So what's it all about?
Seabiscuit is based on a true story set during the American Great
Depression. Three men from different walks of life, all carrying emotional
scars, are brought together by an equally emotionally scarred racehorse.
Charles Howard (Jeff Bridges) is an automobile millionaire who buys a
racehorse as a diversion from his recent divorce and the death of his only
child. Tom Smith (Chris Cooper) is a loner horse whisperer and trainer,
and Red Pollard (Toby McGuire) a half blind jockey, angry at the world for
being abandoned as a child.
Together they train Seabiscuit into a winning racehorse that
culminates in a match race with the legendary War Admiral, but the story
doesn’t end there…
Is it any good?
Seabiscuit is a wonderfully touching, feel-good period drama about
overcoming the odds. Brilliantly filmed by director Gary Ross, it is worth
watching just for the richness in detail and cinematographic beauty.
There’s an abundance of striking panning shots, slow motion scenes and
vivid, heart-stopping horse races. A sweeping musical score is effectively
used to create an emotionally charged atmosphere. In parts of the film a
narrator and collages of black and white photographs are used with great
effect to set the tone of the film. Costumes are detailed and true to the
era (even the racing colours in the film are the same as the original) and
the props and stages very realistic.
The cast acquit themselves well in their roles, playing fallible, real
characters. Watch out for a great cameo performance by William H. Macy as
the entertaining announcer Tick Tock McLaughlin.
Score: 4/5
How about those special features?
There’s a very interesting, detailed “making of” segment that features
location shots, and extensive interviews with the actors, director,
producers and author of he book “Seabiscuit”. This is followed by an
interview with director Gary Ross, where he explains his filming
techniques and the process he went through in putting the film together.
Finally, and this is a very nice touch, they’ve included the original
black and white match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral.
Seabiscuit can be watched in DTS in English or Portuguese with the
option of subtitles. An audio commentary with director Gary Ross and
filmmaker Steven Soderberg is also available.
Score: 3/5
Best part:
The race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral
Best quote:
”You don’t throw a whole life away just ‘cause it’s banged up a
little.”
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