![Secretariat [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617cfAZLaYL.jpg)
Product Description Diane Lane and John Malkovich star in this Disney horse-racing drama based on real events. Despite knowing nothing about horse racing, stay-at-home mum Penny Chenery (Lane) agrees to take over the Meadow Stables in Virginia after her father falls ill. With the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (Malkovich), Chenery manages to overcome the odds by navigating her way through an aggressive, male-dominated business and ultimately producing the champion racehorse, Secretariat, who becomes the first Triple Crown winner for 25 years in 1973. .co.uk Review The "greatest racehorse of all time" mantle fits easily around the neck of Secretariat, the 1973 Triple Crown winner. So why not a movie version of this champion's life? Secretariat begins in the late '60s, with some good behind-the-scenes material on how thoroughbreds come to be (there's flavorful atmosphere inside the horsey world, including an account of Secretariat's ownership being decided by a coin flip as part of an old-school agreement). A highly lacquered Diane Lane plays Penny Chenery, the inheritor of her father's stables, who segues from being an all-American mom to running a major horse-racing franchise; reliable character-actor support comes in the form of John Malkovich, as a gaudily outfitted trainer, and Margo Martindale, as Chenery's assistant. Screenwriter Mike Rich and director Randall Wallace must do some heavy lifting to make Lane's privileged millionaire into some sort of underdog--luckily, the hidebound traditions of the male-dominated racing scene provide some sources of outrage. The need to stack the deck even more leads the movie into its more contrived scenes, unfortunately, as though we needed dastardly villains in order to root for Penny and her horse. Meanwhile, attempts to reach for a little Seabiscuit-style social relevance don't come off, and a curious religious undertone might make you wonder whether we're meant to assume that God chose Secretariat over some less-deserving equine. The actual excitement of the races can't be denied, however, and Secretariat's awe-inspiring win at the Belmont Stakes remains a jaw-dropping, still-unequalled display of domination in that event. And maybe in sports. --Robert Horton
P**B
For the love of Big Red
This great film [to me] is all about love triumphing; Penny's love for her Mom, Daddy, husband, four children, brother, her daddy's stables, and a horse named "Big Red" [Secretariat]. Her husband, her brother, and many of the racing fraternity seemed to be opposed to her. But ably helped by Lucian [the trainer],and Miss Ham [her daddy's secretary], [and not forgetting the horse and jockey!], she turns all their hearts, and the success of the stables, round: just through her love, her determination, "inheriting" her daddy's superior skill, knowledge and understanding of horses, and an amazing horse [Big Red].I just love the character of Lucian: extrovert, lover of extraordinary hats and ties, and brave in the use of colour in his clothes, yet a great and soft heart and love for the horse, Penny, and the jockey.Eddie, the Stable Lad, is another very endearing character. His love, understanding, and communication with Big Red, and love of Penny and her daddy are just beautiful.Another endearing moment is the washing of Big Red with much joy, despite very testing circumstances at the time, and that lovely old song, and number 2 pop hit of 1969: Oh Happy Day", which we also hear much later on, in amazing victory.There is some nail-biting footage of horse racing, and ultimately an unbeatable winner: "The greatest racehorse that ever lived".A superb and lovely film, which I keep watching again and again.
A**L
I plan to watch it again...often
Full disclosure: I LOVE HORSE MOVIES.I don't know what it is about them: I just do. From National Velvet, Seabiscuit, Hidalgo, Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken...I could go on.This is a very stylish movie and Diane Lane is a wonderful leading lady. She portrays her character with elegance and warmth. You feel that she is truly paying tribute to her real-life counterpart.It's a well-worn story about a motley crew pulling off incredible victories but it nevertheless charms you and captures your imagination. You *will* be cheering for Secretariat during the final race even though you know the result (which shows how good the direction & editing is).I was initially worried that the film would be too long, but I really didn't feel its 2 hours and would happily spend time watching it again.It goes without saying that if you like a horse movie, you'll love it. Even if you don't, I would recommend reading Roger Eberts *beautifully* written review of this movie to get a full sense of what it offers movie fans.
J**H
Horses plus a lesson in elegance conquering arrogance - perfect
Secretariat literally saved me from breaking my own legs – as by my fifth day of sick leave I was ready to jump out of my bedroom window for entertainment. Instead I plumped to watch this wonderful film and Big Red lit up my afternoon. Anyone who doubts the intelligence of horses think again – this colt knew he was a future film star and developed a grippingly dramatic last to first racing style.Everyone loves a journey and Penny developing from housewife to champion racehorse owner with minimal support from other family members (well the grown ups anyway) is inspirational. Actually, this film is another to put on the reading lists for business and leadership courses as Penny embodies how to step out of the testosterone fueled games and win through elegance rather than arrogance.May I have Penny Chenery Tweedy’s wardrobe when she’s finished with it please? I’m a little younger than her but could accessorise it slightly funkier. A change of foot ware might be all it takes.This is a story you just couldn’t make up. Thank you Disney for educating me about a true gentleman. Big Red. Sire to over 600 foals. Well if the racing didn’t tire him out…
Q**1
A warm, gently paced and enjoyable film
A nicely-made film with an excellent cast. It doesn't remake cinematic history, or particularly surprise, but the cast are a joy to watch and the story is well-told.
N**H
Uplifting unique true story
Although it’s a slow starter, this is the true story - in part - of a woman’s battle in her male-dominated age to do something she felt instinctively right, in the face of overwhelming odds. But the real superstar is the legendary Secretariat and his astonishing success - some of his records and speed haven’t been beaten to this day. It’s a beautiful, uplifting film that will astonish and it’s fun to watch on Youtube his “real” races and see that the film simply shows the truth of his legendary talent.
D**D
Fantastic Horse Racing Movie
This is arguably the best horse racing movie since Phar Lap which tells the story of the mighty Secretariat, winner of the American Triple Crown in 1973 and the horse whose racecourse exploits took reports of the Watergate scandal off the front pages of the American press. If you are too young to remember this great horse, then whet your appetite and check out the 1973 Belmont Stakes on YouTube and witness for yourself the greatest performance ever in a worldwide Classic race, when Secretariat made mincemeat of quality opposition and set a record winning time in the race that will probably stand forever. This is a beautifully made film and the acting is superb. Picture quality is terrific and packaging very good. A must watch film for all true racing enthusiasts. Quick delivery and tremendous value at the price. Secretariat [DVD] Secretariat [Blu-ray] Secretariat [Blu-ray] [Region Free]
L**Y
Inspirational Story - not to be missed.
A fantastic family film, uplifting and inspiring. It's a true story and the actress playing Penny Chenery was brilliant, especially when she started giggling over Lucien's hat. It's very hard to produce a natural giggle but she had me joining in. What a fantastic horse. It's amazing that these once in a lifetime animals that take everybody by surprise, have huge abnormal heart sizes. I have watched this over and over along with Erin Brokowich and Cinderalla Man, all true stories and all stories that give you hope in this world of selfishness.
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