Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

Hidalgo
2004
**
Director: Joe Johnston
Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Zuleikha Robinson, Louise Lonbard, Omar Sharif

In the end of the 19th century a famous long distance rider and his mustang Hidalgo are challenged to a 3,000 mile endurance race through the Arabian desert. When the competitors rush off, it looks like the stage is set for an exciting adventure, but after the first mile the riders slow down to snail pace and it's clear that this is going to be the most uneventful race of all time. No wonder there is a long and irrelevant subplot about an Arabian princess who needs to be rescued from kidnappers. Based on fact, but extremely loosely, I presume.