Watch Wild Horses
- NR
- 1985
- 1 hr 45 min
-
5.8 (144)
Wild Horses is a 1985 American Western drama film directed by Dick Lowry and starring Kenny Rogers, Pam Dawber, and Ben Johnson. The movie tells the story of a wealthy young woman named Vicky Teeter, played by Dawber, who returns to her grandfather's ranch in Montana after a long absence. However, things are not as she remembers them, and she soon discovers that the ranch is in financial trouble.
Vicky meets up with a local cowboy named Brady Hawkes, played by Rogers, who used to work on the ranch and who knows a thing or two about horses. He is also a champion card player who has come to Montana to compete in a poker tournament. Vicky convinces Brady to help her save her grandfather's ranch by putting his horse knowledge and card-playing skills to work.
As they work on saving the ranch, Vicky and Brady begin to develop romantic feelings for each other. They also run into a group of horse thieves who are stealing valuable livestock from local ranchers. The thieves are led by a dangerous man named Joe Meegan, played by Ben Johnson, who is wanted for murder. Brady and Vicky decide to team up to catch the thieves and bring them to justice.
The heart of the film is the relationship between Vicky and Brady. They come from very different worlds, with Vicky's privileged upbringing contrasting with Brady's rough-and-tumble cowboy lifestyle. Despite this, they have a spark of attraction that gradually builds over the course of the movie. Kenny Rogers gives a strong performance as Brady, and his chemistry with Pam Dawber is undeniable.
The film also boasts stunning landscapes and authentic Western scenery. The opening credits show footage of wild horses running free in the Montana wilderness, setting the tone for the rest of the film. Director Dick Lowry pays great attention to detail, and the sets and costumes all feel authentic to the time period.
Another area of the film that stands out is the action sequences. The finale of the movie involves a thrilling chase scene through the mountains as Brady and Vicky pursue the horse thieves. There are also several tense standoffs throughout the film as Brady and Vicky face off against the dangerous and volatile Joe Meegan. These scenes are well-choreographed and keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
One aspect of the movie that may not hold up to modern sensibilities is its treatment of Native American characters. The film portrays them in a stereotypical and somewhat offensive manner, with the use of war paint and headdresses. This is unfortunate, as the film could have benefited from a more nuanced and respectful portrayal of Native American culture.
Overall, Wild Horses is an entertaining Western drama that features strong performances, beautiful scenery, and exciting action sequences. It also has a touching love story at its core that makes the film more than just a straightforward action adventure. While it may not be remembered as a classic of the genre, it is certainly a worthwhile watch for fans of Westerns and romantic dramas alike.
Wild Horses is a 1985 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.