Is Hidalgo based on a true story?
Viggo Mortensen’s Hidalgo is based on a not-so-true story. In Hidalgo, which opens Friday, Viggo Mortensen plays Frank T. Hopkins, an American cowboy who takes his mustang overseas to compete in the Ocean of Fire, an endurance horse race across thousands of miles of Arabian desert.
Is Hidalgo (2004) a good movie?
Joe Johnston’s epic Western Hidalgo (2004) is a beautifully shot film with captivating desert vistas and striking close-up reaction shots that just hold on Viggo Mortensen reacting to horrible things happening.
Who are the actors in the movie Hidalgo?
It recounts Hopkins' racing his horse in Arabia in 1891 against Bedouins riding pure-blooded Arabian horses. The movie was written by John Fusco and directed by Joe Johnston. It stars Viggo Mortensen, Zuleikha Robinson, and Omar Sharif . Hidalgo was released by Buena Vista Pictures on March 5, 2004.
Is the horse in the horse movie Hidalgo real?
Historians of distance riding said that most of Hopkins' claims as depicted in the film, including the race, have been 'tall tales' or hoaxes. The film says that descendants of the horse Hidalgo, for which the movie was named, live among the Gilbert Jones herd of Spanish Mustangs on Blackjack Mountain in Oklahoma.
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Did Frank Hopkins really win the race?
Hopkins and Hidalgo did win a 3,000-mile, 68-day endurance race across the Arabian peninsula, Syria and much of Iraq. The script, by John Fusco (Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron) embroiders the facts outrageously, though. In the movie, Hidalgo wins by a nose; in history, he and Mr.
Is there a real race like Hidalgo?
His blunt conclusion about the race: “There is absolutely no record of any horse race in the past staged from Aden or from anywhere in that part of Arabia. Southern Arabia has never been known for its horses.”
Did Viggo Mortensen keep his horse from Hidalgo?
Horses. Several American Paint horses were used to portray Hidalgo. The actor Viggo Mortensen later bought RH Tecontender, one of the horses used in the film. The screenwriter John Fusco bought Oscar, the main stunt horse, and retired him at Red Road Farm, his American Indian horse conservancy.
How many miles was the race in Hidalgo?
And I've got to admit, the movie Hidalgo which follows the story of Hopkins and his mustang competing against the world's finest Arabian stallions in a 3,000-mile race across the Arabian Desert, makes for a damn good story with outstanding visuals and special effects.
How many horses were used in Hidalgo movie?
5 different horsesIt was filmed in California, South Dakota, the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana, Oklahoma, Glacier National Park, Kalispell and Morocco. Viggo Mortensen purchased the horse that played Hidalgo after the film was done. 5 different horses played the role of Hidalgo. The movie has made $108,103,450.
Was Hidalgo a mustang?
Hidalgo is one of the most beloved horse movies of our time. The movie follows Frank T. Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen) as he travels to Arabia to race his Mustang horse Hidalgo in the treacherous Ocean of Fire race. Full of action and stunning horses, the movie became a favorite among many.
Can you train a horse to fall down?
The trainer then teaches the horse to fall with a rider. “The training is very specialized and not just anyone can do it,” says Mitchum. “It requires extreme patience and confidence, and the ability to read the horse and know what it is capable of, and when to push and when to back off.
Were any animals hurt in Hidalgo?
Kurd and his horse fall over on a sand dune and his horse's leg is severely injured. In order to put the animal out of its misery, Kurd takes out a knife and reluctantly stabs the horse to death. This scene was filmed in separate shots and pieced together in post production.
Is Viggo Mortensen a nice guy?
He arrived in Seattle without a movie-star entourage, and the word from the local publicists handling his visit is that he's an extremely "nice guy." He's friendly, respectful and polite to everyone, happy to talk to any journalist they sit in front of him.
Is Viggo Mortensen's horse still alive?
The 62-year-old said that the only horse that is still alive today is the one that he purchased for a stuntwoman “who I ended up becoming friends with”. He said: “I knew how much she liked that horse, so I bought it for her. That one is still around, but the other two have passed away.
How long does a horse live?
25 – 30 yearsHorse / Lifespan
What is the longest horse race in the world?
The Mongol DerbyThe Mongol Derby is the longest and toughest horse race in the world. We don't say that lightly. A decade after launching the race that title is still being backed up by riders year after year. In 1224 man of the millennium Chinggis Khaan set up the world's first long-distance postal transmission system.
What is the oldest race track in the US?
The Pleasanton Fairgrounds Racetrack at the Alameda County Fairgrounds is the oldest horse racing track in America, dating back to 1858, when it was founded by the sons of the Spaniard Don Agustin Bernal.
