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"A 'Running'
Triumph"
by Scott Mantz
"Running Free"
Chase Moore, Jan Decleir
Directed by Sergei Bodrov
It's a cruel
world. Surviving the elements and the environment can be tough enough
without having to worry about the people who surround us in our
daily lives. What was once an optimistic view of the world can become
tainted by constant cruelty from others, but only through our inner
strength and perseverance can we fully appreciate the true beauty
that awaits us. Sometimes the best example of the triumph of the
human spirit can come not from a person, but from an animal. That's
the case with "Running Free," and the result is a sensitive and
powerful film that goes straight for the heart of the whole family.
Lucky is a colt
born en route to South Africa in 1914, where he and his fellow horses
await the hard labor of working the copper mines of Namibia. Lucky
is separated from his mother and left to die in the sweltering heat
before he is discovered by Richard (Chase Moore), an orphaned stable
boy. He pleads with the stern mining administrator (Jan Decleir)
to keep Lucky, during which time he nurses him back to health. They
form a strong bond, but when the fighting from World War I reaches
the encampment, Lucky is left behind with the rest of the herd.
Now on his own, he faces his toughest challenge yet in his search
for food, an identity, and a place to call home.
"Running Free"
is yet another example of a film that, like "Babe" and "The Black
Stallion," has the maturity to appeal to adults, the tenderness
to appeal to kids, and an inspiring message to appeal to both. It
is touching without being sappy, sad without being depressing, and
inspiring without being unrealistic. Like "Babe," Lucky holds on
to his idealistic vision of the world, despite his constant exposure
to the suffering around him. This may be all he's ever known, but
he still has the insight to question how people could act like this.
He is convinced that there has got to be something better out there,
and, in spite of all the danger, he ventures out on his own, gaining
strength with each passing day without ever losing his heart and
sensitivity.
Another element
that "Running Free" has in common with "Babe" is the relationship
between Lucky and the prize of the stable, Caesar. Just like Babe
had to prove himself on the farm, Lucky has to prove himself on
the stable by standing up to Caesar. Only when he accomplishes this
does Lucky finally pass into his adulthood. Also, the bond that
Lucky shares with Richard is touching and genuine. He nurses Lucky
back to health, giving him the strength to live. When Richard is
taken away, Lucky must use everything he has learned to survive,
and he picks up even more helpful tips from the wildlife he meets
during his journey.
Lucky's innermost
thoughts are voiced by Lucas Haas, who gives him his heart, his
soul, and his strength. His soft-spoken, naive, and optimistic narration
gives Lucky the type of character lacking in many of today's big-budget
Hollywood films. We feel the pain from his losses and the joy from
his triumphs, and we root for him every step of the way, thanks
to his endearing strength and perseverance.
Sergei Bodrov
has directed a stunning epic that captures the vast beauty of the
harsh South African desert. He depicts the tender moments between
Lucky and Richard, but he also depicts the harsh reality of life
on the copper mine, which resembles a sort of concentration camp
for the horses. When the mine is abandoned, and the horses are left
to fend for themselves, their liberation is replaced by the new
threat of survival. Supplementing this feel is "Life is Beautiful"
composer Nicola Piovani's touching and sensitive musical score,
which perfectly matches the look and feel of the story and its characters.
We all take
our freedom for granted, but the fact is, only by working for it
do we fully appreciate its true value. As dark as the horizon gets,
Lucky never loses hope. He retains his spirit and his strength by
focusing on the love and courage imbedded deep inside of him. If
that isn't inspiring, I don't know what is. His dedication to find
himself takes him on a wonderful journey across the beautiful South
African landscape, where he triumphs with the happiness that he--and
all of us--so richly deserves.
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