Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A timeless boy and horse film with some tense chase scenes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
In the rural landscape of the Camargue region of the South of France, a pack of wild horses is led by a proud and stubborn white stallion who resists all attempts of being tamed by the local cowboys. Folco, a fisherman's son from the nearby village, grows fascinated by this horse and has dreams of riding him along the beach. Patiently and methodically, Folco earns the trust of WHITE MANE, and a deep bond develops, much to the chagrin of the cowboys.
Is It Any Good?
Filmed in stark black and white, White Mane -- directed by The Red Balloon's Albert Lamorisse -- won the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and with good reason. This deceptively simple story of a boy and his horse, told through sparse narration and dialogue, is a transcendent and powerful experience that should resonate with both kids and adults. For kids in particular, there is a touching appeal to the boy Folco's love and caring for the stubborn white horse who grows to trust him.
It's a thoroughly engaging folktale of sorts, and while it has intense action and not the happiest of endings, it's a timeless story of the relationships between animals and people, and the deep bonds that can form between the pure hearted.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the messages in this movie. What do you think the filmmaker was trying to say about the relationship between wild animals and people? Why did the horse respond differently to Folco as compared to the cowboys?
This film was set in the south of France, and yet in many ways it seems like a Western. What similarities and differences do you see in this movie compared to other movies with cowboys and horses?
Did the fact that the movie is in black and white affect your viewing experience? Did you miss color?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 13, 1954
- On DVD or streaming : April 29, 2008
- Cast : Alain Emery , Laurent Roche , Peter Strauss
- Director : Albert Lamorisse
- Studio : Criterion Collection
- Genre : Classic
- Topics : Animals
- Run time : 40 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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