Is there a Bedouin horse race?
The great horse race of Bedouin. It has been held annually for more than 1000 years. A 3 thousand mile [ 4828.03 km ] horse race. Across the Arabian Desert.
Did the conquistadors bring horses to America?
Horses first returned to the Americas with the conquistadors, beginning with Columbus, who imported horses from Spain to the West Indies on his second voyage in 1493. Domesticated horses came to the mainland with the arrival of Cortés in 1519.
Did the Spanish bring horses to Texas?
The first Spanish horses on record were brought to Texas in 1542 by the Moscoso expedition. The chronicles of the La Salle expedition also mention them. In 1686 Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, acquired five horses from Caddo Indians in East Texas.
Did Viggo Mortensen buy the horse from Lord of the Rings?
The actor, who played Aragorn in Peter Jackson's trilogy, told NME that he bought the horse his character rides in the film as well as two others. “There were actually three horses that I bought, they were up for sale once the movies were done,” he explained.
What happened to Father Hidalgo after being captured?
After his defeat at Calderón Bridge, outside Guadalajara, on January 17, 1811, Hidalgo fled north, hoping to escape into the United States. He was caught, expelled from the priesthood, and executed by firing squad as a rebel.
Is there a horse race across the Arabian desert?
In Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, an annual 125-mile race has occurred every year since 1998 in the Seyh al-Salam desert. Racing around a 19-mile course, think of this as a NASCAR race, but with horses.
Is the story of Frank Hopkins true?
The film marketed that it was "based on a true story" although subsequent investigations failed to find any evidence of such a race. Lakota scholar, historian and doctor Vine Deloria says "Hopkins' claims are so outrageously false that one wonders why the people were attracted to this material at all."
Where is the race in Hidalgo?
SaudiTo start with, Saudi historians say such endurance races never took place and were geographically impossible. The producers of Hidalgo, which cost $80 million to make and was filmed in Morocco and California, say it is based on the life of Frank T.
Is there a Bedouin horse race?
The great horse race of Bedouin. It has been held annually for more than 1000 years. A 3 thousand mile [ 4828.03 km ] horse race. Across the Arabian Desert.
Is the story of Frank Hopkins true?
The film marketed that it was "based on a true story" although subsequent investigations failed to find any evidence of such a race. Lakota scholar, historian and doctor Vine Deloria says "Hopkins' claims are so outrageously false that one wonders why the people were attracted to this material at all."
What breed of horse was Hidalgo?
mustangHopkins' horse, Hidalgo, is a mustang, a wild mixed-breed horse that was introduced to the Americas with the arrival of the Spaniards to the New World.
How much did the movie Hidalgo cost?
Hidalgo- In case there’s any question that history and the Old West are again “hot” in Hollywood, Disney’s Touchstone Pictures is releasing an $80 million film, not on one of the icons of the era—not on Wyatt or Billy or Doc or even Annie—but on a character few have ever heard about.
Why is Frank Hopkins called Frank Hopkins?
The guild naturally found the name Frank Hopkins, because various accounts, from his own biography to newspaper and magazine articles, claimed he had won 400 endurance races across the United States and also the legendary ride in Arabia, and that these achievements led Buffalo Bill Cody to hire him to ride with the Wild West Show.
Who wrote the script for Hidalgo?
Noted screenwriter John Fusco has penned the script for Hidalgo, the legend of Frank Hopkins and his mustang, Hidalgo. Viggo Mortensen ( Lord of the Rings) plays Hopkins, portrayed as one of the greatest long riders in equestrian history—his claim to fame was supposedly arriving 13 days early in a monthlong race from Galveston, Texas, ...
Who is the rider in the movie Ocean of Fire?
In the movie, a wealthy Sheik (Omar Sharif, left) invites Pony Express rider Frank T. Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen) to become the first American ever to enter the Ocean of Fire. Danish actor Viggo Mortensen, in his first solo lead as Frank T. Hopkins, riding the mustang paint, Hidalgo.
Who is the rider in the movie Hidalgo?
Hidalgo tells the legend of one-time Pony Express rider Frank T. Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen, center) and his mustang, Hidalgo, competing against the world’s finest Arabian stallions in what the movie claims was the greatest endurance race ever run: the Ocean of Fire—a 3,000-mile race across the Arabian Desert.
Who is John Fusco?
Fusco stands firm. Screenwriter John Fusco says he first found out about his obscure hero while researching American Indian horses. “The old-time mustangers all knew of him,” he notes. “But as obscure as he is, he was also written about for 70 years in books on mustang horse history.”.
