The sweeping African vistas, stunningly photographed. Reese Witherspoon, Ethan Randall and Sarel Bok are natural and winning as the young principals, ably supported by Jack Thompson and Maximilian Schell as adults respectively hostile and helpful. Horner was keenly aware of the strong dramatic story line that prevailed amidst the inherent visual images and adventure that unfolded across the Kalahari Desert. In pursuit of both safety and justice. The picture opens on a peaceful scene of elephants at water, the score introduced by flute and percussion.
Poachers appear with rifles, chainsaws.
Horner scores this idyllic moment turned violent with a brutal eruption of percussion, piano, low brass and strings. Trumpets against stark piano and chime chords followed by a swelling of strings. Horner brings to play powerful material for the entire orchestra as Harry and the dog both struggle to survive, all culminating in a spectacular chord, simultaneously major and minor. Harry is snatched out of death's jaws, the dog leaps to safety alongside him, and in a splendid musical moment trumpets burst forth with a resolution to this chord in the major. With a happy finale to the adventure, the main theme emerges in a full and complete statement, a rich and sweeping cessation to the story, a soaring and expressive finale to the score.