Absolutely Superb Movie!

Rating: 10/10 (30 July 2018)

I don't usually rate movies with a 10, as 10 means this is as perfect as it can get and I don't see many of those, but this movie definitely fits the bill. This is an astoundingly great movie.
The movie is essentially about 4 people, plus a horse, who, against all odds somehow find each other.
Mr. Howard is a self-made wealthy man who, nonetheless, has had to try and overcome excruciating heartbreak in his life, to include the death of his young son, and the abandonment of his wife. Trying to live his life, but undoubtedly walking around in a funk, he somehow has the good fortune to meet a woman who brings him back to life. Add to that the chance meeting of a rather eccentric, but effective horse trainer in Tom Smith, a character who no one thinks much of but knows his horses. Finally a hurt, angry, rather overgrown jockey named Red Pollard, who is searching in vain for someone to believe in him, and give him a chance. Then there is the horse...Seabiscuit. Another mistreated, misunderstood animal who, nevertheless, has a competitive spirit and a longing for somewhere to belong (yeah, so I'm describing what a horse thinks and feels, but, so what...it's my review).
What struck me the most is the actors performances. You could see and feel that these characters all genuinely seemed to like each other. This brought me so close to the film and the characters. I cared for each of them, and I wanted them all to succeed...and succeed they did.
This was a pitch-perfect film. Everything about was just about perfect IMHO. Top rate direction, beautifully photographed, a look and feel of the times. Jeff Bridges was just perfect as Mr. Howard (he didn't overdo it, which he does sometimes - "Arlington Road"; "Blown Away"). His character was perfectly understated, but you found yourself caring a great deal for him. Chris Cooper gave an on-the-money performance as Tom Smith. Tobey McGuire was a great Red Pollard, and Elizabeth Banks perfectly rounded out the quintet as the second Mrs. Howard, who brought Bridges' character back to life.
The racing sequences were perfectly done, and thrilling to watch.
Yes, this movie played with my heartstrings, but it hit all the right notes. I still can't watch this without tears in my eyes.
Exceptional movie...Highly Recommended.