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The Silver Stallion
By Brian Costello,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Some suspense and animal injury in emotional horse story.
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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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Community Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Charming Australian classic doesn't quite live up to the book
What's the Story?
In the high country of Australia, a girl named Indi is unable to sleep due to fierce thunderstorms. In an effort to calm her, Indi's mother Elyne tells her a story about a beautiful stallion named Thowra. As one of the wild horses (called "brumbies" in Australia) in the land where Indi and Elyne live, Thowra must contend with the difficulties in the changing of the seasons, and fight off the men who want to capture and break her, most notably, a man (Russell Crowe) who grows increasingly obsessed with capturing this kind of the brumby. As Elyne's story progresses, Indi grows to learn and love the nature and animals who surround her, as it becomes increasingly unclear if the story of Thowra is real or simply a local legend.
Is It Any Good?
While its slow pace might be difficult for younger viewers, this is a memorable movie for older kids who love horses and parents who wish to impart positive lessons of respect for nature. As the story within a story emerges and starts to meld into a single tale, the viewer witnesses the breathtaking scenery of the Australian high country, and Elyne Mitchell's 1957 novel on which the movie is based is brought to vivid life.
Perhaps the best thing about the movie is how animals aren't forced to be anything more than noble creatures engaged in survival in the wild. Animals aren't sugarcoated into displaying human-like emotion, they don't talk in funny voices or perform extraordinary stunts. In this movie, animals can be loved and appreciated on their own terms; that in itself makes The Silver Stallion a worthwhile experience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's messages. How is the coexistence between nature and humanity conveyed in this film? What was the point of the mom's story to her daughter?
How does this film compare to others where horses are central to the story?
Can you think of other stories set in Australia? What are some common features of Aussie films?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: April 20, 2004
- Cast: Amiel Daemion , Caroline Goodall , Russell Crowe
- Director: John Tatoulis
- Studio: Lionsgate
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Horses and Farm Animals
- Run time: 93 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
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