Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Emotional horse tale based on a true story has some peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Centurion: The Dancing Stallion
What's the Story?
In CENTURION: THE DANCING STALLION, a young woman named Ellissia Hall (Amber Midthunder) adopts a white stallion to train in the art of Mexican horse dancing. Ellissia qualifies to compete in a large celebrated equestrian event, and she wants her new horse for the job. As she and Centurion begin training, Ellissia becomes severely ill, and she learns that she'll be unable to compete. A new ranch hand named Danny (Aramis Knight), who has lost his family, steps in to train Centurion and finds a new family in the process. This moving story shows how faith and family can help people pull through the toughest of times.
Is It Any Good?
Centurion: The Dancing Stallion is beautiful not only in its story but also in its imagery. We see the striking horses dancing to Mexican melodies, the colorful culture, and the heartbreaking effect a critical illness can have on a family. Though the movie is named for the horse, the other characters take the reins and tug at your heartstrings. The story encapsulates the struggles of working through a critical illness, the theme of belonging and finding and choosing your own family when you no longer have the one you were born into, and surviving when the odds are stacked against you. It's a heartwarming story for horse lovers and families alike.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the art of Mexican horse dancing. Was it something you were familiar with before seeing this movie? Take some time to look up photos and videos from real competitions together. How do they compare to what you saw in the movie?
How does Ellissia demonstrate courage and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths?
The movie shows the strong bond Ellissia and Centurion have together. What are some other movies where humans and animals bond? Why do you think these stories are entertaining to watch?
Were the intense hospital scenes more or less scary than explosive scenes in action/superhero movies? Why? Do different kinds of scary or violent scenes have different impacts?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 25, 2023
- Cast : Aramis Knight , Amber Midthunder , Patricia De Leon , Adam Irigoyen , Billy Zane
- Director : Dana Gonzales
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Indigenous Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material and some bloody images
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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