User reviews

I saw this movie in a middle school class. It was quite an adventurous story, about a daredevil woman who rides horses off of high dives. However, an accident involving one of the horse falling off a very high platform changes her life forever.

It was a somewhat entertaining, dramatic and adventurous movie from what I remember, with some good acting and a good story-line with achieving one's goals.

It's also quite a nostalgic film that reminds you of the old days (as it is set during the Great Depression). It's a good one for the entire family.

Grade B

I didn't think this was as good as hyped at the time of its release, but it was still a nice, old-fashioned film and Gabrielle Anwar as "Sonora Webster" was a pleasure to watch. I'm sorry she never developed into a major star, although she's stayed busy in her acting career.

This is a based-on-a true story and if a woman really performed diving horse acts while blind, well, that is incredible. This is certainly an inspiring story.

I enjoyed looking at the recreation of the Atlantic City Boardboard during its heyday. Oveall, the colors could have been better in this film, however. There was too much brown, but it's not a major problem.

The story is the thing here and in that aspect, it's a winner.

Alas, I saw the trailer for this film before watching it (a practice I've now stopped) so I was aware of the 'big twist'. This didn't, however, impact one jot my enjoyment of this rousing tale of a spirited small town girl who breaks free from her humdrum life to live out her dream as someone who jumps off a diving board on horseback into a pool of water(!) Yes, I know it sounds daft, but we're talking about the 30's here... No internet, no TV and hardly anyone could afford to go to the movies. In other words, Hell On Earth.

Regardless, she overcomes many obstacles along the way, including a massive one later on... Which I will not reveal. She also falls in love with her bosses son, which is a tad creepy as she's playing a schoolgirl of about 14 and he must be about 30. The actress was about 20 in real life, but it still leaves a slightly bad taste in the mouth. Ick. If you can get over that though, it's good stuff all the way with arresting characters and a decent feeling for the period. It's one of the more polished Disney live-action films I've seen, and is well worth your time... 7/10

It's 1932. Sonora Webster (Gabrielle Anwar) is a head-strong orphan in Waycross, Georgia living with her younger sister under her aunt. She gets into trouble at school. Then she reads an ad for a diving horse rider. Her aunt is about to give her over to the State. She runs away to ride the diving horse for Dr Carver (Cliff Robertson) in his carnival act. First she comes to the rescue to Dr. Carver's son, Al (Michael Schoeffling) after he's caught cheating at cards. Bumbling Clifford Henderson (Dylan Kussman) immediately falls for the beauty. The diving horse job is already taken by Marie (Kathleen York). Al helps Sonora to tame a new wild horse.

This movie has the feel of a well-made TV movie. Director Steve Miner can't seem to raise the level of the production. Anwar is a beauty but there is a spark of innocence missing. She is playing only a plucky one-note performance. That is more due to the writing. There's also an over-romanticization in this movie. In the end, this is at the level of a simple watchable TV movie but not much more.

I LOVE this movie!!! I must have seen it about twenty times so far, and I just watched it again today. Gabrielle Anwar is outstanding and beautiful (which makes me wonder why the photo used on the box is the most unflattering one I've ever seen of her). Cliff Roberston is perfect as Al's dad. Dylan Kussman and Kathleen York deliver exciting and great supporting performances throughout. Michael Schoeffling is gorgeous, and he is also an amazing actor... too bad he gave up on his acting career after this movie, just when it was starting to take off. Myself and hundreds of others would love to see him make a return!

Getting back to the movie, I feel so connected to the characters every time I watch it. While some people like it because of the horses, or because of the moral of the story, I just like the movie itself! I admire every aspect of it: the casting, filming, the set, and the true romance that is illustrated between Al and Sonora. The subtly delicate friendships and relationships between all the characters also add to the movie. I also greatly enjoyed the songs on the soundtrack, which are pretty much impossible to find anywhere else.

