriage. Ginger struggles with the pain and bolts. This leaves Beauty damaged. The bad treatment continues until Lord Wexmire sells him to become a rent horse under even worst conditions. He is sold once more to London taxi driver Jerry Barker (David Thewlis). It's tough work but Jerry treats him well. He sees Ginger again but she's little more than skin and bones before her death. Jerry gets sick from a freezing night and can no longer work. Beauty is sold again and forced to spend the last of his energy hauling grain. Beauty has nothing left and is on the auction blocks again but this time, he is rescued by Joe.

The narration is weird. It gives the horse Black Beauty humanity but none of the other animals have their voices. It's feels like an old-time Disney movie gone amok. What does interest me is to treat this story almost like a slave who gets sold over and over again. The ups and downs of the various cruel and humane owners are intriguing. This ends up being a tear-jerker if you're an animal lover although it could annoy the hell out of you.

This movie was one of the movies offered for free during the summer vacation for kids here. I had seven kids with me. ALL OF US WERE BORED OUT OF OUR MINDS! I like the story of Black Beauty, but this was a major, MAJOR sleeper! I honestly don't know why I stayed for the entire movie!

The acting was bad. The story dragged on and on and on. The kids were behaving, which surprised me to no end, but a couple fell asleep. And yes, as kids will do, sometimes they whined and asked "Can we go home now?" This is boring!

I honestly would not recommend this movie to anyone I liked. However, if I were inclined to torture someone, I'd suggest they go see this movie, then laugh about it later.

There are so many things to love about Black Beauty. It is a truly beautiful, moving film, and do I think it is underrated? Yes I do and unjustly so. For one thing, Black Beauty is just amazing to look at. The cinematography was just tremendous throughout and the scenery was magnificent. The costumes were lovingly designed, and on the whole the period detail was flawless. Caroline Thompson's screenplay also deserves credit. The book is a timeless literary classic, and out of the numerous adaptations of the book, this is the truest. The screenplay itself is enough to evoke tears, Black Beauty's inner thoughts especially were so beautifully written. And she does a remarkable job directing as well. Danny Elfman is one of my favourite film composers, his score for Edward Scissorhands is still one of the most beautiful scores I have ever heard in a film. His score here is just as effective, it never affects the quiet composition of the film, as a matter of fact the tone of it is just right. The acting from Sean Bean, David Thewlis, Peter Cook and Eleanor Bron is all top notch, but the real star of the show is Black Beauty himself, though all the horses look superb. I also thought that Alan Cumming's voice for Black Beauty was perfect, very sensitive and melodious as it should be. The film is so beautiful and has a lot of poignant moments and an unexpected soft centre. If I had one minor quibble, and it is ever so minor, it is that the film is too short. Other than that beautiful; I remember sort of liking the 1971 film, but it didn't have the emotional impact that this adaptation did on me. 10/10 Bethany Cox