The Black Stallion (1979)
Synopsis:
The Black Stallion follows a young boy named Alec Ramsey who survives a shipwreck and finds himself stranded on a deserted island. Alongside him is a wild Arabian stallion, known simply as "The Black." Alec and the horse form a unique bond as they rely on each other for survival. Eventually rescued, Alec returns home with The Black, where he meets a retired horse trainer named Henry Dailey. Together, they train the stallion for a prestigious horse race. The film captures their journey as Alec and The Black prepare to compete, showcasing the challenges and adventures they face along the way.
Where To Watch: The Black Stallion
Parental Feedback
The Black Stallion, released in 1979, is an adventure and family film rated G, making it suitable for kids. The movie is generally well-received by parents, who appreciate its captivating story and beautiful cinematography. It is often praised for its heartwarming tale of friendship between a boy and a horse, though some parents note that certain scenes may be intense for very young viewers.
Why Kids Should Watch The Black Stallion
The Black Stallion is celebrated for its enchanting storytelling and positive messages.
- Highlights the importance of friendship and trust between humans and animals.
- Features a strong character development arc as the boy learns to communicate with the horse.
- Offers stunning visuals of the horse and natural landscapes that captivate young audiences.
- Encourages perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Black Stallion
Some parents express concerns about the film's intense moments that might be unsettling for younger children.
- Includes scenes of shipwreck and survival that may be emotionally challenging.
- Depicts moments of danger and tension that could be frightening.
- The pacing might be slow for children accustomed to fast-paced action.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers a heartwarming story, beautiful visuals, and positive messages about friendship and perseverance.
What Parents Should Know About The Black Stallion
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The film showcases the boy's patience and kindness as he builds a bond with the horse. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The shipwreck scene and the boy's initial struggle for survival may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The film demonstrates the dangers of recklessness through the shipwreck and its aftermath. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The boy's collaboration with others to train the horse highlights teamwork and communication. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the power of friendship and trust, delivered through the boy's relationship with the horse. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Black Stallion is praised for its beautiful storytelling and positive themes, making it a favorite among family films. While some scenes may be intense, they provide opportunities for parents to discuss important topics with their children. The movie's strengths lie in its visual appeal and the heartwarming bond between the boy and the horse. For families seeking similar films, consider classics like "The NeverEnding Story" or "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" for more magical adventures.
Official The Black Stallion Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Black Stallion
The Black Stallion's most common core values include Friendship, Determination, and Courage. Throughout the movie, the bond between Alec and the wild stallion showcases the power of friendship as they learn to Trust and rely on each other for Survival. This unique relationship highlights how true friendship can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
Determination is evident as Alec and The Black face numerous obstacles, yet they persistently work together to achieve their goals, demonstrating to kids the importance of never giving up. Courage is a key value as Alec bravely navigates unfamiliar situations, showing children that facing fears can lead to personal growth and new opportunities. These core values are woven into the story, providing children with relatable examples of how friendship, determination, and courage can make a difference in their own lives.
Other Core Values Explored: Bravery | Building trust | Emotional growth | Independence | Perseverance | Self-discovery | Resilience | Respect | Loyalty | Problem-solving | Self-confidence | Trust | Compassion | Family love
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Black Stallion
Building Friendships: In The Black Stallion, children learn about the power of building friendships through Alec's relationship with the wild stallion. As they spend time together on the island, Alec and the horse develop a deep bond, showing kids how trust and companionship can grow even in the most unexpected situations.
Finding Courage: The movie teaches kids about finding courage as Alec faces numerous challenges. From surviving on a deserted island to training the stallion for a race, Alec's bravery is a key lesson, encouraging children to be courageous in the face of adversity.
Persevering Through Obstacles: Alec's journey with the stallion is filled with obstacles, but his determination to overcome them is a powerful lesson for kids. The film shows how perseverance and hard work can lead to success, inspiring children to keep pushing forward despite difficulties.
Valuing Deep Connection: The deep connection between Alec and the stallion highlights the importance of valuing relationships. Kids see how understanding and empathy can create strong bonds, teaching them to appreciate and nurture their own connections with others.
Trusting Intuition: Throughout the movie, Alec relies on his intuition to make decisions, whether it's communicating with the stallion or navigating challenges. This teaches children the value of trusting their instincts and believing in themselves.
Other Lessons Learned: Embracing Differences | Following Your Passion | Growing Through Discomfort | Holding Onto Hope | Importance of Family | Keeping an Open Mind | Learning from Mistakes | Never Giving Up | Overcoming Failure | Recognizing Your Potential | Respecting Nature | Supporting Your Friends | Working as a Team
Why Kids Love The Black Stallion
The Black Stallion is an exhilarating adventure that sweeps kids into a world of wild horses and daring escapades. The bond between Alec and the majestic Black Stallion is at the heart of the story, capturing the imagination with their thrilling journey. Kids will be captivated by the fast-paced action as Alec and the stallion face challenges on a deserted island, relying on each other to survive. The excitement continues as they train for a prestigious race, showcasing teamwork and the thrill of competition.
The movie is filled with breathtaking scenes of nature and heart-pounding moments of near misses and daring escapes. The unexpected friendships and the joy of making new friends add warmth and humor, while the theme of standing up for others resonates with young audiences. With its mix of adventure, friendship, and the spirit of being a hero, The Black Stallion is a captivating tale that keeps kids on the edge of their seats, eager to see what happens next.