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Rupert Isaacson, Kristin Neff, Rowan Isaacson, Dr. Simon Baron Cohen, Roy Richard Grinker ... see more see more... , Temple Grandin

A family takes some very unusual steps to help their son in this documentary from filmmaker Michel Orion Scott. Rupert Isaacson and Kristen Neff first met when they were both traveling through India; ... read more read more...Rupert was an activist representing the rights of indigenous peoples in the Third World, while Kristen was a college professor with a degree in psychology. While Rupert and Kristen expected that their nomadic life might change when they married and had a child, they weren't quite prepared for what happened when their son, Rowan Isaacson, was diagnosed with autism. Rowan was given to long periods of sullen withdrawal and sudden bursts of rage that no form of therapy seemed to help, and by the time he was five his parents were running out of ideas when they discovered the boy had a close bond with animals. Rupert discovered a band of shamans in Mongolia who claimed to be able to heal autism, and so he joined Rowan and Kristen for a journey in which they would travel across the country on horseback to meet the holy men who might be able to help the child. Director Scott and a small camera crew joined the family on their voyage, and Over the Hills and Far Away allows viewers to watch as Rupert and Kristen search out a way to help their son connect with the world at large. Over the Hills and Far Away received its world premiere at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

76% liked it

871 ratings

Critics

79% liked it

28 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 33 min.

Directed by: Michel Orion Scott

Release Date: September 30, 2009

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DVD Release Date: April 20, 2010

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Stats: 73 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (73)

  • sleepykiss
    April 26, 2011
    sleepykiss
    We all know autistic/mentally ill kids can develop special bonds with animals so no surprises here. You just cant tell if if the trip actually helped the boy or not tho. With some beautiful shots of Mongolia. At Hulu.

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Critic Reviews

Jennie Punter
November 13, 2009
Jennie Punter, Globe and Mail

The film's particular story serves as a powerful reminder to all parents that a child's unique strengths and personality may suggest the best path toward healing. Full Review

Jason Anderson
November 13, 2009
Jason Anderson, Toronto Star

The Horse Boy succeeds both as a provocative inquiry into the mysteries of autism and as a true-life adventure tale. Full Review

Roger Ebert
November 5, 2009
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

In the footage taken after the healing, we never see Rowan, except when he is happily playing with his new friends or smiling with his parents. Is that the whole story? You decide. Full Review

Ann Hornaday
October 16, 2009
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post

The Horse Boy is a lovely, amazing, wonderfully provocative film. Full Review

Gary Goldstein
October 8, 2009
Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times

An extraordinary journey of the heart and spirit, and a stirring testament to parenthood. Full Review

Kevin Lally
October 1, 2009
Kevin Lally, Hollywood Reporter

The strength of the doc is that is does not propagandize with a heavy hand.

Jeannette Catsoulis
September 30, 2009
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times

It recounts a deeply personal, highly subjective and inarguably thought-provoking story of one family's quest for a certain kind of peace. Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
September 30, 2009
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

A lyrical and stirring meditation on the mystery of autism. Full Review

Nick Pinkerton
September 29, 2009
Nick Pinkerton, Village Voice

A quest toward an inevitable inspirational destination, continuing the recent trend of using precious theater space as dumping grounds for a-cinematic PBS also-rans. Full Review

Lana Berkowitz
September 11, 2009
Lana Berkowitz, San Francisco Chronicle

The healing odyssey, directed by Michel Orion Scott, provides a powerful look at the complex condition of autism and family dedication. Full Review

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The Horse Boy Trivia

  • Name the movie that includes this line... "To my boy, I tell him I will see him again soon, and to keep his heels down when he's riding his horse. To my wife....that is not your business"   Answer »
  • In the Black Stallion, what did the boy call the horse?  Answer »
  • "It's better to be a silly girl whit a flower than a silly boy whit a horse and a stick"-name the movie  Answer »
  • Hey Milou, James Eugene Carrey Played in all these movies except???  Answer »
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