The Horse Whisperer

Director: Robert Redford
Producer: Patrick Markey, Robert Redford
Screenwriter: Eric Roth, Richard LaGravenese
Stars: Robert Redford, Kristin Scott Thomas, Sam Neill, Dianne Wiest, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Cooper
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Year of Release: 1998
Released on Video: 11/01/98

A young girl, Grace, and her beloved prized horse are seriously injured in a bad accident that leaves them both psychically scarred. Believing that the best hope for healing her daughter is to heal the horse, the mother, Annie, travels to Montana with Grace and horse to seek the aid of master trainer, Tom. His technique involves almost mystical efforts to understand the horse and slowly gain its trust. Tom’s unorthodox ways not only heal horse and daughter, they also unearth Annie’s long-repressed pains and passions, forcing her to confront her own complicity in the creation of her lifeless marriage.

Viewing Suggestion:

Notice the slow but steady, gradual healing process for the horse, daughter and mother. They do not give up and eventually go through a transformation.

Ask Yourself:

- Do you believe that you will never be able to heal the emotional pain that you are experiencing right now?
- Do you remember a time in your life when you were able experience emotional healing like Annie and Grace although you didn’t think it was possible?
- If this was possible, do you consider that you might have the capacity to heal again?
- Does Annie’s and Grace’s capacity to find healing for their emotional wounds remind you of possibly neglected resources inside you that might help you to achieve the same?