Touchstone Pictures recently released “Hidalgo,” a movie based on the life of Frank T. Hopkins, the “mixed blooded” American and Native American who began his life as an outcast and ended as both a legend and a legacy.Viggo Mortensen, recently seen as Aragorn in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, plays the leading role of Frank Hopkins. The movie is set in the late 1800s and early 1900s and is the action-adventure of one man’s journey for personal redemption.

While the movie is named for Hopkins’ horse, Hidalgo, the movie is actually about one of the finest riders of the “wild west” and the story that formed when he was invited to participate as the first American and “infidel” in the Ocean of Fire, an annual 3000-mile race held across the Arabian Desert. The race not only “pitted him against the finest Arabian horses and riders” but also against himself and the life he tried to hide. Hopkins’ and his horse enlist for the race at first to win the $100,000 purse.

When he arrives, he is immediately dispelled as no competition for riding an American mustang instead of a thoroughbred. However, when he starts to prove himself, his competitors vow victory and “the race becomes not only a matter of pride and honor but a fight for survival as they (Hopkins and Hidalgo) attempt the impossible.” Halfway through the race, some of the competitors stage numerous attempts to kill them.

The story then unfolds as more than just a race. It becomes a movie about finding oneself in the vast “ocean.” Hopkins and Hidalgo grow closer together and discover who they both really are and what they must do when they realize this. The ending will be left for those that see the movie.

At first, I was kind of upset when I thought the director was only going to talk about the great race. However, as the movie progressed, I began to realize that there was more in the plot than meets the eye. I highly enjoyed this movie and give it one of the highest ratings possible, even though almost everyone else said it was no better than a C+.

To those, I say “phtbbb! (stick out tongue and blow while making noise)” The movie was probably just as moving as “The Passion.” While it did not make $20 million its first day, it can inspire you to be a better person by realizing that even an outcast can make large difference — you will understand at the end of the movie. So take 136 min. (2 hours 16 minutes) out of your hectic schedule and sit back for both an adventure and an awakening to an almost lost aspect of American history/culture: the wild west cowboy.