Every time I hear the opening music to this movie, I start to get emotional, it brings back a period of my life when I first saw it so vividly. I read the book at around the same time (also by Brian Forbes) I just really like the themes in the film - loss and bereavement, growing up, unrequited love, finding your calling, not ever giving up, and the loyalty humans and animals can have for each other (even though I am not particularly into horses the way other people seem to think you have to be to like this film) My children loved this film just as much when I showed it to them, they "got it", although they did find the car scene and the aeroplane scene harrowing. I think it is a fantastic film and it makes me feel about 13 again. And I defy anyone not to weep at the end when orphaned Sarah asks Scott to meet "my parents"!