THE PLOT THUS FAR
The mother of a severely traumatized daughter enlists the aid of a unique horse trainer to help the girl’s equally injured horse.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“The Horse Whisperer” is the story of Annie MacLean and her daughter Grace MacLean, who travel to Montana looking for the famous horse healer Tom Booker, in order to ask him to cure their horse Pilgrim. The problem is that on a cold winter day, Grace and her best friend Judith were riding their horses when a terrible accident happened: a truck hit them, instantly killing Judith, and tragically hurting Grace and Pilgrim. Both horribly injured, horse and rider are taken to the Horse Whisperer hoping to recover not only their health, but also the will to live.
The Horse Whisperer is an exquisite work, with multiple levels of relevance that are marvelously integrated into a seamless story. On one level, it is a celebration of man’s great capacity for and heritage of attunement to nature and the limitless beauty that he chooses to return to, having tired of the unsatisfying world that he had created in its place on his path of discovery. It is also a testimony to the process of healing, of how it is an opportunity to delve deep into the recesses of the traumatized soul, and how it can only be undertaken with a simultaneous caring for everyone involved in the circle of influence. It is also an examination of relationships, of the relationship between the parent and the child, between man and woman, between human and animal, and ultimately between body and soul.
The Blu-Ray comes with featurettes, music video and trailers. The 1080p transfer is amazing when compared to the DVD. This film has served as one of the opening Blu-Rays to get tested on the brand-new AndersonVision Theater. The DTS-HD 5.1 master audio is strong, but it never gets many chances to shine. Still, the film is Redford doing his thing without slipping into sanctimonious bullshit. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!