Although it's a twelve-year old movie, (that in itself makes me sad) it lives on through the heads and hearts of the people who continue to watch it again and again, like myself. I also firmly believe that if the movie were to be re-released into theaters today, it would be very successful. SEE IT!

This movie is a typical Girl and her Horse tale (no pun intended), but it's one that has more heart and realism than any movie of it's kind. It's a perfect family movie, something you should feel good about showing your kids and can enjoy yourself... but you should know that it has many of the clichés of the genre. (You'll understand when you see it) also, it doesn't completely focus on the horses, they remain in the backdrop while the entire movie focuses on this girl and her love story with a really attractive young man. If you have really young kids, this might not interest them... However, this is also a strength of the movie, since you don't have to love animals (or horses for that matter) in order to appreciate the depth and emotion in this heartfelt and sincere but often overlooked movie.

Maybe I am just sentimental, but I love this movie. I saw it when it first came out when I was about 13 or 14. It is a sweet story and Michael Schoeffling (playing Al Carver) is one of my favorite actors. He is no longer acting. I believe he quit his acting career to raise his family (which I think is commendable). The

storyline is interesting and romantic. I love horses and watching them dive is pretty phenomenal. I don't know how close it is to the true story, but it's

fascinating to watch Sonora (played by Gabrielle Anwar) overcome such

tremendous obstacles. It is a safe movie to show any child and most girls will like it if only because of the horses. Almost all of the characters are memorable and play their parts well. Well worth the viewing!

Absolute schmaltz, this movie is the core of many girl-nights and sleepovers from my youth. Michael Schoeffling is so delicious, and I don't know why he never made it too bigtime. I think Gabrielle Anwar is talented in her subtlety, even though this movie is so Disney, so superficial and sugary. Red-headed carnival boy (plays role of "Clifford") is pretty good too.

It's nice, it's family-friendly...take it to entertain some young girls while babysitting or something.

I cannot believe they make us write these things to ten lines. Am I in detention? I mean, really now, I used to believe in "brevity is the soul of wit" and all that. Anyhoo, here's your stinkin' 10 lines. Have a g'day, dear reader of mine. Cheers.

Based on a true story, this film is not only entertaining, but as inspirational as they come; a paean to the indomitability of the human spirit in the face of the kind of adversity that would make most of us simply roll over and quit. It's the story of the kind of challenges life can throw at anyone at random, and then follow up with yet another curve that seemingly takes it beyond the limits of human endurance. It's a film that should be required viewing for anyone who has ever cried out that the world owes them a living, because the message of `Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken,' directed by Steve Miner, is that `Life' isn't fair, but when the worst happens you have to pick yourself up by the bootstraps and get on with it; nobody's going to do it for you. It has something to do with a little thing called `pride,' and everything to do with the courage and tenacity it takes for someone to at least try to stand up when even the very hand of Fate seems bent on keeping them down. There's a very definite lesson to be learned from this story; a lesson of which many living in the world today would be well advised to take note.

In 1932, the Great Depression is on, but times are even more trying for teenager Sonora Webster (Gabrielle Anwar), who after losing her parents is taken in by her aunt, only to be told that because of financial difficulties besetting her own family, Sonora must be given over to the state. Undaunted, the head-strong Sonora, even at such a tender age takes it upon herself to set the course of her own life. She packs a bag and runs off to answer an ad placed in the newspaper by a certain Doctor Carver (Cliff Robertson), a showman looking for able young ladies to train as `diving girls' for his show.

As part of a traveling circus, Doctor Carver currently has only one diving girl, Marie (Kathleen York); the act entails diving a horse off a forty foot tower into a pool of water. Carver is skeptical that the young Sonora can do it, but she is adamant and refuses to leave until he gives her a chance. And so he does; Carver hires her, but as a stable hand. What he doesn't know is that he's just hired a girl who refuses to give up on something once she's set her mind to it, and when Sonora takes the job, it puts a hay fork in her hand, but her determined eye is on a horse, as well as that forty foot tower looming above that pool of water, beckoning to her, even as a dream borne on the wings of desire. And in her heart, Sonora knows that it won't be long before she's up there, herself. Up on the top of the world.

