Running Free (1999)

27% of critics liked it
(30 reviews)
67% of users liked it
(1,331 ratings)

Chase Moore and Arie Verveen are the human stars of this period drama about the extraordinary life and times of a horse. In 1914, a German supply ship is en route to Africa with a cargo of work horses when one of the mares gives birth to a foal. The pony is soon separated from his mother when the… More Chase Moore and Arie Verveen are the human stars of this period drama about the extraordinary life and times of a horse. In 1914, a German supply ship is en route to Africa with a cargo of work horses when one of the mares gives birth to a foal. The pony is soon separated from his mother when the ship docks in a mining community, and he has a hard time getting along, but an orphaned boy who works at a stable takes a liking to the little horse and looks after him. When war breaks out, the stable is abandoned and the pony escapes into a nearby desert, where an Oryx antelope and a native girl become his companions and teach him how to survive on his own. Running Free was directed by award-winning Russian filmmaker Sergei Bodrov; it was produced by Jean-Jacques Annaud, who displayed a flair for unusual stories about animals with The Bear. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 21 min.
Directed By: Sergei Bodrov
Written By: Jeanne Rosenberg, Jean-Jacques Annaud
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Kids & Family

In Theaters: Jun 2, 2000 Limited
On DVD: Nov 14, 2000
Studio: Columbia Pictures

Critic Reviews

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
This movie might have been more persuasive if the boy had told the story of the horse, instead of the horse telling the story of the boy.
Norman Wilner, Toronto Star
The human actors are colourless, the pacing lifeless, and the drama stillborn.
Robert Koehler, Variety
Running Free is the only evidence anyone will ever need to demonstrate what a ruinous trend wallpapered narration has become.
Louis B. Parks, Houston Chronicle
Saddled with an annoying and extensive narration track, added for fear kids couldn't follow the story without constant guidance.
Nancy Churnin, Dallas Morning News
The best and most thoughtful family movie so far this year.
Randy White, Common Sense Media
Cruel treatment of horses may upset some kids.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
An empathy stretching drama about a horse trying to stay alive in adverse circumstances.
Jorge Avila Andrade, Moviola
Sumamente aburrida y con una partitura grandilocuente y melosa que no tiene nada que ver con la historia
, BeatBoxBetty.com
The sad scenes were beyond intense and far too long.
Jean Oppenheimer, New Times
Running Free is so visually magnificent that anyone who feels spiritually or emotionally connected to nature will walk away with something.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Sober and handsomely photographed, this film is sadly undermined by its use of voice-over narration.
Liz Hottel, Citysearch
Suffering from way too much narration and a plot slower than a Clydesdale, Running Free is more like Trotting Bored.
Eric Lurio, Greenwich Village Gazette
Less than satisfying.