The Horse Whisperer

Robert Redford directed himself for the first time in this romantic drama adapted from Nicholas Evens' 1995 best-selling novel. A young teen, Grace Maclean, played by Scarlett Johnasson, is critically injured in a horse riding accident that leaves both rider and horse emotionally destroyed. Her mother, a savvy business woman, played by Kirsten Scott Thomas, goes on a mission to heal her daughter and the horse by brining both of them to the "horse whisperer" (Robert Redford), a cowboy renowned for rehabilitating traumatized horses. His gentle healing works just as well on people and he expertly delivers Grace from her emotional distress and Annie from her chaotic city life and loveless marriage. Perhaps the best thing about the Horse Whisperer is Redford's directing and imagery. Even without a story and characters, this film would have been breathtaking to watch. Also starring Sam Neill and Dianne Wiest. (1998)