Based on the true story of the greatest long-distance horse race ever run. Frank T. Hopkins was a cowboy and dispatch rider for the US cavalry who had once been billed as the greatest rider the West had ever known. But despite all his victories and praise he cannot escape who he is and what he has seen. For Frank is half American Indian and half White and has been witness to the atrocities committed against his people while he tries to cope and live in the white man’s world. His horse is Hidalgo an American Mustang also of mixed breeding and one of the famed painted ponies. But their biggest task is about to come to hand when a race held yearly for centuries, called the Ocean of Fire, a 3,000 mile survival race across the Arabian Desert where the challenged are restricted to the finest Arabian horses ever bred, the purest and noblest lines, owned by the greatest royal families. But, in 1890, a wealthy Sheik invites Frank and his horse to enter the race for the first time defying tradition. The Sheik would put the claim that Frank is the best to the test, pitting the American cowboy and his mustang, Hidalgo, against the world’s greatest Arabian horses and Bedouin riders, some of whom were determined to prevent the foreigner from finishing the race. For Frank, the Ocean of Fire becomes not only a matter of pride and honor, but a race for his very survival as he and his horse, Hidalgo, attempt the impossible.

This is the kind of movie that is grander and more epic that you could ever imagine. And amazingly so it is based on a true story of the real Frank Hopkins when the west was still wild. The things that Frank and Hidalgo endure are the type of story that is perfect to completely entrance and entertain an audience because you cannot help but cheer them on after witnessing all their hardships. It also a very well done and understated movie about an underdog defying all odds to come out on top. Which is nice because it seems like to many underdog movies go overboard and come off as cheesy rather than this type of movie that has you rooting for Frank because of how understated it was. Viggo Mortensen is also growing as an actor and does a very good job of making you believe in him as a man who has lost home and is not sure how to find it again. Mortensen also seems to just have a level of nobility and screen presence in him that just shines onto the screen making him very believable in these types of parts. The movie might almost be considered a popcorn flick because of all the great action but it also has a heart and very good drama. It’s the kind of movie that used to be where you can tell a story with lots of action but without going overboard with endless scenes of destruction and things blowing up. The movie is very well written, acted and performed and makes for a very enjoyable and entertaining afternoon.
4 stars out of 5