The Man from Snowy River (1982)

With its unforgettably heroic story, its stunning cinematography, and acting performances that are uniformly excellent, THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER is one thrilling adventure you won't want to miss. Set during the 1880's, when the Australian frontier was as wild and dangerous as the American West, the film follows the exploits of a handsome youth (Tom Burlinson) who sets out to tame a wild herd of horses. Taking on a challenge many men had attempted before him, he rides deep into the treacherous and untamed wilderness of his native timberlands where boys become men fast - or die trying. Featuring Kirk Douglas in a remakable dual role and highlighted by a climactic chase involving 40 horsemen and 90 wild stallioins thundering across snow-covered peaks, THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER is destined to become a legendary film!

Old-fashioned Romantic Adventure

This film is just as wonderful today as it was at the time of its release. A terrific story of an old romantic rivalry, a legendary wild horse, and a young man from the high country is played out against the rugged but gorgeous Australian landscape. It is cinematically beautiful, dark silhouettes of horses and two people falling in love captured in front of the orange and blue hues of the majestic plains.

Tom Burlinson is great as the young man trying to earn his right to live in the high country after a legendary horse named Stallion causes his father's death in a stampede. Kirk Douglass has a dual role here as Tom's friend, a crusty but lovable miner who has been working the same claim for years, and his brother, a rich cattle rancher he goes to work for.

Sigrid Thornton is beautiful as the daughter of the rancher, her dead mother being the key to the long years of hatred between he and his brother. Burlinson and Thornton begin an innocent but very real romance cemented when he saves her life in a storm. Her father, of course, is against it, but Tom's chance to prove himself comes when an expensive colt who may have ties to Stallion gets loose and starts running with the wild Brombies.

This is a beautiful and romantic saga that has an ending full of hope, which is really only a beginning. It is grand adventure and sterling entertainment that everyone in the family can enjoy. The romance between Burlinson and Thornton is old-fashioned and charming. The action sequences, especially the chase of a wild herd through the high mountains and snow, are beautifully filmed. There are fine performances in this adventure and it will hold a special place in your heart once you see it. An excellent film for the entire family. August 1, 2008

Lovely movie, very well done, very Australian

Lovely scenery, good acting, classic family movie. We like it a lot.

The only thing about this movie is-watch out for the accents! If you have trouble understanding Australians, you may get a bit lost.

Be sure to see "Return to Snowy River"; in it the main character comes back more sure of himself, rather like Luke Skywalker in "Return Of The Jedi" July 14, 2008

Great Movie... Widescreen?

Be sure to compare this version with the "anamorphic" version for aspect ratio. Although listed as "widescreen" in part of the description, the Aspect Ratio given of 1.33:1 is for "standard", not widescreen televisions!

Excellent film about proving your manhood and winning love. Horse lovers typically enjoy the movie for the man-horse bond and general nobility inferred to the animal. The trick horse riding through-out the feature, particularly the dangerous mountain riding, are thrilling to watch. March 3, 2008

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