Does Fusco say the movie trailers have been changed?
Fusco says that even though the trailers have not been changed, the movie itself and all print advertising for the movie will not use the phrase. But it begs the question, what do those omittances matter when the trailer still leaves the audience believing the story is true?
What is the movie Hidalgo about?
Hidalgo is a 2004 epic biographical western film based on the legend of the American distance rider Frank Hopkins and his mustang Hidalgo. It recounts Hopkins' racing his horse in Arabia in 1891 against Bedouins riding pure-blooded Arabian horses. The movie was written by John Fusco and directed by Joe Johnston.
What happened to Aziz in the scramble?
Aziz dies in the scramble. However, Davenport and Katib try to sabotage the race by eliminating the rival riders. Davenport pays Katib to kill Hidalgo and steal Al-Hattal so her mare will win the race and she can breed her with the Sheikh's horse.
How did Aziz betray the Sheikh?
Aziz betrays the Sheikh by stealing his family's journal of horse breeding and gives it to Katib. Katib also kidnaps Jazira, and threatens to kill her unless he gets his uncle's prize stallion racer as her ransom. Hopkins manages to rescue Jazira, along with the journal. Aziz dies in the scramble.
What did Frank do with his winnings?
Returning to the United States, Frank uses his winnings to buy the mustangs from the government , therefore saving them from death. The wild horses are released and Frank frees Hidalgo to join them in the wilderness. The epilogue states that Hopkins went on to reportedly win 400 long-distance races and was an outspoken supporter for wild mustangs until his death in 1951, while Hidalgo's descendants live free in the wilderness in and around Oklahoma.
What horse was used in Hidalgo?
Horses. Several American Paint horses were used to portray Hidalgo. The actor Viggo Mortensen later bought RH Tecontender, one of the horses used in the film. The screenwriter John Fusco bought Oscar, the main stunt horse, and retired him at Red Road Farm, his American Indian horse conservancy.
Who kills Katib in the pit?
Sakr helps him out of the pit and fights Katib's men but is eventually shot. Hopkins manages to overpower the men and finally kills Katib. However, Hidalgo is unable to stand up and Hopkins is dying of thirst. He considers shooting Hidalgo to alleviate his suffering, but is unable to bring himself to do it.
When was Hidalgo released?
Hidalgo was released by Buena Vista Pictures on March 5, 2004. Upon release, the film received mixed reviews and was a box office disappointment, grossing $108 million against a budget of $100 million.
What movie did Bobby Lieberman write about?
Bobby Lieberman started an article for the Los Angeles Times with the following superb description of an infamous scene from the movie Hidalgo: “In the deep shadows of the stippled dunes, a solitary figure silently prepares for an epic journey that will begin at first light.
When did the cowboy point his gun in the Great Train Robbery?
Backward Glance. Since the cowboy first pointed his gun in The Great Train Robbery in 1903, Western movies have entertained audiences the world over with their stories, landscapes and colourful cowboy characters. And thanks to the power of 2004 film Hidalgo ’s visual imagery, audience interest in the genre has once again been captured.
Who brought the mustang Hidalgo?
Frank T. Hopkins has brought his plucky mustang, Hidalgo, across the ocean to compete against the world’s finest Arabian horses on their own ground. All around him, pale robes that shield the Bedouins from dust, sand and heat swirl like butterflies.
Who rode the Hidalgo?
So according to Hollywood, Frank T. Hopkins was a legendary man who rode great distances on his paint mustang Hidalgo to prove the breed’s value. Even if you haven’t seen the film, you can just imagine the wonderful story, how incredibly visual and touching it would be for the audience.
Has there ever been an ocean of fire race?
Experts even conclude d there has never been an ‘Ocean of Fire’ race in the Arabian desert, ever! Maybe it’s legend, maybe it’s created, but there’s no denying Frank Hopkins and Hidalgo live on as legends and still inspire people today.
What horses were used in Hidalgo?
The horses used for Hidalgo were RH Tecontender (TJ), RJ Masterbug (RJ), Impressivelybetter (Oscar), Honky Tonkin Tuff (DC) and Ima Stage Mount Two (Doc). TJ did most of the tight shots, including the scene where Hidalgo threw a blanket over his owner during a locust infestation.
What was the hardest scene to film in Hidalgo?
One of the hardest scenes to film in Hidalgo was the start of the race. During this scene, several of the horses began to fight.
Why was Beyley purchased?
Beyley was purchased by Disney as they were impressed by his talent. After filming of the movie was finished and he returned from Morocco, Beyley was purchased as a half-share. Disney still had part ownership of him, with the plans to use him in other movies.
