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The desert has always attracted human attention. Thousands and thousands of kilometers of sand, dunes, sun, heat, land...
Hidalgo-Ocean of Fire is an adventure film directed by the American director Joe Johnston, already known for films such as the third Jurassic chapter and Jumanji. This feature film, released in theaters in 2004, describes the story of Frank Hopkins, a real-life courier from the American army, who, together with his faithful mustang Hidalgo, was the undisputed dominator of long-distance horse races. Frank (a great Viggo Mortensen), after witnessing the massacre of Wounded Knee Creek, decides under pressure from his tribe to undertake a gruelling 3000-mile race in the Arabian desert to reach Damascus in Syria.
Although the plot may seem predictable or just the basis of an adventure film and nothing more, the director weaves the purely "competitive" storyline with twists of internal conflict within the organizing Arab family led by the old Ryadh (Omar Sharif). Most notably, the decision to focus on the exaltation of the friendship between Hidalgo and Frank is apt, bringing us back to what we've already seen in Dances with Wolves. A friendship that keeps them united even in the most difficult conditions and fighting against characters who only wish for the end of the "cowboy."
Weaving the work with a not-so-subtle critique of American foreign policy, (see the American arriving in the East to challenge local families), Johnston demonstrates a good command of the camera, skillfully navigating between sublime landscapes and essential shots. The commendable use of special effects, never too overused, is worth noting. However, the film falls short in its attempt to fully engage the audience in battles that only serve to increase confusion. A mix of "bad guys" that ultimately proves detrimental to the plot twists.
Ocean of Fire presents itself as a work without great pretensions. A journey of redemption between fun and adventure. A story teetering between continuous western references and an atmosphere of drama that culminates in an expected yet immensely exciting finale.
"God made all men equal, Mr. Colt made them different."
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