Black Beauty

Within the first few seconds of thinking about the beautiful story of Black Beauty, my heart feels heavy with the heartbreak that happens, and at the same time it feels full of love for the happy ending. I think this speaks volumes about why this movie is my favorite of all time. It fueled my love for horses at an early age, and started the foundation for my compassion and caring for all living things.

I know not everyone will be impacted by this movie like I have been, but I do know that any horse lover out there will have seen it or would fall in love with the story once they’ve seen it. It speaks to a very specific audience and that has helped its popularity (it was remade in 2020 with a new spin on the storyline and characters).

For those who don’t know much about the movie, it is based off of the 1877 novel by English author Anna Sewell: Black Beauty: His Grooms and Companions, the Autobiography of a Horse. The storyline is a coming of age tale that follows Black Beauty as a young colt into an old retired companion horse, and the trials and tribulations it took for him to get where he is at the end of the story. Throughout his life, he is owned by many different people (some good, some bad), which ultimately teaches viewers the importance of animal welfare and builds an understanding in them that horses (and ultimately all animals) have feelings/emotions and that it is important to treat them with kindness and empathy.

I find the story of Black Beauty so enamouring because it is narrated in first person, so for the entire movie you know exactly what Black Beauty is thinking and feeling, which gives a unique perspective on what may go on inside a horses mind. There are also many different “Because of that…” story spine moments where Black Beauty needs to be sold and he experiences the benefits or consequence of his new owners, all the while learning important lessons along the way that are relatable to human life. I believe this is what makes the story so successful. The viewer is on the journey with Black Beauty and is rooting for him to find a happy, loving home. Even when he’s treated unfairly, he still keeps his integrity and works hard at whatever he is asked to do. The “Because of that…” moments really shine a light on his personality and make you fall in love with him.

The movie ends with Beauty ending up in the hands of a man that took care of him when he was a young colt, and you can’t help but feel relief and joy that he never has to worry again. The storyline does an amazing job of encouraging you to empathize with Beauty because it takes time to focus on the grace and elegance that make horses so beautiful and loved by people. There are many scenes of horses running in beautiful English meadows and fields. This is juxtaposed with scenes of work horse barns in busy cities with cold, hard cobblestone roads. All along you know where Beauty is meant to be and you can’t stop watching until the end to make sure he ends up safe.

Black Beauty is successful at incorporating Ashley Fell’s four I’s and this is what makes it a timeless classic:

• Interest – The viewer’s interest is maintained the entire movie as Black beauty changes owners and homes. He is involved in many different experience that were unique to horse use in the late 1800’s, which is fascinating to watch.
• Instruct – It teaches kindness, integrity, hope, friendship and so much more. No matter what happens to Beauty, he never gives up and always gives 100% for whatever job he is assigned. This is inspiring for viewers and encourages them to be their best versions of themselves, even when the odds are stacked against them. Redemption will come.
• Involve – The trials and tribulations that Beauty faces are all the same ones that any human may face in their life. The story teaches a valuable lesson on how to handle those difficult challenges and rise above.
• Inspire – It’s hard to forget a beautiful, tall black horse with a quirky and loving personality. Black Beauty and all the other horse characters (and human characters) have such unique personality and life stories that are very intriguing. Also being a period piece, the movie is fascinating to watch to see what life was like in the late 18oo’s in England. All of this make the story very memorable. I believe people will take action after watching this movie, and that is to treat horses, and ultimately all living things, with kindness and love. The story teaches that everyone has their unique life story and those we meet along the way can be there to help us or hurt us. The lesson is to be someone that will help others, no matter what.

If you haven’t seen the movie, I encourage you to watch it. If you have seen it, I’d love to know what you think!