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Amazon.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
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Denver housewife Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) takes over her father's horse racing empire when he falls ill, commuting to Virginia to take care of the farm. Having grown up in the racing world, she knows about bloodlines and invests all her efforts in Big Red, soon to be renamed Secretariat. She hires a good, but retired trainer (John Malkovich) and soon the horse is headed for the Triple Crown.
Secretariat was arguably the best race horse ever and deserved a good movie. And while the movie is good, it isn't great because Penny is the focus and the "Don't call me a housewife!" mantra gets old fast. Her success shouldn't have surprised anyone since she grew up in the horse business. She didn't have a personal, loving relationship with the horse; he was merely her meal ticket. The movie's excitement comes from Secretariat's races, which are filmed with heart-stopping intensity. The final race of the film has got to be the Most Exciting Horse Race Ever. It simply is not to be believed.
Diane Lane is fine in the role and the early 70s are recreated well with period cars and wardrobe. If you're a racing fan, you'll enjoy this film.
Secretariat was arguably the best race horse ever and deserved a good movie. And while the movie is good, it isn't great because Penny is the focus and the "Don't call me a housewife!" mantra gets old fast. Her success shouldn't have surprised anyone since she grew up in the horse business. She didn't have a personal, loving relationship with the horse; he was merely her meal ticket. The movie's excitement comes from Secretariat's races, which are filmed with heart-stopping intensity. The final race of the film has got to be the Most Exciting Horse Race Ever. It simply is not to be believed.
Diane Lane is fine in the role and the early 70s are recreated well with period cars and wardrobe. If you're a racing fan, you'll enjoy this film.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
As this is a movie about a horse I had to go see it 1st day it hit the cinema. It was absolutely fantastic. I don't have an interest in horse racing but thanks to this movie I now know what a fantastic horse Big Red (Secretariat)was. There are many beautiful close up scenes of Reds' eyes and beautiful words describing the horses spirit. For me this was an amazing movie about an amazing horse!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
When I got this DVD as a present, I was not thrilled. The initial press reviews I read were tepid or downright scathing. As a long time horse owner and rider (and generally horse crazy person) but not a fan of horse racing, I was familiar with the story of Secretariat and remember watching the live coverage of his Triple Crown races at the time, so my expectations for this DVD were low. To my surprise, I found myself getting fairly swept along by the movie and really enjoyed the pace and treatment of the horse racing action, and the characterization of the various main players. Diane Lane gave a fine performance while John Malkovich was brilliant and funny.
I agree with some of the criticism: even overlooking the many liberties they took with the real events, the movie is really all about Penny Chenery and her determination to see this special foal run and prove himself. She had many obstacles to overcome but too much is made of her "housewife" state, after all she was born and raised on a training farm.
Secretariat was truly a super-horse (his heart was twice the size of that of an average horse and some of his records still stand after 37 years) but neither his physical and mental gifts nor his unmatched dominance of the sport were sufficiently conveyed. Instead, his remarkable string of victories is presented more like a vaguely mystical journey with religious overtones. In fact, the coverage of the Belmont race is the weakest moment in the whole film, ludicrously interrupted by gospel music and shoddily re-enacted on a much smaller racecourse. It would have been much better to show the actual footage of the race which still stands as one of the greatest moments in any sport. Finally, the hippy daughter fabrication further detracted from the action, making Secretariat himself too much of a bit player.
Despite all of the above, my family enjoyed this movie so much that we have already watched it a second time and I suspect it will get further airings from time to time.
I agree with some of the criticism: even overlooking the many liberties they took with the real events, the movie is really all about Penny Chenery and her determination to see this special foal run and prove himself. She had many obstacles to overcome but too much is made of her "housewife" state, after all she was born and raised on a training farm.
Secretariat was truly a super-horse (his heart was twice the size of that of an average horse and some of his records still stand after 37 years) but neither his physical and mental gifts nor his unmatched dominance of the sport were sufficiently conveyed. Instead, his remarkable string of victories is presented more like a vaguely mystical journey with religious overtones. In fact, the coverage of the Belmont race is the weakest moment in the whole film, ludicrously interrupted by gospel music and shoddily re-enacted on a much smaller racecourse. It would have been much better to show the actual footage of the race which still stands as one of the greatest moments in any sport. Finally, the hippy daughter fabrication further detracted from the action, making Secretariat himself too much of a bit player.
Despite all of the above, my family enjoyed this movie so much that we have already watched it a second time and I suspect it will get further airings from time to time.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
SECRETARIAT is a very uplifting, inspiring, exciting movie about a...
(THE FILM).Disney presents an astonishing true story bursting with hope, heart and courage. Diane Lane and John Malkovich lead a celebrated cast in this inspirational motion... Read more
Published 18 days ago by S. F. husseiny
Great Movie
This movie is excellent and very watchable. Movies about sport usually let themselves down but not this one. It has a great feel good factor and the extras on the DVD are great. Read more
Published 3 months ago by S
thoroughly enjoyable
great film, not a classic but very watchable. Nice horsey shots. I will certainly be watching it again some time.
Published 4 months ago by Chris P Baykon
secretariat dvd
my daughter watched this film on sky one day and absoloutely loved it!!!
She watches it over and over again - never gets tired of watching it. Read more
She watches it over and over again - never gets tired of watching it. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mrs. Beverley Burnham
Katie+TheWanted!NathanSykes!+ShowJumping!
WOW UNBELIEVABLE GREAT RE-ENACTMENT OF THE TRUE STORY VERY WELL DONE GREAT ACTING IT REALLY TOUCHED ME AND ALL INFORMATION WAS CORRECT NO FALSE IMPLICATIONS AND EVEN BEHIND THE... Read more
Published 5 months ago by !StarLightShOwJuMpInGHoRsEsWarHorse!!
Great film
I had to order this and watch it, as Secretariat is the great Grandad of my own horse... really good flim, and worth watching
Published 5 months ago by Jennifer Deakin
Secretariat
A wonderful film and shows the true understanding between horse and the person they love. What a fantastic film one that should not be missed ~ a film of courage, faith and love... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Lynn Malyon
secretariat,dvd
This is a wonderful film,I am so glad I got it, It came quickly and was a good price, I would deal with you again. thankyou.
Published 6 months ago by Jean Nancy Burrows
secretariat
Very good and very interesting. Unless you are into horseracing it would just be another ordinary Walt Disney Film. Read more
Published 7 months ago by G. D. Herrington
Great movie about an icon
This is a great story of a legendary horse sometimes referred to as the "greatest racehorse that ever lived". Read more
Published 8 months ago by Sneaker
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