The Colt (2005) Reviews

• Important messages, beautiful cinematography, family friendly

  akross022005-07-12

  THE COLT presented in a straightforward manner the tragedies of war from the individual soldier's point of view, on both sides. Important message for children to understand is that there are "good guys", decent human beings, on both sides. (This reminded me of some of Tolstoi's scenes in WAR and PEACE where one sees other individual soldiers struggling with the horrors of war). The interplay between this wonderful little animal and the soldiers was another effective way to teach children about caring for something more vulnerable and innocent than ourselves. I found the cinematography very beautiful at times and would enjoy sharing this film with many other friends and family, preferably with commercials left to the end or presented at the beginning.

• A colt helps men reflect on their lives in a time of war.

  wlvrn-12005-07-11

  The title is deceiving, this movie is much more than a tale about horses. Not being one for sappy animal movies, I was a bit skeptical at first. However, I was curious to see Merriman's performance after watching him years ago on the television series THE PRETENDER so I tuned in. With the Civil War as a backdrop, the story of the colt and men engaged in regiments was very moving. I laughed, cried, and even sat on the edge of my seat at times. It made me analyze history and human behavior. This story explored emotion and compassion that are often neglected in the history books. Suddenly, the Civil War becomes more complex and unnerving- leaving the viewer an opportunity to see humans at their best and worst. Merriman was superb and connected you to his plight as a young Union soldier far from home, trying hard to protect the innocent colt. If you enjoy historical drama, action, and social commentary you will enjoy this film.

• Well-acted Civil War story

  bdfrech2005-07-15

  This movie is well acted, and the colt shows the humanity of people even during a war. If you haven't seen a civil war movie in some time this is an interesting look at this time in our history without taking away from the essential theme that all civil war movies try to show which is that it was a vicious war with lots of suffering from both the north and south and no one was exempt from the horrors of the war. The Colt takes you away from the brutality and makes the characters seem more humane. The character of Jim is well acted and I would be surprised if this Kid is not a big star someday. The ending works for the story, but I was hoping it would have ended differently.

• Very good movie about the Civil War

  luvsweetpuppy2005-10-02

  I loved this movie! I saw it when it first aired on Hallmark Channel back in July earlier this summer. I loved it so much that I went out and purchased the DVD. The Colt is about a young union soldier who just lost his brother in a fight and shortly afterwords his mare gives birth to a colt. The men in the 1st Michigan infantry see luck and hope in the little colt. Although some won't admit most of the men fall in love with the colt. If you saw and liked Glory and Gods and Generals then I think you'll love The Colt! You can now buy it on DVD and VHS and also it was on yesterday on Hallmark!

• Must-See, Poignant Civil War Story

  Enrique-Sanchez-562006-01-11

  This is what I usually want to see when I see any story about war. The men who fight in wars are human beings. They harbor their own dreams, apart from the dreams which the war they fight in tries to instill into them. It reminds me of the last scene in "All Quiet on the Western Front." Man's This is not another movie about the Civil War. It does not gloss over the ugly parts and it does not make the tender parts too pretty. What it does reveal is that men will always be weak and strong, and brave and scared and that to fight in a war is one of, is not the, most difficult thing a man can do in his life. If we can be grateful, in the face of these calamities, it can only be vainglorious in contrast to the very sacrifices which we can only imagine were made on our behalf and will be made on our behalf for much more time to come. While The Colt may only be a story, it had to be made. Mainly because as long as men fight wars, they must never forget that there is honor in many other things that war does not reveal about men. I recommend it very highly.