Brief Summary: The story about a wild stallion that takes an adventure of a lifetime. After being captured by the Calvery, Spirit is taken to their camp where he discovers that horses are used to be ridden on. The Colonel becomes an instant enemy as he tries to break Spirit. But Spirit refused to obey as he is tied to the post for three days. Some members would bring in an Indian named Little Creek who was supposedly stealing food. The two would escape to the desert as Spirit finds Little Creek isn't alone-- the boy has brought his own mare named Rain. The journey continues as Spirit and Rain fall in love but get separated after a river mishap. A heartbroken Spirit is taken to a future train yard to help assist the people in building the railway. Spirit manages to trick them and make a run for it, just to be rescued by Little Creek once again. The Colonel manages to catch up to them, chasing them through a canyon where the once wild mustang flies.
The Cast:
-Matt Damon (Spirit)
-James Cromwell (The Colonal)
-Daniel Studi (Little Creek)
Visual Vision:
One thing about this motion picture that had critics applauding was the amazing visuals of the West. Being that I live in the West, the setting was very accurate and visually stunning. It included many of Southern Utah's red rock and Yellowstone's majesty. Dreamworks has defiantly out done themselves on this one in the visual point. It is realistic and imaginative. Just proves that they have what it takes to be absolutely amazing.
The Music:
I have to be honest with you, this movie's soundtrack is the one best of the best--next to Disney Movies. The album was done by classic rocker, Bryan Adams. This is one soundtrack I suggest you take a listen to.
My Review:
This movie is one of my most favorite of all-time and for good reason. It is visually stunning and a fantastic story. The fact that the story is told in Spirit's point of view made it even more well worth it. I love how it brought me home to Utah with the view of the arch. It also showed accuracy that most wouldn't see, including the settings and the animal's possible thoughts. Although, the people are the enemy, you still can't help but like them. Little Creek and Rain are proof of the human/animal relationship is to be cherished and enjoyed. This is a good feel movie with a sad scene but makes you feel inspired.
I rate this movie 5 out of 5 stars
Spotlights:
-The Intro
Know that stunning visuals I was talking about? Well, this is the most notable scene for it. The movie begins with you taking a ride with my country's bird, the bald eagle. You go through a gorgeous red canyon and hover above a river-- it is absolutely amazing. So take a ride with the bird of freedom and experience what the West has to offer.
-Introducing Spirit
This scene is what starts his story as Bryan Adam's Here I Am plays. Cute, right? No movie should be without the moment of cuteness. Anyways, we see how the colts play and how they interact with each other-- not to mention, Spirit broke off an icicle that was bigger than him.
-Welcome to Camp
When Spirit first arrived at the fort, he was met by the Colonel, who he hated from the start. He was then brought to Pete who attempted a few times to cut his mane and put horseshoes on-- after getting hit time after time again. Soon after, Spirit was saddled and ridden-- flying every solider off after another. It was a stressful day that made him end up tied at the pole where he met his complies, Little Creek. Quite a entertaining montage really.
-Rain
A beautiful mare with a very sensible side that likes to play. When Spirit first met her, he couldn't keep his eyes off of her. Sounds sort of like people, don't it? Although she had different thoughts about him, they still ended up together for the long run. Can you imagine what their colt is going to look like?
-Soring like an Eagle
The last five minutes is the chase through the canyon. As Spirit and Little Creek think they lost them, they run into a problem-- the gorge. It is about a ten-story drop and there is no way of getting across. That is why Spirit does the unthinkable-- he jumps. For a moment they sore, making this spotlight a massive part of the movie.
Fun Facts:
Horse Time
Real-life horses were recorded for the sounds of hooves, naying and the herd
(Source: IMDb)
What A View!
The settings in the film were based on real places in the Western United States. The canyon for example, is based on Bryce Canyon in Utah which is known for its hoodoos (rock pilars)
The Real Horse
Believe it or not but Spirit is actually a real horse. He can be seen in person at the Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary where he is an ambassador of the Kiger breed of mustang
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy this movie just as much as I do. It is a wonderful movie for all ages so get out there and watch! Also highly suggest the soundtrack :)
Happy Hunting.