Where was the final scene of The Horses filmed?
The final scene with horses included a total of 550 horses. The filming of this scene took place in Browning, Montana. Since the horses had different owners, their hooves were branded so they could be told apart.
Who rode the paint hosses in Hidalgo?
Mortensen grew up riding as a kid, so he felt comfortable doing a lot of the riding scenes. He worked with trainer Rex Peterson and the stunt guy Mike Watson in order to prepare for filming. He rode all five of the Paint hosses that portrayed Hidalgo.
Who rode TJ in Hidalgo?
Mortensen rode TJ several times throughout the filming of Hidalgo and became a big fan of the stallion. After the completion of filming, Mortensen purchased TJ and brought him back home to New Zealand. Mortensen also purchased two horses, Uraeus and Kenny, from the Lord of the Ring films.
Who played Jazira in the movie?
During production, Mortensen and Robinson, who played Jazira, almost had a serious riding accident. The pair were riding double when all of sudden the horse they were on took off.
When was Hidalgo released?
Hidalgo was released in 2004 on Friday, March 5, 2004 (). There were 2 other movies released on the same date, including The Reckoning and Starsky & Hutch.
Is the Ocean of Fire based on a true story?
Based on the true story of the greatest long-distance horse race ever run, "Hidalgo" is an epic action-adventure and one man's journey of personal redemption. Held yearly for centuries, the Ocean of Fire - a 3,000 mile survival race across the Arabian Desert - was a challenge restricted to the finest Arabian horses ever bred, the purest and noblest lines, owned by the greatest royal families. In 1890, a wealthy Sheik invited an American and his horse to enter the race for the first time. Frank T. Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen) was a cowboy and dispatch rider for the US cavalry who had once been billed as the greatest rider the West had ever known. The Sheik (Omar Sharif) would put his claim to the test, pitting the American cowboy and his mustang, Hidalgo, against the world's greatest Arabian horses and Bedouin riders - some of whom were determined to prevent the foreigner from finishing the race. For Frank, the Ocean of Fire becomes not only a matter of pride and honor, but a race for his very survival as he and his horse, Hidalgo, attempt the impossible.
Who directed the Hidalgo movie?
A look at the Hidalgo behind-the-scenes crew and production team. The film's director Joe Johnston last directed The Nutcracker and the Four Realms and Captain America: The First Avenger. The film's writer John Fusco last wrote The Highwaymen and The Shack.
Overview
Fact and fiction
The Native American historian Vine Deloria questioned Hopkins' claims of Lakota ancestry, as presented uncritically in the film.
But, Nakota filmmaker Angelique Midthunder said during the controversy that "the story of the half Indian who took his pinto mustang across the sea to race in the big desert has been told to children of the northern plains tribes for generations." Lakota elder Sonny Richards writes, "Kaiyu…
Plot
In 1890, Frank T. Hopkins and his mustang, Hidalgo, are part of Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, advertised as "the world's greatest endurance horse and rider." A famous long-distance racer, cowboy, and dispatch rider for the United States government, Hopkins is plagued by guilt for having carried a message to the 7th Cavalry Regiment authorizing the Wounded Knee Massacre of Lakota Sioux. He translates a futile request from another performer, Chief Eagle Horn, for Bill to …
Cast
• Viggo Mortensen as Frank Hopkins, a noted long-distance rider.
• Zuleikha Robinson as Jazira, determined daughter of the Sheikh.
• Omar Sharif as Sheikh Riyadh, an insightful leader. He owns and breeds Arabian horses of the Al Khamsa bloodline.
Production
Actor Viggo Mortensen, who is fluent in Spanish, voiced his own character (Frank Hopkins) in the Spanish dubs of the film.
Horses
Several American Paint horses were used to portray Hidalgo. The actor Viggo Mortensen later bought RH Tecontender, one of the horses used in the film. The screenwriter John Fusco bought Oscar, the main stunt horse, and retired him at Red Road Farm, his American Indian horse conservancy. Another one was bought by a ranch near Steamboat, Colorado.
Reception
The movie received mixed reviews from mainstream critics. Rotten Tomatoes gives the film an approval rating of 46% with an average rating of 5.5/10, based on reviews from 164 critics. The critical consensus reads, "The scenery looks great, but this overstuffed horse story contains too much cheese". Metacritic gives the film a weighted average score of 54/100 based on reviews from 36 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film …
Accolades
John Fusco won the Spur Award for Best Western Drama Script; although most of the plot of Hidalgo was not set in the American West, it featured an American cowboy figure.