jacksflicks Here is a child-and-horse story that goes beyond Hollywood clichés. It's idyllic and untamed, with an undertone of menace.The somewhat artless execution is redeemed by the sublime theme and photography. And the ending blew me away.Then, there's the wonderful acting of the principles. The boy is beautiful and earnest, his little family achingly sweet. Notice the little sister. At very young ages they tend to be undisciplined. But this tot is fully into her part, doubtless thanks to director Albert Lamorisse, who later directed his masterpiece, The Red Balloon. Of course the old grandpa is completely natural. The herders are less convincing as actors, though spectacular as horsemen.The poignancy of the story reminds me of The Little Prince (book), also by a Frenchman. The French are very good at childhood themes. See Forbidden Games, War of the Buttons, the 400 Blows, the aforesaid Red Balloon, and Zero for Conduct, the masterpiece by Jean Vigo, whose eponymous prize White Mane won, as well as Cannes.

Atreyu_II Albert Lamorisse is mostly known for his beloved classic 'The Red Balloon', but before that he made this 'White Mane', which is almost as good. Although 'White Mane' is not absolutely perfect, it certainly is and feels authentic. I could say this is a must for anyone who loves horses. It is, that I can't deny. But in my book one doesn't necessarily have to love horses to enjoy this. It's all a matter of liking this sort of films.This short film is about a wild stallion in a wild region of France and his friendship with a fearless and adventurous young boy. The film tells how they meet and how they develop their friendship. This boy becomes the only human really worthy of the stallion's trust.The beauty of the cinematography is one of the best things about this. What we see is pure and natural, a "wilder" France not often seen in movies (that is, as far as I know). The boy is wonderfully portrayed by Alain Emery. The boy and the stallion have a perfect chemistry.This should definitely be on Top 250.

lionel-libson-1 In the mid-fifties, Albert Lamorisse produced two beautiful, but strangely distant films, "The RedBalloon" and "White Mane". "Red Balloon" has been available and remained somewhat popular, while "White Mane" all but disappeared. Its re-emergence is welcome, as it offers intensely compelling black and white imagery, cinematography that is a cross between Ansel Adams and Atget, in its rich tones, dramatic light, and epic feel.Red Balloon, offers an interesting contrast. Paris is all muted earth tones and grays, with the balloons offering the only vivid colors. It is also interesting to remember that World War II was less than a decade earlier.Little Pascal, the director's son, is seen in both films, always appealing never "cute", but somehow distant. We don't really know him except as "the little boy".The two films are wonderful artifacts from a time when film was more art than marketing.

rstauber-1 I was almost seven years old. My paternal Nana took me to see this movie in the Chicago Loop in 1952. White Mane was a short film accompanying the latest version of Heidi which she wanted me to see on account of my Gramps being of Switzerdietsch extraction and all. Aside from a vague recollection of poor Heidi stashing hard-rolls up in her closet, I don't remember the movie in any detail. I guess it was pretty, ya, mit edelweiss and everything. White Mane, on the other hand, left a lasting impression on me as a kid: self-sacrifice for love of another being. The realization that the consequences of some actions could result in DEATH. A new concept of DEATH for a seven-year-old. Greed can result in death...and so forth. In short, the ending of the movie (SPOILER COMING NOW) where the kid rides his beloved White Mane into the Mediterranean to avoid capture by his pursuers (c.f., Masada, etc.) freaked me out. But in a good way, and with a lesson. Sort of like Invaders from Mars taught me to distrust the military and by extension the government, and The Night of the Hunter taught me to be wary of anyone calling himself "Preacher," and Lolita taught me to distrust anyone with two last names! And Psycho taught me never to bathe....I guess I'll have to watch White Mane again to see if I remembered any of it right.