I was leery of the title, as it sounded somewhat sentimental, yet our local librarian recommended my selection. Good call. This movie, unlike some Civil War movies, offers a real look at the humanity behind the soldier. What is mesmerizing is how the birth of a colt to an army mare changed the persona of the unit. The colt has all sorts of symbolism: new life among death; hope; redemption; promise. I hope to find a copy of the short story the film is based on and compare it to this film. One of the best scenes is when Jim, the main character, is sharing a meal with a farm family and as he describes his home state, he breaks down in tears from homesickness and despair. A touching and revealing film. A different look at the Civil War. While the ending is a horrible surprise, it is fitting for the irony portrayed throughout the film.

If you like your movies sappy, then this one's for you. I can't help but think how much tragedy would have been prevented in this movie via the use of a concept I like to call "scouts". I'm all for the suspension of disbelief (especially when watching a movie on the hallmark channel) but the idea that a guy could be riding his horse around in a war and *not* know it was pregnant strains incredulity to it's limits. I'm not the target audience and I admit that I was forced to watch this but I really didn't like this movie. I found it pretty amazing how much outright death this had for a family movie. The ending especially could be pretty traumatic for little kids.

This is what I usually want to see when I see any story about war. The men who fight in wars are human beings. They harbor their own dreams, apart from the dreams which the war they fight in tries to instill into them.It reminds me of the last scene in "All Quiet on the Western Front." Man's This is not another movie about the Civil War. It does not gloss over the ugly parts and it does not make the tender parts too pretty.What it does reveal is that men will always be weak and strong, and brave and scared and that to fight in a war is one of, is not the, most difficult thing a man can do in his life.If we can be grateful, in the face of these calamities, it can only be vainglorious in contrast to the very sacrifices which we can only imagine were made on our behalf and will be made on our behalf for much more time to come.While The Colt may only be a story, it had to be made. Mainly because as long as men fight wars, they must never forget that there is honor in many other things that war does not reveal about men.I recommend it very highly.

The title is deceiving, this movie is much more than a tale about horses. Not being one for sappy animal movies, I was a bit skeptical at first. However, I was curious to see Merriman's performance after watching him years ago on the television series THE PRETENDER so I tuned in. With the Civil War as a backdrop, the story of the colt and men engaged in regiments was very moving. I laughed, cried, and even sat on the edge of my seat at times. It made me analyze history and human behavior. This story explored emotion and compassion that are often neglected in the history books. Suddenly, the Civil War becomes more complex and unnerving- leaving the viewer an opportunity to see humans at their best and worst. Merriman was superb and connected you to his plight as a young Union soldier far from home, trying hard to protect the innocent colt. If you enjoy historical drama, action, and social commentary you will enjoy this film.