Watch All the Wild Horses

All the Wild Horses is a documentary film directed by Ivo Marloh, released in 2017. The movie follows a group of riders in the Mongol Derby, an annual horse race that takes place over 1,000 kilometers, highlighting their struggles and triumphs while on this treacherous journey. The film takes place in Mongolia, where 44 riders from all around the world saddle up to undertake the toughest horse race in the world. The Mongol Derby is a race that retraces the postal relay route of Genghis Khan's horseback messengers, and it puts the participants through all sorts of terrain, from lush green hills to barren stretches of desert, and often with extreme weather conditions.

All the Wild Horses follows the journey of five riders, including an American cowboy (George Azarias), an Irish horserider (Andrew Challen), a British journalist (Erik Cooper), and two Mongolian locals (Devan and Ganbat). Through their journey, the film showcases the unique bond between rider and horse and the struggle the riders face in a race that demands not just physical endurance, but also sheer determination.

Directed by Marloh, the film is not only a portrait of the individuals who are attempting this remarkable feat, but of the Mongolians who provide support for the riders throughout the race. In addition to the incredible landscapes, the movie showcases the traditions and culture of the country, the nomads who inhabit them, and their enduring relationship with the horses they raise and train.

The five riders' individual stories provide a unique insight into their motivations, which are as different as the riders themselves. Azarias' goal is to complete the race, while Challen is hoping to beat the record for the fastest time in the Mongol Derby. Cooper is interested in writing a story about the race from a journalist’s perspective, and Devan and Ganbat want to prove to themselves and their people that they can ride and have a story of their own.

All the Wild Horses is shot beautifully, with stunning aerial shots of the Mongolian landscapes, as well as an intimately up-close feel as the riders battle temperatures ranging from freezing to blistering heat. The film captures the difficulty of the race, as well as the riders’ unique relationships with their horses. The horses themselves become characters in their own right - the riders can only get as far as their mounts are capable of taking them. The horses are more than simply modes of transportation, they are partners.

While the film is about racing, it isn't all about competition. Instead, the movie takes the audience on a journey of self-discovery, with each rider working to complete the race for their own reasons. The riders all have moments of struggle, where their determination is put to the test, and moments of triumph where they must overcome their fears and push through the pain. As they ride, the riders must confront not only the elements, but also their own mental and emotional fortitude.

The film does an excellent job of giving the audience a sense of the challenge that these riders face. With distances spread far and wide, it's humbling to see how much distance they have to cross, and how much endurance is required to make it through. All the Wild Horses is ultimately a story about determination, survival, and the beauty of the human spirit.

In conclusion, All the Wild Horses is a beautifully shot documentary film that explores the determination and hardship of riders in the Mongol Derby. It presents an intimate view of the journey of five riders who each have their own motivations to cross the finish line. The film tells a compelling story of human willpower and the depths to which one can push their limits. It's a beautiful and inspiring film that showcases not only the Mongol Derby but the traditions and culture of the country itself.

All the Wild Horses is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.