Seabiscuit
Reviewed by David Kashimba
Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

 Seabiscuit is a down to earth film about three men and a horse who have had some bad breaks in their life but never give up. Their persistence against all odds is what endears them to the audience and makes this film work on the old fashioned level of empathy for the characters instead of dazzling special effects.

Based on the book by Laura Hillenbrand, the film is also a historical timepiece that takes us back to the great depression when a fallen nation was looking for the smallest ray of hope. Enter Seabiscuit, a small horse who seemed happier sleeping than racing. But sometimes it only takes one or two people to see something special in a living creature and nurture it until that potential emerges naturally.

In Seabiscuit’s life it was three men, horse trainer Tom Smith (Chris Cooper), jockey Red Pollard (Tobey Maguire) and businessman Charles Howard (Jeff Bridges). All three men have had their share of life traumas and bad breaks, but as they work to bring the best out of Seabiscuit, they also bring the best out of themselves.

This is one of those wonderfully inspirational films that bring tears of joy to your eyes as you watch all four underdogs beat all odds. But best of all is their reason for doing it. Money and fame are not motives for any of them, including the horse. Its more the pure inspiration to do their best, which requires all of them to grow in a very positive glowing light.

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