Americans never tire of stories of the Wild West. With rolling plains and cowboys and Indians, Hidalgo starts off as a classic American western. However, the movie takes you on a 3,000-mile adventure through the Arabian Desert, where the main character Frank Hopkins (Viggo Mortenson of The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and his horse Hidalgo face overwhelming odds and the possibility of death.Hopkins, a historical figure, spent his life as a rider in the Pony Express. He also entered many long distance horse races throughout his life and worked in Buffalo Bill's wildly popular horse show. When a servant of a sheik in Arabia hears Hidalgo declared as the fastest long-distance horse in the world, he challenges Hopkins and Hidalgo to enter a race called "The Ocean of Fire." Hopkins accepts the challenge and the adventure of his lifetime begins.

Since not much is known about what actually went on during the race, Disney took creative liberties to expand the story for dramatic value. Being the only American in the race, Hopkins was up against all odds. The culture of the people participating in this race centered around their Arabian horses and breeding practices. Hopkins, however, was there with his "impure" Mustang whom they called "the painted horse" because he was white with brown patches instead of one solid color like the other horses.

The race was colored by deception, treachery and love, but ultimately it was a story of Hopkins and Hidalgo finding their identities. Hopkins hid the fact his mother was Native American, struggling with the same misconceptions about a mixed-blood heritage like his horse.

While the story was good and heartwarming, at points it was a little hokey. Since for a lot of the film it's only Mortenson and the horse, the horse takes on a personality. Also, Mortenson is constantly using western slang. For example he calls everyone "partner," but it sounds weird and out of place most of the time. There was also an excessive amount of fighting in the desert that the viewer could have done without. At the same time, the views of the desert were breathtaking and one really gets a feel for the hardship involved in crossing it.

Other supporting actors that are worth a mention are Zuleikha Robinson (Slash) as the sheik's daughter Jazira, Omar Sharif (Dr. Zhivago) as the sheik and Louise Lombard (Claim) as Lady Anne Davenport, the American woman who owns an Arabian horse. All of these characters play a part in helping or hurting Hopkins finish the race. The film uses Jazira to represent Arab culture and oppression of women. All she wanted was to enter the race, but as a woman, she was held back. The sheik struggled between love for his daughter and following what was proper for society. He also struggled with respecting Hopkins and his American horse.

While Hidalgo may get hokey or corny at times it's nothing but a a heartwarming story about a man his horse and what they accomplish together. It delves in to the relationship that existed between Hopkins and his horses. While other men treated their horses as a vehicle for their success, Hopkins respected Hidalgo, treated him well and paced him right. The race was really that of the man and the horse, not just the horse.

Hidalgo is uplifting and a great family movie for all ages. Overall, you leave the theater feeling good about horses and wanting to learn more about the historic Frank Hopkins.