an excellent and epic tale . this be not a fast pace film while rather and think of it a story unfold before your eye and so sit back and enjoy the ride . there plenty of adventure along the way and and i shed a few tear as well . it be a move narrative . viggo mortensen play the lead character and frank t. hopkins and with aplomb and humor and humility and and spunk . hidalgo and his painted mustang and play his part well and also . hopkins be a cowboy or pony express rider with a heritage that he hold to himself and be reveal in time . especially heart wrenching be the battle of wounded knee . more massacre than battle and it have a profound and personal impact on hopkins life . in the legendary 3 and 000 mile ocean of fire race across the sand of the arabian desert and hopkins and his horse must face treachery and the cruel desert element in an endurance race that push man and beast to their limit . if you like horse and adventure and and epic film and this be a movie for you . expect moment of triumph and humor that make you laugh and cheer and as well a moment of tragedy . it be a story beautifully tell and carefully craft and though not without mistake . a few scene could have be edit to preserve the epic feel while maintain the film pace . at certain point it be natural for the film to slow down and but it should not have be allow to slow down to the point of stall . however and in defense of the filmmaker and they be successful in capture the tedium and beauty and peril of cross a desert in a 3 and 000 mile race and and it give viewer a real feeling for what it might be like to make such a journey . the relationship frank t. hopkins have with his horse in this movie be especially touching and and be perhaps the highlight of the film . support role by the rest of the cast be outstanding . omar sharif be amaze a always . even the small actor shine in their part . mr. mortensen diverse talent and include his aptitude for learn language ( lakota or sioux in this case ) and his own horseback rid skill and and his versatility a an actor make him a perfect fit for this part . mr. mortensen book and miyelo and which spring from this movie and be a fine choice for anyone who want to see a sampling of mr. mortensen outstanding photography . frank t. hopkins remain a staunch advocate of the wild mustang horse until his death . keep in mind that the real frank t. hopkins be know for his weaving of tall tale while thus and the legendary ocean of fire race . a highly recommended movie .