This is a very enjoyable film for all - not a great one, but a fine way to spend a couple of hours on a cold afternoon.
Then again, for the horse lovers (or inveterate gamblers) who followed the nags back then, this is an epic! Well, maybe not an epic; but, certainly, a fond reminder of a wonderful horse and a wonderful period in the racing world.
Having seen the real Secretariat at Saratoga in '72 and having rooted for (and bet heavily on) Sham throughout '73, this film was a wonderful reminder of how much I loved the horses.
The film is a very good portrayal of the industry, populated as it is by a myriad of characters - all odd in their own way...
Diane Lane gives a fine performance as a strong woman in an era when women were just beginning to realize they could be strong.
John Malkovich is perfect as the trainer, Lucien Laurin - almost washed up; but drawn back to the life for one more chance. Of course, his French accent is terrible!
Dylan Walsh, as the husband, should have stayed on Nip Tuck and left well enough alone. His part was small, poorly written and poorly acted.
French accent and Dylan Walsh aside, the other 99.9% of the film was very well done. If you like the horses, then see this film. If you've never followed the horses, be careful - this could make you an aficionado and drag you (and your wallet) to the track...
Then again, for the horse lovers (or inveterate gamblers) who followed the nags back then, this is an epic! Well, maybe not an epic; but, certainly, a fond reminder of a wonderful horse and a wonderful period in the racing world.
Having seen the real Secretariat at Saratoga in '72 and having rooted for (and bet heavily on) Sham throughout '73, this film was a wonderful reminder of how much I loved the horses.
The film is a very good portrayal of the industry, populated as it is by a myriad of characters - all odd in their own way...
Diane Lane gives a fine performance as a strong woman in an era when women were just beginning to realize they could be strong.
John Malkovich is perfect as the trainer, Lucien Laurin - almost washed up; but drawn back to the life for one more chance. Of course, his French accent is terrible!
Dylan Walsh, as the husband, should have stayed on Nip Tuck and left well enough alone. His part was small, poorly written and poorly acted.
French accent and Dylan Walsh aside, the other 99.9% of the film was very well done. If you like the horses, then see this film. If you've never followed the horses, be careful - this could make you an aficionado and drag you (and your wallet) to the track...