I think it’s probably best that I start off buy saying that I have a vested interest in reviewing this DVD, that being that my middle daughter has high functioning autism. However, despite the pretext of this documentary, I wasn’t looking for the hope of a cure, just for the valuable insights of another family dealing in there own way with the perilous path that can be living with autism.
Based on book of the same name, The Horse Boy is an intimate look at the struggles and triumphs of autism, wrapped up equally with a crazy, once in a lifetime adventure, and an insight into shamanic tradition and healing. The documentary focuses on Rowan Isaacson an autistic child who one day discovers that he has a special bond with horses.
Rowan’s father comes up with the crazy idea of taking Rowan to Mongolia, where horse riding originated, and where shamanic healing is still widespread. It’s an amazing journey that starts in Texas, spends a long time on the wide open Mongolian Steppe to the sacred Lake Sharga and deep into Siberia. The journey is full of triumphs and disappointment, but it is a journey no one regrets taking.
Interspersed throughout are snippets of interviews with experts in the field of autism, helping to provide valuable insights into one of the most misunderstood conditions in the world.
Whilst The Horse Boy is not the most highly polish documentary you’re likely to see, nor does it have the sexy emotion of The Cove or the in your face sarcasm of a Michael Moore doco, it does have a huge amount of heart, and raw honesty. It’s a journey of trial an error, where the parents ultimately come the to conclusion that, despite all it’s challenges, autism is in fact something rather wonderful.
Do they find the healing they so desperately sought – well, you’ll have to watch the documentary for yourself to discover that.
I’m going to give The Horse Boy a high rating, but will say that it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. It is after all a documentary about autism, that some viewers won’t be able to relate to. Reviewed by: Jonathan Read Rating: [M] Contains low level offensive language. Released on: August 27th, 2009 Length (Minutes): 93 Aspect Ratio: 1.85 : 1 Languages: English Supported Audio: Dolby Digital Surround 2.0 Director: Scott, Michael Studio: Roadshow [ad#filmguide-1]
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There is something about me..
