King of the Wind

Perhaps 4.5 stars. It was a real sweet story. After being sold to the French king, the horse and the boy go through a lot of misfortunes and were handed over from one owner to another. Half of the time in the hands of kind people, half of the time at the mercy of evil hands. The boy is extremely passive and good-natured, and accepts his fate as it unfolds. He doesn't seem to hold grudges against his tormentors, neither does he have strong emotions toward his losses. But he's not weak or coward, either. He has pretty good endurance toward hardships and knows how to move on.No one really punishes his tormentors, nor does he seek revenge on anybody. The movie shows that there are good and evil in this world, and they come on our ways side by side, but that's what life is all about. In this day and generation, justice must be done and to leave the wicked go unpunished is very frustrating, perhaps, but I think this movie has a good message there.The movie doesn't really get into the depth of the boy's struggles or the bond with the horse, and acting in general isn't that great (I was expecting it to be a tear-jerker, but it really wasn't). I think some things can be improved, but I sort of like the way it is, its low-key approach, because it's not as threatening or emotionally traumatic for younger children. Some characters die or get killed in the movie, but not like in the ways of dramatic, fancy killings of Hollywood movies. The story is well-told without becoming violent or too dramatic.I will feel very comfortable showing it to my young nephew and niece.

The thumbnail for this rental is incorrect, but it is King Of The Wind, based on the book by Marguerite Henry. The subtitles are incorrect, and I wonder if they are for the movie shown in the thumbnail.

Every Thoroughbred Horse (horses that race in Kentucky Derby etc) in the U.S. has as their ancestor either this horse, the Godolphin Arabian, or the Darley Arabian or Byerly Turk.This film deals with some of what is known about the Godolphin Arabian and fills in the blanks on the rest with some invention to make a story. It based on the book by Marguerite Henry and is fairly close to book storyline. It is an amusing piece of historical fact mixed with fiction. The movie is put together well enough and the plot can be followed. I don't recall any "nasty" language and while there is a fight scence with someone dying the violence is not graphic or gory. There is no nudity or sexual trashy stuff which was a plus too! Also good about this film is that there were many more positive images of people helping other people and being generous than there were negative images.Good film - better than most out there and if you like horses you will probably really like this film. The horses in the film are beautiful.

I have loved Marguerite Henry's book since I was 10 (at least). I had heard of the movie maybe 20 years ago but could never track it down. I was therefore delighted to find it for sale via Amazon. Warning for purists: the movie does not track the book! It changes the plot in many ways. But don't let that put you off. It is superbly done. It brings 18th-century north Africa, France and England to vivid life, and it follows enough of the book to be familiar to those who read it as children. In any event, "King of the Wind" was not a factual account of the Godolphin Arabian, so both the book and the movie are, in their separate ways, fantasies. Both adults and children will enjoy this movie.

This movie is produced quite well, although it does not include everything from the book, which is written by Marguerite Henry. I believe it would have made the movie a bit too long. Otherwise it is a pleasure to watch if you love horses. I am going to send it to my brother, because he gave me his copy of the book over 40 years ago, which I replaced from a purchase on Amazon. He will enjoy this movie also. Were it not for him, I never would have caught the bug to love and appreciate horses like I do.

This movie starts out a little slow - or more that we were unfamiliar with the culture. But it moved quickly to the trials and triumphs of this true to life Arabian stallion. The downfalls of Europe's cold hearted response to animals outside their own country is sad to realize. This film does try to hold that lightly, but I viewed a different documentary that was more up front.This movie is great, especially when the Frenchmen come to understand the great quality of the little Arabian.Even my 28yr old daughters loved it.I recommend this as a great family time movie. It's a great story, plus gives a history lesson.

I had been wanting to buy this movie for a very long time. I own Arabian horses and have always been a fan ofthe book "King of the Wind" ever since I was a kid. I was really surprised when the main horse "Sham" in the movieis a real Arabian horse! The writers did a fair job of trying to stay true to the story based on the book.All in all, I did enjoy watching this movie and do not consider that I wasted my money. Granted this film didn't have the budget like "The Black Stallion" movies, but it still conveyed a good message.I would recommend this to family and friends.

I have loved this story since childhood. Lovely book, and I was glad to find it available.

This DVD is described as an 'All Regions' disc on the product description technical specs on Amazon's UK site.I bought the product from an American trader All Your Music who are listed on this site.The disc I received is a Region 1 disc which doesn't play on my European,Region 2 dvd player.On closer inspection of the traders on the site some describe the product as Region 1(as a warning) on their price details.However,not all of them give this warning.I have pointed out this misleading fact to both the trader and Amazon.co.uk but no change has been made to the product description.I have not been able to review the film properly so have given it a perfunctory 3 stars.

I bought this film which I have watched many times in the dim and distant past so thought as its been a while I would treat myself as I wanted to have a film night with some horsey friends as I had recommneded that they watch it. Even though the seller stated that it would work on all regions of DVD player but to our utter disappointment it wouldnt play :( What a waste of twenty odd pounds and a downer on our night. Please be aware that it will only play on Region 1 DVD players.