SECRETARIAT

I saw the Secretariat movie yesterday, and I really, really enjoyed it.

Now, if you are a racing fan and a horse person, you must go into this movie knowing several things:

1. This is a movie, not a documentary. It is entertainment.
2. There will be inaccuracies. Remember Seabiscuit? In that movie, War Admiral was 18hh; that would make him a freakishly large Thoroughbred! In real life, War Admiral was around 15 hands--kinda on the smallish side. But, I enjoyed the movie immensely.
3. The movie needs to appeal to a wide audience--including those who may not know a lot about horses and racing. Hence, some details are left out. Or, scenes like Lucien Laurin (played by John Malkovich) lighting a fire in the barn (!, well yeah, that's all I'll write about that--no spoilers!) are added for dramatic effect.

BUT--there are many details that stay true to the story of Secretariat. So refreshing!

The racing scenes are INTENSE and beautifully shot. The camera practically gets into the horses' nostrils; you can hear their breath blowing and their hoofbeats pounding in glorious surround sound. There is nothing like the sound of a Thoroughbred going full-out; it's like a living, breathing freight train! The racing scenes made me cry--I felt like I was that jockey, toes in the irons and wind in my hair. Great stuff!

I also loved how the bond between Secretariat and his groom, Eddie Sweat, was depicted. The bond between a groom and a horse can be very strong and is vital to the horse's well-being. I was pleased to see that this special partnership was given the attention it deserves. One scene in particular stands out: (POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT!!!!!)(stop reading now if you don't want to know about any scenes in the movie) (you're welcome!) :-)

when Eddie realizes his charge is feeling better and can run in the upcoming Kentucky Derby, he shouts to the empty, early-morning grandstand at the track: "He ate his breakfast!"
For a groom, a sick horse that snaps back to health is a reason to shout and celebrate.

(end of possible spoiler)

Diane Lane was fabulous as Penny Chenery, and John Malkovich was a treat as Lucien Laurin. The actor who really touched my heart was Margo Martindale as Elizabeth Ham. She was perfect.

Secretariat is a beautiful, moving tribute to the legendary racehorse. It made me feel like a kid again; glued to the TV watching the great red horse run like the wind and leaving his opponents in the dust.

Recommended.