Secretariat (2010)

Secretariat is an uplifting, family-friendly biographical drama that follows housewife-turned-stable-owner Penny Chenery as she steps into her ailing father's Meadow Stables and shepherds an unlikely colt to horse-racing immortality. Set in the early 1970s, the film traces Penny’s steep learning curve in a male-dominated industry, her partnership with the eccentric but masterful trainer Lucien Laurin, and the fierce, public rivalry on the track that culminates in Secretariat’s record-breaking 1973 Triple Crown win. Watching the movie, you’ll experience a mix of intimate character drama and high-adrenaline sports sequences: quiet, human moments in the stables and family scenes that build emotional stakes, contrasted with exhilarating, expertly shot race scenes that convey speed, tension, and triumph. The story emphasizes perseverance, female empowerment, and the bonds between humans and animals, delivering both tears and cheers as the team overcomes doubt and obstacles. The film balances historical inspiration with some dramatized elements, so expect a polished, crowd-pleasing narrative that highlights heroism and spectacle more than documentary detail. Overall, Secretariat is an inspiring underdog story with warmth, humor, and suspense—ideal for viewers who enjoy true-story sports dramas with strong emotional payoff.

Actors: Diane Lane, John Malkovich, Margo Martindale

Director: Randall Wallace

Runtime: 123 min

Genres: Biography, Drama, Family

6.1 /10 61 /100 7.2 /10 6.5 /10