Whether you happen to be a serious horse-hugger, or not, 1994's "Black Beauty" (impressively directed by Caroline Thompson) is an emotionally-charged tale that I'm sure will tug on your heart-strings in a very special way.

Beautifully photographed by Alex Thomson, "Black Beauty's" story of trust and betrayal (which was based on Anna Sewell's novel of the same name) was set in England in the late-1800s.

As the viewer is soon to find out - Awaiting the magnificent, black stallion in this top-notch story are both good times and bad times - And, yes, as well, there are times for this fine steed that are sure to break your heart (if you have one).

Regardless of your age, I guarantee that "Black Beauty" will, most certainly, leave you moved by its first-rate story-telling.

Yet another film-adaptation of Anna Sewell's popular 1877 children's book opens with a elderly horse looking back on his tumultuous life--narrating the story himself (with a British accent no less!). What might have been a twee gimmick turns out to be a surprisingly canny stroke of genius, as the screenplay, although prosy, is smart and direct and Alan Cumming's gentle voice-over is very sympathetic. Director Caroline Thompson is sensitive as well, getting terrific "performances" from all the horses involved; her film is a bit heavy on the sad farewells, yet it has lots of heart and works on its audience through pure emotion. Thin at 88 minutes, but beautifully photographed and with a tasteful score by Danny Elfman, fine acting by the humans. A must-see for horse-lovers, the movie is genuinely touching without being too manipulative. **1/2 from ****

I'm not one for kid's films, but I do like my novel adaptations and particularly when they're of classic Victorian literature. BLACK BEAUTY is one such beast, an all-star-cast adaptation of the Anna Sewell novel. I haven't read the book but this wide-ranging and wide-reaching film seems to have the right touch of authenticity to it.

It's a heartfelt and moving story in which the horses of the era are mistreated and put upon by their human owners, although there's still time for a few joyous moments here and there. Elsewhere it's as downbeat and depressing as many a Catherine Cookson adaptation, although the presence of numerous familiar faces (like Sean Bean, David Thewlis, Peter Cook, Peter Davison, Jim Carter, Alun Armstrong and John McEnery) keep it more than watchable.

The film is well shot and the acting honours obviously go to the various horses who do commendable jobs. My only problem really is the Hollywood-ised decision to give the horse a twee and childish voice-over from actor Alan Cumming. As ever, this is entirely unnecessary and slightly mars what could have been a near-classic.