Unbranded

Saw this tonight in a theater full of horse people, and we all loved it. Scenic, accurate in terms of back country riding, well produced and filmed. I was pleasantly surprised, expecting a much rougher go-pro kind of thing, but this was slick, well edited and a lot of fun to watch.

Not much to say about it plot-wise, but you do get a little deeper look at the human dynamics of almost six months on the trail than you'd expect, not to mention a balanced look at the politics of preserving the Mustangs.

This is a documentary straight out of today's west, showing a lifestyle that's unfettered, offering a welcome relief from all the urban blow-em-ups and superheroes in movies now. It's authentic, even to the cowboy poet singing his own song about the ride. It's well worth seeing, and is one you could take kids to.

I really loved this movie, couldn't help but feel a little jealous of the adventure. Beautiful scenery.

I do want to touch on one thing--Powers is a producer and I think had much more say in how this movie was put together than the other three. The editing suggested that to me, and with research I'd say it's true. I think it's a shame that any of the drama was portrayed in this movie. If it added to the story, I'd say fine, but it seemed more an excuse to show how mature Powers was in relation to everyone else.

The guy at the end who left a mile was blown up beyond what it needed to be. It was poetic in a way and should be every man's journey. The fact that Powers kept calling them "his" crew and "his" horses left a bad taste in my mouth. His melodramatic comments made him look egocentric and false.

I don't think the other riders were showcased nearly as much as they needed to be, and I think Powers was showcased a little too much, but that is my only gripe. The movie was pleasant to watch, inspirational, and I have to hand it to all of them.

I recently watched this movie on Netflix.

Although, this was a beautifully crafted film, I have to note that it was obviously underwritten by the BLM. What seemingly started out championing the superiority of the natural selection of mustangs, quickly turned into a propaganda piece promoting the removal of wild horses from public lands.

There were outright lies about the number of wild horses on the range, their breeding habits, and the effect they have on the ecology of the land. There are over 6,000,000 cattle grazing on public lands and approximately 50,000 wild horses. They want to reduce that to 20,000. It is cattle that destroy the land. Horses are always moving. As stated in the film, horses typically travel 26 miles per day. They never stop long enough to destroy forage. Cattle on the other hand stay in one place until they've decimated the landscape. They are then moved to another area where they do the same thing. The man who picked up the remains of a clump of prairie grass blamed that on the horses? No way.

The BLM's plan for removal and birth control will render the herds' breeding unviable. Under it, our American Mustangs will soon be extinct. This is what the BLM wants. They are in service to the cattle and mining industries.

At first glance to someone not familiar with equines, this is a very romantic and exciting film. But to any horse person, these young men were careless in their planning, and reckless in the execution of the trek. That resulted in some tragic consequences.

I am sorry if this film has any influence with the public over wild horse management. It doesn't represent the truth on this issue.

I had no real expectations before seeing this film. All I knew was that it was about a long trail ride. What I got was simply a great look into an adventure experienced by four recent college grads, but not in a Where The Boys Are scenario. These young men undertook a trek riding mustangs from the Mexican to the Canadian border through the amazing public lands of the West. The controversial management of the wild horse herds in America was looked at impartially from both sides. Beautifully filmed and edited, this film will be earning multiple honors if there is any justice in the world of cinema. It is one of the best made documentaries I've seen in years. Not a moment drags. The challenges faced and overcome with strength, friendship, humor, and guts should give us hope that the character of America's young people is still strong. One great movie!

I have already viewed this film multiple times & I, personally was impressed. Yet I see multiple other written reviews from clearly soft handed city folk.

As stated in the film, wild mustangs are always moving, the only difference is the encroachment of modern society which inhibits their natural migration not to mention horses also are meant for traversing hundreds of miles. The amount of complaints from non-horse people is laughable.

Their plan was not 100% perfect, nor was the terrain a smooth, leisurely ride but it wouldn't have been 300 years ago.

I understand the concern for the horses, & it goes without saying that they do deserve to be treated & handled properly but their journey wasn't "unnatural" by any means.

For those of whom lack the ability to apply logic & reasoning, as well as realizing horses are built for tough work & long journeys. I have owned horses since I was a youngin' & nothing I seen in this film was bad enough for me to denounce their actions.

Calm down you scrawny nags.