Working from a screenplay by Matt Williams and Oley Sassone, Miner delivers a poignant film that works at the heart strings, but at the same time circumvents any undo sentimentality. In light of the tragedy that befalls Sonora, this film could easily have played on sympathy and portrayed her as a victim of happenstance. But to be known as a victim would have been the last thing in the world the real Sonora Webster would have wanted; indeed, she took the lemons life handed her and made the proverbial lemonade, refusing to be a `victim' in any sense of the word. And that is the Sonora that Miner presents here, as he emphasizes the positive aspects of her life and what she accomplished, rather than dwelling upon the negative. It's a story of pluck and determination, the message of which is delivered in a straightforward manner by Miner, without resorting to any superfluous action or melodrama to sell it. This is a story that the filmmakers were wise enough to recognize would stand on it's own, without any attempt at dramatic enhancement. They have taken some license as far as certain dates and specific lengths of time involved, and certain elements are compacted in order to move the story along; but the important thing is, the essential elements of Sonora's life and her incredible achievements are portrayed accurately.

Young Gabrielle Anwar gives a performance in which she perfectly captures Sonora's spirit and the stubbornness that refused to allow her to give in to any and all of the obstacles life put in her path. Through Anwar's portrayal, we see a girl who overcomes the most heartbreaking situations by always looking forward; a true individual who always sees the glass as half full rather than half empty, and it's Anwar who makes that vital connection with the audience happen. It's a solid performance, worthy of the character she so ably brings to the screen.

Cliff Robertson gives a memorable performance, as well, as Doctor Carver. He affects an outwardly ostentatious look and attitude that marks him as a true showman-- he looks like Buffalo Bill in full regalia-- but he indicates an individual of some complexity residing beneath it all. And there is a reserve to his performance that contradicts his appearance and effectively points up that intricacy of his nature. Most importantly, Robertson is convincing, and it makes the flamboyant Doctor Carver very real.

The one weakness of the film is in the performance of Michael Schoeffling as Al, Doctor Carver's son. He has the chiseled features of a GQ model, and though his portrayal is passable, it lacks the depth that would've made it a bit more believable. He comes across as something of a `wooden' Matt Dillon, and while his performance does not necessarily detract from the film, neither does it add anything. It's a minor consideration, though, that `Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken' manages to transcend quite effectively. In the end, this film is a thoroughly satisfying and emotional experience. 9/10.

Absolute schmaltz, this movie is the core of many girl-nights and sleepovers from my youth. Michael Schoeffling is so delicious, and I don't know why he never made it too bigtime. I think Gabrielle Anwar is talented in her subtlety, even though this movie is so Disney, so superficial and sugary. Red-headed carnival boy (plays role of "Clifford") is pretty good too.

It's nice, it's family-friendly...take it to entertain some young girls while babysitting or something.

I cannot believe they make us write these things to ten lines. Am I in detention? I mean, really now, I used to believe in "brevity is the soul of wit" and all that. Anyhoo, here's your stinkin' 10 lines. Have a g'day, dear reader of mine. Cheers.

When I learned Disney was going to make this film, I was excited because I heard there were once diving horses. But I could not have been more pleased with the intro given when I watched it and taped it off TV with Michael Eisner introducing it. He assured the viewers that no horses were injured and they jumped willingly. I knew it would be interesting then. So, I just cannot stress enough how wonderful and well made this film is ... it is family friendly, yet not sappy sweet... it is strong and interesting every bit of the way. While I enjoyed this film multiples of time, I try to pick it apart, but cannot find flaws in continuity or anywhere else. It is very entertaining and enjoyable to watch. After watching this film for about the 20th time (by myself, or with my kids) it was then only after reading the credits that I learned that the gray horse was played by two different horses and myself and my good eyes for horses could not pick that out. This is the best equine continuity job I've ever seen in a film (where more than one horse was used for the same horse). I love the acting, the interaction between characters and the gentle and strong ways love is depicted. I never get tired of this movie and rate it only second to The Black Stallion as the 2nd best equine movie ever made... and that is coming from somebody that knows horses.

