The Young Black Stallion (2003)

45% of critics liked it
(40 reviews)
70% of users liked it
(6,112 ratings)

Based on the 1989 novel of the same name by Steven Farley, son of Walter Farley, writer of the original The Black Stallion, The Young Black Stallion is a prequel to the 1979 Academy Award-winning classic starring Mickey Rooney. Directed by Simon Wincer, the film is set during the second World War… More Based on the 1989 novel of the same name by Steven Farley, son of Walter Farley, writer of the original The Black Stallion, The Young Black Stallion is a prequel to the 1979 Academy Award-winning classic starring Mickey Rooney. Directed by Simon Wincer, the film is set during the second World War and follows the adventures of the titular equine as he meets and befriends Neera, a young girl, played by Biana Tamini, who has lost her family in a Middle Eastern desert. Also starring Patrick Elyas and Richard Romanus, The Young Black Stallion was created specifically to be shown in IMAX theaters. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: G, 45 min.
Directed By: Simon Wincer
Written By: Walter Farley, Steven Farley
Genres: Kids & Family

In Theaters: Dec 25, 2003 Wide
On DVD: Dec 21, 2004
Studio: Buena Vista Pictures

Critic Reviews

C.W. Nevius, San Francisco Chronicle
Tired rehash.
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
A film truly geared to the 6-year-old level. If not younger.
Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle
Wincer delivers a gentle yet vibrant tale of natural splendor, a horse's valor and a young girl's plucky determination.
Lisa Rose, Newark Star-Ledger
Continues in the hackneyed tradition of other made-for-IMAX dramas, with storytelling that doesn't measure up to the scope of the screen.
Dave Kehr, New York Times
Simon Wincer's Imax film is a prequel to the classic 1979 children's film The Black Stallion.
Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News
Has gorgeous cinematography with spectacular landscapes -- plus a lazy script, forgettable performances and regrettably uninspired direction.
Beth Pratt, Common Sense Media
Visually stunning 50 minute IMAX thumbs-up.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...on home video, stripped of its visual grandeur - the movie comes off as a superficial and woefully inept piece of work.
Kevin Carr, 7M Pictures
...ironically similar to Hidalgo.... In many ways, Young Black Stallion is a better film because it doesn't have the baggage of being a star vehicle
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
For adults, I should think the appeal of looking at the same scenery, no matter how beautiful, over and over would wear thin pretty fast. It did for me.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
The Young Black Stallion is not so much a bad film as it is a non film. It was meant mainly to be looked at.
Staci Layne Wilson, Fantastica Daily
Horse lovers, especially fans of the purebred desert Arabian, will swoon.
Thomas Peyser, Style Weekly (Richmond, VA)
If you are able to read this review, you are probably too old to get much pleasure out of Young Black Stallion.
Ross Anthony, Hollywood Report Card
This 50 minute L.F. narrative is at its best with music, big sky, interesting terrain and a charming girl on the back of a beautiful horse. Sticky in acting/dialogue.
Robert W. Butler, Kansas City Star
The Young Black Stallion will provide a brief diversion for animal-loving youngsters. But beneath its polished good looks it feels awfully amateurish.