Director:
Joe Johnston

Category: Action Adventure

Cast:
Viggo Mortensen
Omar Sharif
Zuleikha Robinson
Adoni Maropis

Official URL:

http://www.hidalgo.movies.com

Country: USA
Rating: PG-13
Studio Name: Touchstone Pictures
Running Time: 1 hr 42 mins
Release Date: March 5, 2004

Critics's Rating:
(3 Reels) 

March 5, 2004

By Veronica Mixon

HIDALGO is an exciting action adventure about legendary Frank T. Hopkins and his beloved mustang, Hidalgo is a remarkable visual spectacle. Hopkins played by Viggo Mortensen, best known from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, is a washed up cowboy performing in circus act when he's invited to become the first American to enter the Ocean of Fire, a grueling 3,000-mile race across the Arabian Desert by the reining champion Sheikh Riyadh (Omar Sharif). His epic adventure exploring the clash of cultures and competition also proves to be an important personal journey of self-discovery.

Across the Atlantic, Hopkins discovers that his competitors includes Prince Bin al Reeh (Said Taghmaoui) who rides the Sheikh’s horse, Lady Anne Davenport (Louise Lombard) and Sakr (Adoni Maropis), who both seek access to the Sheikh’s Arabian bloodlines. He also meets the Sheikh Riyadh’s spunky daughter, Jazira (Zuleikha Robinson), who constantly lands them both in trouble. During the race, Hopkins endures a horrific sandstorm, murderous bandits, hungry leopards and lethal competitors as he and Hidalgo journey across a hot, dry dessert to the finish line.

“Hidalgo” is a colorful, historical tale with many delights. The racing action is first-rate and there are a number of Arabian swashbuckling fight scenes as Hopkins and Sheikh Riyadh face dangerous men who want to shift the balance of power. Veteran actor, Omar Sharif is wonderful as the wise, crafty Sheikh. Louise Lombard is daring and beautiful as the independent English Lady with a strong taste for exotic horses and men and Zuleikha Robinson as an Arab princess is equally exquisite. It’s also funny to note that Jazira has far less power or freedom in her land than Lady Anne.

And, of course, Viggo Mortensen is perfect as the uncompromising wild-west hero. His gentle voice and cragy good looks will delight the ladies and inspire admiration from the men. As Hopkins, he’s guarding a secret about his identity that makes him incredibly vulnerable and humane as he races through a land where bloodlines and status are so important.

“Hidalgo” is a thrilling adventure that will leave you breathless!

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