Black Beauty
Movie Trailer
Release Date
November 27, 2020
Genre
Family, Drama
Cast & Crew
- Mackenzie Foy as Jo Green
- Kate Winslet as the voice of Black Beauty
- Iain Glen as John Manly
- Claire Forlani as Mrs. Winthorp
- Fern Deacon as Georgina Winthorp
- Calam Lynch as George Winthorp
- Hakeem Kae-Kazim as Terry
Director
Ashley Avis
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Adolescence (2018)
- Deserted (2016)
Producer
- Jeremy Bolt
- Robert Kulzer
- Genevieve Hofmeyr
- Dylan Tarason
- Ashley Avis
Writer
- Ashley Avis (based on the novel by Anna Sewell)
Budget
Estimated $10 million
Production Company
- Constantin Film
- JB Pictures
- Moonlighting Films
Running Time
110 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
PG
Content Advisory
- Emotional scenes involving animals
- Themes of loss and resilience
Movie Story
“Black Beauty” is a modern reimagining of Anna Sewell’s classic 1877 novel. The story centers on the bond between a wild mustang mare named Black Beauty (voiced by Kate Winslet) and a young girl named Jo Green (Mackenzie Foy). Set in the American West, the film follows Beauty’s journey from her life in the wild to her capture and eventual sale to a series of owners, each with their own impact on her life.
Jo, a teenage girl who has recently lost her parents, moves to live with her Uncle John Manly (Iain Glen), a horse trainer at Birtwick Stables. When Beauty arrives at the stables, she is wild and untamed, but Jo sees something special in her. The two form a deep and unbreakable bond, as Jo helps Beauty heal from her past traumas, and in turn, Beauty helps Jo cope with her grief.
The film explores the themes of love, resilience, and the powerful connection between humans and animals. Through Jo’s compassionate care and understanding, Beauty learns to trust again, while Jo finds solace and strength in her friendship with the horse. As Beauty is sold to different owners, the film highlights the varying ways in which animals are treated, and the enduring spirit of Beauty as she faces challenges and hardships.
“Black Beauty” is a heartwarming and visually stunning film that stays true to the emotional depth of Sewell’s novel while bringing the story into a contemporary setting. The narrative is both a celebration of the bond between a girl and her horse and a reflection on the importance of kindness and empathy toward all living beings.
Special Effects
“Black Beauty” utilizes a combination of live-action footage and CGI to bring the story to life. The film’s special effects are primarily focused on creating the realistic portrayal of horses in various settings, from the wild landscapes of the American West to the stables and urban environments. The visual effects team worked carefully to ensure that the horses’ movements and expressions were captured authentically, adding to the emotional impact of the story.
Box Office Performance
“Black Beauty” was released directly on Disney+ as a part of the streaming platform’s family-friendly content offerings. The film received a warm reception from audiences, particularly those familiar with the original novel. While it did not have a traditional box office release, it found success on the streaming platform, becoming a popular choice for family viewing.
Filming Locations
- Cape Town, South Africa
Notable Quotes
- “Some scars never heal, but we learn to live with them.” – Black Beauty
- “It’s not where you come from; it’s who you’re with that matters.” – Jo Green
- “Beauty was more than just a horse to me. She was my best friend.” – Jo Green
Behind-the-Scenes
“Black Beauty” was filmed on location in South Africa, where the stunning landscapes provided a backdrop for the story’s dramatic and emotional moments. Director Ashley Avis, a lifelong horse lover, was deeply committed to bringing the spirit of Sewell’s novel to the screen, emphasizing the importance of animal welfare throughout the production. The film’s star horse, Beauty, was portrayed by several real horses, each trained to perform specific actions and behaviors.
Awards
The film did not receive major awards but was praised for its faithful adaptation of a literary classic, as well as for its strong performances and beautiful cinematography.
Final Verdict
“Black Beauty” is a touching and visually captivating adaptation that honors the legacy of Anna Sewell’s beloved novel. With a strong central performance from Mackenzie Foy and the emotive voice work of Kate Winslet, the film captures the timeless themes of friendship, resilience, and the enduring bond between humans and animals. It’s a perfect choice for family viewing, offering both heartwarming moments and valuable life lessons.
IMDb Rating
6.4/10