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Running Free
By Randy White,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Cruel treatment of horses may upset some kids.
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Running Free
Community Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Delete the movie!!!
I love it
What's the Story?
Set in 1914, RUNNING FREE is the story of Lucky, a colt born on a German supply ship bound for Africa. Lucky isn't so fortunate when he's separated from his mom, but things look up for the little guy when he meets an orphan stable boy named Richard. But when World War I begins, Lucky must learn to fend for himself. Out in the wilds of Africa, the horse befriends an antelope and an African girl.
Is It Any Good?
Beautifully shot by Russian director Sergei Bodrov, the Namibian landscape of South Western Africa unfolds in all its splendor. A-five-year-old boy sat rapt throughout, staring in wide-eyed wonder at the African scenery and totally caught up in Lucky's many traumas. He gripped his seat and rocked back and forth as the horse faced certain death on numerous occasions.
The young viewer could not read and needed to have the subtitles whispered to him. For example, "twelve years later" is essential information if audience members are to figure out that young Richard has grown up and returned to the desert to find his horse. The same little fellow laughed out loud at the little bare bums of the African bush children. Older children and adults will be put off by the redundant narration, which steps all over the hard work of the director. The endless and often inane commentary, voiced without passion by Lukas Haas, detracts from splendid visuals that tell a lucid story on their own.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the history of Africa, and the role it played in World War I.
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 14, 2000
- On DVD or streaming: November 14, 2000
- Cast: Chase Moore , Jan Decleir , Lukas Haas
- Director: Sergei Bodrov
- Studio: Columbia Tristar
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Adventures , Horses and Farm Animals
- Run time: 82 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- MPAA explanation: all audiences
- Last updated: November 1, 2023
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