Review of Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (2002) by Antonia B — 20 Apr 2012

Says a lot that the best 'new' film I've seen in several years is one made in 2002. This film risked alienating the audience with the decision to keep vocal anthropomorphising of the horses to a minimum, a decision which in my opinion paid dividends.

Apart from being incredibly attractive to look at, the film has a message which views both young and old can take away from the experience. Freedom and independence are worth fighting for and you can achieve anything if you're persistent.

I have heard of the controversy the 'PC' message caused but in my opinion all forms of entertainment are likely to have some bias and if you believe your children are that impressionable then it's up to you to explain the other side to the story and to allow them to form their own unbiased opinion of the themes inherent in the story.

This is an underrated, unappreciated gem of a film in the same league as the original Land Before Time and I cannot express my gratitude that the creators haven't shaken it down for sequels in the same manner.