Song of the Horse
Song of the Horse

Movie spotlight

Song of the Horse

1970
Movie
73 min
Japanese

Akira Kurosawa’s only television work—a lyrical documentary that follows a thoroughbred from birth and training to the Japan Derby—framed by a grandfather’s narration to his grandson about the fading bond between people and horses.

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic83/100
Google Users92%
Director: Arthur PennGenres: Western, Drama

Plot Summary

In the rugged American West, a young Native American orphan, Jack Crabb, recounts his tumultuous life journey. From surviving a massacre to becoming a legendary gunslinger and encountering figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, Jack's story is a sprawling epic of the American frontier and the clash of cultures. He grapples with identity, violence, and the changing landscape of the West, seeking his place in a world that often misunderstands him.

Critical Reception

"Little Big Man" was critically acclaimed for its revisionist take on Western mythology, its dark humor, and Dustin Hoffman's transformative performance. Critics praised Arthur Penn's direction for balancing epic scope with intimate character study. Audience reception was generally positive, appreciating its unique narrative and thought-provoking themes, though its unconventional approach and length were noted by some.

What Reviewers Say

  • A sprawling, epic Western that boldly subverts traditional genre tropes.

  • Dustin Hoffman delivers a career-defining performance as the titular "Little Big Man".

  • Arthur Penn's direction masterfully blends historical sweep with sharp satire.

Google audience: Viewers lauded the film for its unique perspective on frontier history, its humor, and Dustin Hoffman's incredible performance. Many appreciated its lengthy but engaging narrative that offered a different take on well-known Western figures and events.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Actor (Dustin Hoffman) and Best Adapted Screenplay. Also received nominations for Golden Globe Awards and BAFTA Awards.

Fun Fact

The character of Jack Crabb is based on Thomas Berger's 1964 novel of the same name, which itself was inspired by the diaries of Jack Crabb, a fictional frontiersman.

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