Learning from : Seabiscuit (2003)

It's a safe movie. Safe means I find it in a festival movie section in dvd store, and lots of awards listed in front of the cover. So it's safe to say I know the movie will blow me away.

When I was a child, I find horses are elegant and tough, and so beautiful. I have a little miniature of them made of wood. I like it so much, when it's feet is broken I attach it again with a tape and keep playing with it. So when I see the movie, I remember I use to adore the beautiful creature.
Seabiscuit (May 23, 1933—May 17, 1947) was a champion Thoroughbred racehorse in the United States. From an inauspicious start, Seabiscuit became an unlikely champion and a symbol of hope to many Americans during the Great Depression. Seabiscuit became the subject of a 1949 film, The Story of Seabiscuit; a 2001 book, Seabiscuit: An American Legend; and a 2003 film, Seabiscuit, which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. (wikipedia)

In a quick glance, you might think the movie is all about winning and being successful. But if you look closer, winning is not only about being on top. Before we win, there's struggle, lots of trying, lots of losing, got all beat up with life. Its what happens with Red (played by Tobey Maguire), being called Red because his red hair. Before he met Seabiscuit and his owner, Charles Howard, he's a struggling jockey. He do all it takes to make money.

One day Charles Howard (Jeff Bridges) took interest in horse racing, after the depression caused by death of his son and getting divorced, and then remarried. He saw Tom Smith, an odd but with cold hands horse trainer, and recruit him. Tom Smith already have Seabiscuit, a little bit small race horse with its own temper. But nobody would ride him, except Red. The three collaborate and make Seabiscuit a winning horse race.

Inspiration Note

Although before the three met, the phase feels long. Long enough it makes me wonder what's the connection with this three people. It's not very clear why Charles Howard's first wife left him and it's not deep enough to see why he eventually makes his own shop. But he took risks and eventually become a wealthy successful men, reaches Tom and Red with good heart, generous and trust. Not like any greedy rich men, could run things all for the money and forgetting personal bondness. Tom and Red (and Seabiscuit) is very lucky to be working for him.

What's really touching is a connection between Red and Seabiscuit. The two fills each other. Red is blind in one eye, so Seabiscuit fills it. And Red knows how to treat her. Not just know likes and dislikes, but know her by heart. The two have a level of trusting and connection one could ever have.

And like the last words from the movie, sometimes we all need a second chance. Seabiscuit described as a bit small horse for a horse race and before Tom Smith find her, people just gave her up. She rise after a proper training and treatment.