I watched this movie as a teen and would not hesitate to show it to my family. This is a sweet movie about overcoming adversity and realizing your dreams, and does not pander to the juvenile tastes that prevail in many family movies today.

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken has intelligent, thoughtful dialogue, and addresses some of our deeper fears, i.e. losing family, not being wanted, and other problems that Sonora encounters throughout the movie. Sonora also has a romantic interest that is played out in a very family-oriented way, not full of the bawdy humor that current moviemakers feel is necessary, even in children's movies.

On the negative side, most of the time you are rooting for Sonora, and at other times her abrasive "I can do it myself" attitude can be somewhat annoying, but I guess that's what made her a star!

Heartwarming, heartbreaking, great acting, emotional, and this movie has it all. This was one of my favorite movies as a child. I must have seen it 20 times. I watched it again as an adult as I do with all of my childhood favorites, and it was just as good. Good, clean movies are hard to come by these days. This is great for any age. I highly recommend it!

This movie is so incredibly fantastic that I have no words for it. It is perfect! I would never have loved horses if it weren't for this movie. I watch it all the time. I even have seven copies of it! If you only see one movie in your entire life please let it be Wild Hearts Can't be Broken! It is an A+++++++ winner!!!!! This is the best movie in the entire world. It is excellent!

This is about an abusive, heartless sport that should not have ever existed

When i first heard of this movie and thought " Hey cool!! Horses!!", needless to say i was 12 years old and wanted a horse very bad. As i watch Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken i felt deeply touched by it's plot and fell in love with the movie. I think that it shows a unique perspective of the Depression and of life during that time. All people compliment each other great, and i find something different about each one every time i watch it. This movie has gotten me through some hard time by just realizing that if you are given a bad situation, it's up to you to decide how you are going to handle it.

This movie touched my heart when I saw it and I can't wait to watch it again after reading the review that talked of its complexities. Some movies touch your spirit and this was one for me... great to show to children!

Apparently my review was not long enough... sometimes you amaze at horses as they charge into battle and sometimes you amaze at horses as they charge off platforms for a bit of spotlight and if this sport would have or should have been controversial... as a child I hadn't a thought along those lines. The movie is full of love, passion, and determination.

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken is a wonderful movie that deserves to be watched. The writers did a great job capturing the essence of this true story. It's inspiring and endearing, full of energy and romance. I absolutely LOVE this movie. It always feels fresh and new, like I'm discovering it all over again every time I watch it.

I love the cinematography in this movie. Each shot is set up like a piece of art, capturing the scenery and the mood just right. The actors play each scene deliberately and with purpose, giving you a real sense of what it must've been to live in the Depression era.

This movie is perfect for all ages. I'm nearly 30, and I discovered this as my favorite movie when I was 11. I've watched it dozens of times over the years, and will continue to watch it for years to come.

Okay, this is one of those harmless family movies, and nothing I can write will turn anyone away -- if you've seen one movie of this style, you know exactly what you're getting into. For those who may wonder, you're getting into a movie where the best acting comes from the horses, where the writing is about TV-movie quality if not a little worse, where the good characters are flawless and the bad ones are irredeemable... But there are a few surprisingly good lines, the costuming and sets are faithful to the Depression Era, and the inevitable Overly Dramatic Climax (it's in all of these) is actually rather touching. It's followed by an ending so abrupt you might get whiplash, but it is the moment that defines the movie, and for that, this movie merits a viewing, if only to have something positive to occupy your family's evening.