Unbranded

Unbranded is a captivating documentary released in 2015, directed by Phillip Baribeau and starred by Ben Masters, Jonny Fitzsimons, and Thomas Glover. The film unfolds an extraordinary tale of adventure, resilience, friendship and our intricate relationship with nature and wildlife.

The story centers around Ben Masters, an intrepid adventurer, and three of his friends - Jonny Fitzsimons, Thomas Glover, and Ben Thamer. The plot is stitched around a grand, audacious plan conceived by Masters -- to adopt, train, and ride a band of wild mustangs from Mexico to Canada through some of the American West's most awe-inspiring and challenging terrains. This epic idea emerges as a creative and slightly wild response to Masters' desire to raise awareness about the plight of wild horses overcrowding government animal holding facilities in the West.

Their adventure starts in the desert of Arizona and traces a path through the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park, valiantly wading through wild surrounds, rocky terrains, and river valleys. However, it is not just about the treacherous journey; the film also tells a broader story about the vivid history and complex future of the American West.

The journey across this vast spectrum showcases an extraordinary fusion of adventure, peril, beauty, struggle, and euphoria. Along the way, the viewers get to witness the young men's trials and tribulations, experiencing firsthand the challenges of taming wild mustangs, facing unpredictable weather changes, and navigating through harsh, unruly landscapes. Their journey does not only put their stamina and endurance to the test, but also challenges their friendship and even their very philosophy of life.

What makes Unbranded unique is its cinematic brilliance and spellbinding narrative that brings forth scenes of striking landscapes and untouched wildness. It paints a rich, evocative visual and emotional tapestry that captures the untamed beauty of the wilderness, the spirited horses, and the unswerving determination and resilience of the four friends. It underscores the noble yet raw connection between man and beast, highlighting the dynamic relationship of mutual respect and trust that develops between the men and their mustang compatriots.

Beyond sheer adventure, the film serves as an engaged commentary on the conversation surrounding American wild horses. It delves into the debates about public land management, animal rights, conservation, and the dangers of unchecked herds. Through firsthand exploration and insightful interviews with stakeholders, Unbranded provokes an important dialogue about these multifaceted issues.

Ben Masters and his crew not only embark on a wildly adventurous journey discovering the ruthless yet captivating American West but also plunge headfirst into an intentional pursuit of social activism. They set out as passionate adventurers and conservationists, and they end up becoming ambassadors of a critical cause – shedding light on the complexities of managing wild horses in the American West.

The film expands its reach by including a diverse array of voices in the discussion. It integrates conversations with ranchers, government officials, animal rights activists, and historians to present varying perspectives on the wild horse issue. This allows the film to navigate complex socio-political terrains even as the quartet navigates geographical ones.

Cinematically, Unbranded is a visual treat, filled with panoramic vistas of sprawling mountains, rushing rivers, wide-open plains, and dense forests. The camerawork captures in full detail the power and grace of the mustangs, the passion and determination of the young riders, and the stunning beauty of the landscape. The enchanting score by Noah Sorota further accentuates the thrilling saga.

In conclusion, Unbranded is far more than just a documentary about a trail ride. It is an intertwining tale of adventure, friendship, environmentalism, and activism wrapped up in an overall narrative of an extraordinary 3000-mile journey through the heart of the complex, beautiful, yet equally challenging American wildlands. It encourages viewers to think deeply about our relationship with nature and animals. It's a brave and bold visual narrative that urges conscious respect and care for our environment and its myriad inhabitants. In a world increasingly disconnected from the natural environment, this narrative brims with the reverence and intimacy the protagonists share with the American West and its iconic mustangs. Each frame breathes life and authenticity into this heroic tale, ultimately making it an immersive, contextual, and deeply moving cinematic journey.