The featured movie for this sports movie corner is “Seabiscuit,” released in 2003 and was directed by Gary Ross. The writers of this film were Laura Hillenbrand (book) and Gary Ross (screenplay). IMBD shares that this movie is about the true story of, “the undersized Depression-era racehorse whose victories lifted not only the sports of the team behind it but also those of their nation.” The main characters are played by Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges and Elizabeth Banks.
This film is a dramatic story set in a time of a desperate economic state, otherwise known as the depression, and it leaves those in this time-era saddened and disheartened. Due to the low financial status of many Americans, they turn to horse racing. Out of nowhere comes this small, underrated horse with a rider who is notorious for a troubled mindset. Who is to put faith in this pair? Those who are not afraid to lose and take the riskiest of chances.
Seabiscuit, in real life, was a thoroughbred racehorse who went on to win numerous awards. He was one of the smaller horses in the bunch of racing horses during his prime time. Although his small stature as a horse was a turn-off to many spectators, he soon won approval by many for races that he entered in his early years. He weighed 1,199 pounds and was the height of 5”2’. Despite his unusual characteristics, Seabiscuit soon came to achieve the unimaginable in a short span of time.
Tobey Maguire gives one of the best performances of his acting career while playing the jockey in command of Seabiscuit. The emotional tie between horse and rider are unbelievable and the connection can leave you in tears by the end of the movie. I recommend this film because of the deep connect between horse and rider. Not only is the drama an integral aspect of this film, but the determination, courage and work ethic of the persons involved on Seabiscuit’s team is exponentially higher than those they are competing against. This gives Seabiscuit’s team a leg up and a better chance at winning for the entirety of the racing season.
Overall, “Seabiscuit” is an enjoyable and a touching true story. It takes you through the lives and struggles of those involved with the horse that is expected to go nowhere, but who ends up taking the racing world by storm.
3.5/5 stars