Please note this is a region 2 DVD & will require a region 2 (Europe) or region Free DVD Player in order to play A breathtakingly photographed epic western like none produced for decades HIDALGO recounts the life of legend Frank T Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen) Set in the 1800s this family film chronicles the triumphant victory won by Frank & his mustang Hidalgo in the Ocean of Fire an often-fatal competition in which the best riders & thoroughbreds race across Middle Eastern deserts For Frank who is known in the west for his prowess as a Pony Express rider & the winner of long-distance horse races the lure of the Ocean of Fire is not only the 100000 purse but also the clear challenge--both of which prove irresistible & inspire him to travel across the world for this life-altering experience With sweeping landscapes that evoke John Ford westerns like STAGECOACH & THE SEARCHERS HIDALGO features enough racing rivalry & romance to befit any action film But the race also provides a vehicle for the story of Frank forgiving himself for his participation in the Wounded Knee slaughter & accepting his part-Indian ancestry The film&s message highlighted in a particularly moving scene where Frank invokes the spirits of his Native American ancestors is that the key to happiness is accepting yourself as you are