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The Horse Whisperer (1998)

tomatometer

72

Average Rating: 6.9/10
Reviews Counted: 53
Fresh: 38 | Rotten: 15

It might be a bit too eager to tug the heartstrings, but The Horse Whisperer is typically graceful, well-crafted Redford -- on both sides of the camera.

71

Average Rating: 6.9/10
Critic Reviews: 14
Fresh: 10 | Rotten: 4

It might be a bit too eager to tug the heartstrings, but The Horse Whisperer is typically graceful, well-crafted Redford -- on both sides of the camera.

audience

70

liked it
Average Rating: 3.2/5
User Ratings: 49,443

My Rating

Movie Info

Robert Redford directed himself for the first time in this romantic drama adapted from the 1995 best-seller by Nicholas Evans. Fourteen-year-old Grace MacLean (Scarlett Johansson of Manny & Lo) and her friend Judith go horseback riding in upstate New York on a winter morning, but their horses lose their footing on ice and slide onto a road, where Judith and her horse are killed by a jackknifing truck. Grace and her horse are also seriously injured -- doctors must amputate Grace's right leg --

PG-13, 2 hr. 48 min.

Western, Drama, Romance

Richard LaGravenese, Eric Roth

Oct 30, 2001

Buena Vista Pictures

Cast

All Critics (54) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (38) | Rotten (15) | DVD (6)

Directing himself for the first time, Redford has lavished his usual meticulous care on popular material that comes alive on the screen in ways that it never could on the page.

November 8, 2007 Full Review Source: Variety | Comment
Variety
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This has loads of craft and honor but never quite takes off.

November 8, 2007 Full Review Source: Chicago Reader | Comment
Chicago Reader
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We are not talking postmodern or even modern here, but the best kind of old-fashioned.

April 27, 2007 Full Review Source: New York Observer | Comment
New York Observer
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That lack of identifiable passion is The Horse Whisperer's most vexing problem.

February 14, 2001 Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | Comment
Los Angeles Times
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A film as rich in its visual presentation as it is in its emotional resonance.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: ReelViews | Comment
ReelViews
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...an intelligent, lush-looking tale...

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Detroit News | Comment
Detroit News
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Curl your cynical lip if you want, but there's a place for heartwarming, life-affirming, even weepy dramas.

November 8, 2007 Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide | Comments (2)
TV Guide's Movie Guide

It's a film-maker's love letter to himself.

June 24, 2006 Full Review Source: Time Out | Comment

I found it to be a compelling, adult film that transports you into another world.

April 9, 2005 Full Review Source: Reeling Reviews | Comment
Reeling Reviews

A lovely piece of filmmaking.

May 14, 2003 Comment
Palo Alto Weekly

This is a beautiful movie, but not for those in a hurry.

March 16, 2003 Full Review Source: Laramie Movie Scope | Comment
Laramie Movie Scope

Robert Redford has done it again.

February 8, 2003 Full Review Source: Film Quips Online | Comment
Film Quips Online

For such a long meal it certainly isn't very filling.

January 10, 2003 Full Review Source: Nick's Flick Picks | Comment
Nick's Flick Picks

Despite its flaws, The Horse Whisperer is a marvel -- in its artistry, its love of place, and its tender regard for broken hearts.

October 15, 2002 Full Review Source: Cincinnati Enquirer | Comment
Cincinnati Enquirer

The Horse Whisperer is a calculated heart-tugging machine, as soulless and efficient in its own way as Twister or Independence Day; instead of a 'thrill-ride,' it's a trip through the tunnel of love.

June 5, 2002 Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | Comment
Boxoffice Magazine

Tutors us in the art of slowing down, being present, and quieting the heart.

March 2, 2002 Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice | Comment
Spirituality and Practice

Redford is obviously a romantic at heart, and he brings a light touch to the erotic moments in the film.

February 27, 2001 Full Review Source: Q Network Film Desk | Comment
Q Network Film Desk
More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for The Horse Whisperer

Lots of people don't like this movie, but I've always been a sucker for a tear jerker drama film, and this is one of them. Redford's always been both a great actor and director. This is the first movie I think of when I think of him as a director. Awesome story (it'd be even better if she'd stayed with Redford!) and

October 26, 2009
stormyweather980

Super Reviewer

A young Scarlett Johansson plays a good role in a story that has more depth to it that the title suggest. It does essentially lead to a love story, but the film is very long and the love story is not the main plot. With likable characters and stunning scenic views, The Horse Whisperers is a watchable lengthly, but

September 4, 2006
76Majikat

Super Reviewer

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