JLRMovieReviews Kelly Reno and father Hoyt Axton on a sinking ocean liner begins the story of "The Black Stallion." Young Kelly is washed up on shore of a deserted island along with a horse that was on board. A wild black stallion. Obviously, it takes some time, but the horse warms up to him and they are inseparable. They are found eventually and taken to America, where we see mother Teri Garr. It is discovered and discussed that the stallion is good enough to be a racehorse. Mickey Rooney is a retired jockey who teaches Kelly all the tricks in riding him. Do you see where this is going? This is a fairly simple and straight-forward story. Everything that happens you see coming. But this is more than just a movie about a horse and a race. This is a very beautiful film that is more about mood, the pace, the feelings experienced, the boy's love for the horse and maybe vice versa. Mickey Rooney, who was ideally suited for this, was Oscar-nominated for his performance but there wasn't enough footage of him to be that impressed. The images of the boy riding on the island and the peace and sense of freedom that the viewer feels transcends this otherwise predictable horse movie and makes this an exceptional and timeless experience. "The Black Stallion" is one of those rare films that, like a good book, you want to revisit time and time again. Experience it for yourself.

Ross622 This movie truly touched my heart when i first watched it because of the emotion throughout the entire movie. 4 time academy award nominee Mickey Rooney gives the very best performance of his career for his great supporting work in the film. Director Carol Ballard had the guts to make this family movie masterpiece come into a box office success. And also Teri Garr gives one of her best performances.The movie has great acting, photography, and it has great costume design. Also the black stallion has a touching plot to it. In my opinion this was a magnificent movie. The movie compares to such inspiring movies such as The Pride of the Yankees, Rocky, The Blind Side, Million Dollar Baby, Saving Private Ryan, The Pursuit of Happiness, and Remember the Titans. This is a true must see movie for all movie lovers and in my opinion The Black Stallion is one of the best movies ever made.

A_Different_Drummer Giving this film a "10" is a no brainer. If a film is the best in its class, if it verily redefines the class, it is by definition setting the bar that other films must beat. Clearly, prior to 1979 there were other "animal" films, all more or less following in the well-beaten paths set by the likes of Born Free, Lassie Come Home, or The Incredible Journey. (We will specifically and deliberately not mention Old Yeller, a production unleashed on unsuspecting children at a time when Disney was clearly off his meds.) All had one thing in common, they tend to focus EITHER on the furry stars OR the human stars, but never really both. And then out of nowhere comes this one-of-a-kind film (once again, in fairness to the producers of Black Stallion Returns, whose parents may or may not have ever married, we will not mention THAT film, EITHER.) This film is magical. The setup, like the film, is one of a kind. Allowing the horse and the boy to get to know each other on an iconic "desert island" is a wonderful trick -- it allows the audience to get to know them at the same time, without feeling self-conscious. This creates "connection" and, as I keep saying in these reviews, connection is the difference between a so-so film and a classic. The secondary roles are delightful as well. Rooney at the end of his career still powerful and memorable as a cranky old duffer. Teri Garr outside her "comedy" comfort zone is completely charming. As any good film should, the story just keeps dragging you in, the race, the prize, the undersized jockey, the conflict, the suspense, the resolution. I have seen a lot of films but this one is in my special collection, it can be watched over and over. Like the stars, it never gets old. Like the audience, it never wants to.

classicsoncall When I was about eight years old in the third grade of parochial school, our teacher walked the entire class down to the local library about a block away. It was my first time at the library, and the first time I ever took out a book. This was going to be an important decision and I took my time. The one that finally caught my eye was 'The Black Stallion' by Walter Farley. I loved that book so much I wound up taking out additional ones in the series - 'The Black Stallion's Blood Bay Colt' and 'The Island Stallion's Fury' are a couple I remember. The sequels didn't hold up for me like the original, which made enough of an impression that I still remember it some fifty years later.So it took fifty years more to see the movie; actually only a little over thirty since the film came out in 1979. If the picture doesn't exactly follow the novel, I can't say, but what I DO remember having read is beautifully translated to the screen under Francis Ford Coppola's direction. I watched the picture with my daughter and granddaughter, who sat transfixed to the screen. Not an easy feat for a two year old, but she made it through the entire story.The entire first half of the movie is presented with virtually no dialog. Once shipwrecked on the island, the film focuses on the bonding relationship between Alec (Kelly Reno) and the Black, wonderfully photographed amid ocean waves and stark desert shores. The breakthrough moment occurs when the Black accepts Alec as his rider and friend, and one can't help but feel inspired by the relationship forged between both.Interestingly, Mickey Rooney, who portrays trainer Henry Dailey, appeared in a similar role some thirty five years earlier in 1944's "National Velvet". Both pictures follow similar themes with their young heroes, who love horses and yearn for a chance to prove their abilities in a race of consequence. Although the outcomes are somewhat different, both stories provide the kind of pleasure and excitement that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Just ask a two year old.