The First Oscar Contender of 2003?

Rating: 10/10 (17 August 2003)

This beautifully written, directed, acted and shot movie just may be the first Oscar contender of 2003. I loved the way Seabiscuit's story, and how he met the 3 men who would be the most important in his life, is supported throughout by American history, what was going on in the late 1920's and 1930's, and how it affected Seabiscuit's fate. The beginning starts out slowly, carefully, introducing the characters and giving them humanity and depth. The viewer who pays attention will be richly rewarded later on. The race scenes are exciting, especially up close, and give the viewer the chance to experience what jockeys may experience. The problems and losses of the people are treated evenly, with compassion. Their successes are joyous but also almost matter-of-fact. It has the integrity to do its best to be true to life. I had expected an extremely sentimental movie and was pleasantly surprised that, while the emotion was there, it wasn't schmaltzy or manipulative, but honest. Bravo to all involved in making this movie, and to Laura Hillenbrand for writing the book.