Secretariat

See Secretariat Soon with Family, Friends, and Neighbors
Secretariat, PG, *****Plus, Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Scott Glenn, James Cromwell, Nelsan Ellis, Dylan Walsh, Fred Thompson. Walt Disney film. Director Randall Wallace. Length: 116 minutes.

The film begins and ends with a quote from the book of Job in the Bible. The scriptures are appropriate for this excellent film. Here are a few key verses from Job chapter 39 that bring this story to life. “Hast thou given the horse strength? Hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?--- He swallowed the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet.”
Even though some will know the outcome of this inspirational story, it is worth viewing the background of how “Secretariat” made history. It is not only a story of a horse, but demonstrates the strength of keeping the family business alive after the tragedy of death and debts.
Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) has to return home to Meadow Farm in Virginia from Colorado for her mother’s funeral. Her dad (Scott Glenn) has dementia, and her brother wants to sell the farm. They are in debt and must bring in some revenue in order pay their bills. Her brother wants to take the easy way out.
Of course, Penny is a determined lady who believes in family legacy along with a love for horses. She is a strong willed person with enthusiasm and a belief that she can turn a bad situation into a profitable business.
She fires the current trainer and hires Lucien Lauren (John Malkovich). Lucien is trying to retire and learn how to play golf. However, he is persuaded to take the reins of trainer on the Meadow Farm.
Malkovich is an excellent actor, and he totally becomes Lucien with all of his eccentric behavior and expertise in the field of a horse trainer. He is a very colorful character who brings laughter to the story.
The story begins in the late 60’s and continues through the early 70’s. It is a time when women were not allowed in some places in the business of horse racing. Penny sacrificed a great deal by working hard to enter the world of racing. This included precious time with her husband and children. She believes in hard work, sacrifice, and fairness.
I will not reveal much of the inside information of how Penny became the owner of ”Secretariat.” As I wrote earlier, most people know what happens in the story. Even though I knew what was going to happen in some cases, I found myself wanting to cheer and applaud. The emotional feeling the viewer experiences in this film is overwhelming. Having owned a horse and rode many times with my father and friends, I have a very deep love for horses and animals.
“Secretariat” is cocky and loves the spotlight. He even poses for pictures. He appeared to deliberately start out last in order to showoff and give the audience a thrill.
The film will lift the audience into the euphoria of enthusiasm. Penny is much like “Secretariat in that she believes in the horse and in herself. She is determined to go after the prize and live with the consequences of losing or winning. As she said, “Have the will to win if you can, and to live with it if you can’t.”
As the horses walk to the starting gate, the tension begins. When the bugle blows, the audience feels the excitement. Furthermore, when the race begins and the sound of the horse hoofs pounding the dirt, it is as if the audience is riding “Secretariat” to the finish line.
The song Oh Happy Day gives the audience even more exhilaration. This is a great film for the whole family. Do not miss it. I cannot say enough good things about this film, the story, the acting, and the encouragement it gives to the audience.