King of the Wind

King of the Wind is a captivating historical drama film from 1990. Directed by Peter Duffell and produced by Robert D. Cardona, it boasts a brilliant cast that includes Richard Harris, Glenda Jackson, Frank Finlay, Jenny Agutter, and Navin Chowdhry. The screenplay, written by Rita Mae Brown, is based on Marguerite Henry’s 1948 children's novel of the same name, which in turn, is loosely derived from the historical anecdotes of the Godolphin Arabian, one of the founding sires of the modern Thoroughbred racehorse stock.

Conceived against the exotic backdrop of Morocco and England in the 18th century, King of the Wind is essentially the spirited saga of a horse and his mute stable boy. Sakr, the horse, whose name means "falcon" is believed to bring ill fortune due to the streak of white colour on its heel. The horse's mother dies incidentally and tragically after his birth which consolidates the superstition.

The horse is gifted to King Louis XV of France by Sultan Mulai Ismail, played by Nigel Hawthorne, with the promise that it would bring terrible curse. Traveling along with the horse is Agba, the mute Arabian stable boy, enacted by Navin Chowdhry who shares an exceptional bond with the animal. However, their journey is filled with harrowing adversities. In France, their presence brings disaster to the royal stables, and in a twist of events, Sakr and Agba end up in England. Here, Sakr, renamed as Sham, catches the eye of the Earl of Godolphin, played with great ardor by Richard Harris and his complicated, manipulative wife Lady Godolphin, enacted by the Oscar-winning Glenda Jackson.

The movie brilliantly captures the tumultuous journey of Sakr/Sham and Agba that is marked by episodes of tragedy, adversity, survival, resilience and an unfaltering companionship. Both Sakr and Agba endure firings, shipwrecks, imprisonment, starvation and exploitation, and yet their spirit remains unbroken. The bond between Agba and Sakr is profound, touching, and absolutely central to the film's plot. Agba cannot talk, and yet his silence speaks volumes about his unshakeable faith and love for the horse, which in return completes Agba's sense of identity and happiness.

King of the Wind isn't just a film about horses, it is an engrossing human drama that explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, perseverance, destiny, and the redeeming power of love. While the narrative revolves around Sakr/Sham and Agba, it also intricately weaves in the motives and machinations of the humans around them, creating a rich tapestry of emotion, power, passion, ambition and human fallacy. The characters are well developed and acted out with credibility, making the story more relatable and real.

Richard Harris shines in his portrayal of the Earl of Godolphin, invoking the audience's empathy and appreciation with his layered performance. Glenda Jackson, as the determined and strong-willed Lady Godolphin, creates a character that is hard to ignore. Frank Finlay is memorable in his role of Edward Coke, servant to the Earl who assists in Godolphin's ambitious breeding experiments. Navin Chowdhry as the mute Agba delivers a remarkable performance, communicating effectively through his expressive eyes and silently commanding the viewer's attention and admiration.

The movie is visually compelling, with scenic shots of North Africa and England. The intricate period-specific costumes, props, and the architecture depicted in the movie add to its authenticity and charm. Composer Michael J Lewis's musical score enhances the emotional quotient of the movie, successfully adding to the distinct atmosphere of the respective scenes.

King of the Wind is a heartwarming tale intended for animal lovers, historians, and fans of fine cinema. It tells a compelling story, which simultaneously delights and educates, exploring the extraordinary journey of a horse that created a royal lineage and a boy whose quiet courage, loyalty and love made it possible. It is a soulful watch that engages, entertains and evokes a range of emotions leaving a lasting impact.