i recently watch spirit and enjoy it very much and i have see it about 4 time now on hbo and will buy the dvd . those who give negative review would probably think that ` vanish point be just another car chase movie and ` thelma and louise be just another chick flick . although the conclusion of those film be darker i feel the theme be somewhat related while that freedom and individualism be very important and that there be usually someone want to take it away from you . the other common trait of these movie be the caring and thoughtful ` guardian angel type who help the main character to overcome adversity . another review here mention how this film relate to the theme of civilization invade someone else home . all one have to do be look around at the dwindle open area around u to see that . i think the animation and the story be amazing and the animator really get the horse to look and act and move naturally . spirit emotion be very clear a the story progress ( yes i be aware they do humanize the horse a bit and but this be fiction ) . in a couple of action scene you feel catch in the current of the rapid and the heat from a forest fire . in other more quiet scene ( which be most of the time ) youre allow to savor the background . one of the big thing that make the story really work be by not go the talk and sing animal route . do so would take away from the story power . instead the flow of the story be tell by occasional narration by the main character and further punch be add by the fantastic soundtrack . another plus be that they weren not afraid to give the story somewhat of a dark side ( which really make this film watchable to me ) . this isn not prevalent through the entire movie though and and the conclusion be fit and uplift without be sappy . those who appreciate horse will really like this movie and but i think it a bit more than a horse movie . i do not feel this would be a good movie to take child to if theyre bring up on the inane fare that offer up today . but if theyre the thoughtful sort that can handle compelling story like the lord of the ring and black beauty they will likely love this movie . hell and i be 35 year old and still love that stuff .