The Horse Whisperer film review

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THE HORSE WHISPERER

When asked what the problem is with her daughter's uncontrollable stallion, Kristin Scott Thomas sadly doesn't reply: "Oh, he's just a little hoarse." This is because Robert Redford's adaptation of the Nicholas Evans international best-seller is consumed by emotional equestrianism and sweeping skylines, and has no time whatsoever for weak puns.

Out in Montana's open plains, Redford directs and stars as a no-nonsense cowboy whose knack for softly-spoken Dobbin lingo convinces wild horses to stop with the hind-legs rearing, galloping off into the distance malarky.

And despite his reluctance, go-getter New York mag editor Thomas ships out daughter (Scarlett Johansson) and crazy mount Pilgrim, both traumatised by a horrible head-on with a large truck. Whether Redford can work his magic on them is only half the story, the other half being whether the rugged, weathered beauty of Montana and, leading man Redford can help Thomas find her heart again.

Reliable hubbie Sam Neill plays the husband waiting patiently for Thomas at home while other supporting actors include Dianne Wiest and Chris Cooper. The film, although very sentimental, is a reasonably faithful adaptation leaving little doubt that Redford is very good at his craft.