Horses: The Story of Equus

Before being domesticated some 6,000 years ago, horses were threatened by climate change and hunted to near extinction, although today 60 million are scattered around the globe, performing multiple tasks and often enjoying a unique bond with humans. This IMAX documentary, narrated by Gabriel Byrne, offers a dramatized portrait of three subjects—The Chestnut, The Bay, and The Black—who are all shown from the moment of birth but embark on very different lives. The Chestnut, bred for racing, boasts a proud pedigree dating back to the 18th century; after being injured in a race, she is slowly brought back to recovery, then retired for breeding a possible future line of champions. The Bay starts out in the world of show jumping and riding, but proves incompatible with his rider and master and is sold to a trainer who lovingly guides him to a successful career doing movie stunt work. The Black escapes from a trailer while being transported to a ranch; free but defenseless, he roams the wilderness, faces an inhospitable winter, and is rejected by a wild “bachelor herd.” Briefly recaptured, the horse once again flees to the open range. Like most IMAX documentaries, Horses is more style than substance, but it features first-class production qualities, gorgeous wide open Australian vistas, and a Celtic-flavored music soundtrack to back its inspiring message about the animals' courage and loyalty. Recommended. Aud: P. (S. Rees)