Top-notch history lesson in the form of delightful fiction
Added 8/21/2009
"King of the Wind" is a classic, the story of one Arabian stallion who was given to the King of France as a gift from the desert and ended up on the stud farm of an English breeder. An accidental breeding to the Englishman's mare triggers the beginning of the Thoroughbred breed and as a result, all of today's Thohroughbred race horses descend from this stallion or two other Arabians, the Byerly Turk and the Darley Arabian. A true story told in a fashion to capture the hearts of young readers and viewers.
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Family Picture
Added 11/28/2007
What makes this horse movie extra special is that it is based on a true story & one of the three arabian stallions that made such a profound influence on the thoroughbred-it changed the breed forever. This film also shows the special bond between a boy & his horse. People of all ages will love this movie. I hope it comes out on Disc some day soon.
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Slightly disappointing when compared to the book
Added 1/1/2005
This is the story of how The Godolphin Arabian, Sham, became one of the three foundation sires from which the Thoroughbred breed sprung. Set in the early 1700s, the cinematic adventure follows the colt's birth and early training in Arabia, his fateful friendship with a young groom called Agba (Navin Chowdhry), and his journey to France where he settles in the Royal Stables of King George II (Richard Harris) and Queen Caroline (Glenda Jackson), only to find misfortune and then rescue in England. Based on the book by Marguerite Henry, which was a childhood fave of mine. When I saw the movie, I didn't think it captured the spirit of the novel -- but taken on its own, it's a good horse tale.
Staci Layne Wilson
2 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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charming
Added 10/17/2004
Perhaps 4.5 stars. It was a real sweet story. After being sold to the French king, the horse and the boy go through a lot of misfortunes and were handed over from one owner to another. Half of the time in the hands of kind people, half of the time at the mercy of evil hands. The boy is extremely passive and good-natured, and accepts his fate as it unfolds. He doesn't seem to hold grudges against his tormentors, neither does he have strong emotions toward his losses. But he's not weak or coward, either. He has pretty good endurance toward hardships and knows how to move on.
No one really punishes his tormentors, nor does he seek revenge on anybody. The movie shows that there are good and evil in this world, and they come on our ways side by side, but that's what life is all about. In this day and generation, justice must be done and to leave the wicked go unpunished is very frustrating, perhaps, but I think this movie has a good message there.
The movie doesn't really get into the depth of the boy's struggles or the bond with the horse, and acting in general isn't that great (I was expecting it to be a tear-jerker, but it really wasn't). I think some things can be improved, but I sort of like the way it is, its low-key approach, because it's not as threatening or emotionally traumatic for younger children. Some characters die or get killed in the movie, but not like in the ways of dramatic, fancy killings of Hollywood movies. The story is well-told without becoming violent or too dramatic.
I will feel very comfortable showing it to my young nephew and niece.
3 out of 4 people found this helpful.
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King of the Wind
Added 11/25/2000
A most sensitive and moving film. The love the young boy has for his horse is especially touching. Great acting all around, especially by Jenny Agutter. This film is one that children of all ages will enjoy, and all adults should appreciate.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Top-notch history lesson in the form of delightful fiction
Added 8/21/2009
"King of the Wind" is a classic, the story of one Arabian stallion who was given to the King of France as a gift from the desert and ended up on the stud farm of an English breeder. An accidental breeding to the Englishman's mare triggers the beginning of the Thoroughbred breed and as a result, all of today's Thohroughbred race horses descend from this stallion or two other Arabians, the Byerly Turk and the Darley Arabian. A true story told in a fashion to capture the hearts of young readers and viewers.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Family Picture
Added 11/28/2007
What makes this horse movie extra special is that it is based on a true story & one of the three arabian stallions that made such a profound influence on the thoroughbred-it changed the breed forever. This film also shows the special bond between a boy & his horse. People of all ages will love this movie. I hope it comes out on Disc some day soon.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Slightly disappointing when compared to the book
Added 1/1/2005
This is the story of how The Godolphin Arabian, Sham, became one of the three foundation sires from which the Thoroughbred breed sprung. Set in the early 1700s, the cinematic adventure follows the colt's birth and early training in Arabia, his fateful friendship with a young groom called Agba (Navin Chowdhry), and his journey to France where he settles in the Royal Stables of King George II (Richard Harris) and Queen Caroline (Glenda Jackson), only to find misfortune and then rescue in England. Based on the book by Marguerite Henry, which was a childhood fave of mine. When I saw the movie, I didn't think it captured the spirit of the novel -- but taken on its own, it's a good horse tale.
Staci Layne Wilson
2 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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