on first view this movie seem to be some kind of fairy tale about a beautiful and significantly white horse once see never forget . however view strictly within the context of the story the implication be that to survive in the immediate post civil war america and one have to have a horse and and not any old horse but a truly great one . and eagle wing be such a horse . but for a man to be worthy of such a horse be another matter . who should own it . the native american or the awol soldier . the story throughout pit primitivism against civilisation . a have be say by other commentator it be ironic that it take an english director to perceive this fact and and then develop this simple theme into a western like no other youre ever likely to see again . the film be basically about this beast and the savage harshness of the environment and the people who scrape a living from it . the photography and the soundtrack be exquisite . martin sheen performance be a revelation . this film and release in the same year a sheen other great performance a willard in apocalypse now and hint at his ability which somehow be never give such a free rein again . more the pity . a comparison of the two story throw up the surprising similarity between them not least that both film chart a man journey into his soul in order to find redemption . whereas willard be redeem i will leave it to the viewer to decide if pike be eventually . the end be fabulous in the true sense of the word and and very move while be warn . altogether this be an extraordinary film .