Secretariat

Wow. I didn’t think I would like this film, but it really got me involved. The story centers on Penny Chenery Tweedy, played brilliantly by Diane Lane, and her training staff. Her family plays a smaller, less developed part, and that’s okay since this is about Penny and Secretariat. Even though we know the outcome of this true story, it’s hard not to get caught up in the drama, the tension and competitiveness of professional horse racing. And the way the film captures the horse, both on and off the track, really makes Secretariat a complete character. There is a pivotal scene between Penny and Secretariat, where she wants a moment to “talk” to him. Not a word is spoken, but you know that they both connected, somehow reading each other’s thoughts, and you believe it. The race scenes are innovatingly shot, within groups of horses galloping at top speed and from the horses’ perspective. Completely captivating. I was right there along side the characters on screen, cheering Secretariat to an astounding win. Surprisingly, the film brought me to tears.

Secretariat was the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years, and in the 39 years since, his record has never been broken. Amazing.