Secretariat (2010)
Synopsis:
Housewife and mother Penny Chenery faces an unexpected challenge when she agrees to take over her ailing father's Virginia-based Meadow Stables, despite having no experience in horse racing. Determined to honor her father's legacy, Chenery enters the male-dominated world of thoroughbred racing and teams up with veteran trainer Lucien Laurin. Together, they work against all odds to develop a champion racehorse. As Chenery learns to navigate the competitive business and prove herself among skeptical industry veterans, she discovers an extraordinary horse with the potential to achieve what hasn't been accomplished in a quarter century: winning the Triple Crown. This inspiring true story follows one woman's determination to succeed in an unfamiliar world while fostering a legendary champion that would make history.
Where To Watch: Secretariat
Parental Feedback
Secretariat offers a steady, inspirational tone rooted in a true story of perseverance and determination in the male-dominated world of horse racing. Parents should expect an emotional journey that balances moments of triumph with scenes depicting family tension, business challenges, and the pressure of high-stakes competition. The pacing is deliberate, allowing time for character development and relationship dynamics, while maintaining focus on themes of courage, faith in one's abilities, and breaking through societal barriers.
Why Kids Should Watch Secretariat
This story provides multiple opportunities for children to witness positive values in action through compelling real-life events.
The narrative showcases a mother and housewife stepping into an unfamiliar world and succeeding through determination and willingness to learn. Penny Chenery's journey demonstrates that lack of experience doesn't have to be a barrier when combined with courage and the right support system.
Teamwork plays a central role as Penny collaborates with veteran trainer Lucien Laurin and groom Eddie Sweat to achieve an unprecedented goal. Children can observe how different people with varied expertise come together to accomplish something remarkable.
The underdog story of fostering the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years teaches persistence in the face of doubt and skepticism. Young viewers learn that believing in a goal, even when others dismiss it as impossible, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
The portrayal of caring for animals and the bond between humans and horses offers lessons in responsibility and compassion. The dedication shown by the characters toward Secretariat's well-being emphasizes respect and commitment to those who depend on us.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Secretariat
Despite its inspirational message, certain elements may warrant parental consideration before viewing.
The film depicts family conflict as Penny navigates her father's illness and tensions with her husband over her career choices. These scenes may raise questions for younger children about balancing family obligations and personal ambitions.
The business aspects and male-dominated environment include moments of dismissiveness and condescension toward the female protagonist. Some children might find these interactions uncomfortable or difficult to understand without context about historical gender dynamics.
The runtime of over two hours requires sustained attention, and the deliberate pacing focused on character development rather than constant action may test the patience of younger or more active viewers who prefer faster-paced entertainment.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Secretariat earns approval as an uplifting, family-friendly story that celebrates determination, teamwork, and believing in the impossible while maintaining appropriate content for most age groups.
What Parents Should Know About Secretariat
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, it demonstrates perseverance, teamwork, respectful treatment of animals, and the courage to pursue goals despite opposition from others. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, scenes involving a father's declining health and family disagreements about career choices may prompt questions or emotional responses from sensitive viewers. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The film primarily focuses on positive achievement rather than punishment, though characters who doubt or dismiss Penny ultimately witness her success. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, collaboration between Penny, Lucien, and Eddie demonstrates how working together and respecting each person's expertise leads to shared success. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the central message emphasizes that determination, faith in yourself, and willingness to challenge expectations can help you achieve what others consider impossible. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate the inspirational true story and its emphasis on family-friendly values like perseverance and teamwork. Many note that the film provides an excellent opportunity to discuss themes of gender equality and following your dreams despite obstacles. The PG rating reflects appropriate content for most families, though some parents mention the length and slower pacing may challenge younger children's attention spans. Overall, families value the positive role models, particularly Penny Chenery's determination and the respectful portrayal of the people who worked together to achieve an historic sporting accomplishment. The emotional depth surrounding family relationships and the protagonist's journey resonates with parents seeking meaningful content that sparks conversation.
Official Secretariat Trailer
Why Kids Love Secretariat
Kids love watching the magnificent red horse Secretariat thunder down the racetrack, his hooves pounding the dirt as he surges past every competitor. The racing sequences put you right in the action as this unique champion proves he's the fastest horse anyone has ever seen, leaving jockeys and crowds absolutely stunned by his incredible speed.
Penny teams up with the quirky trainer Lucien Laurin and devoted groom Eddie Sweat to transform Secretariat into a winner, even when nobody believes they can do it. Together, this determined crew outsmarts the fancy racing establishment and shows that doing things your own way can lead to amazing victories.
The movie delivers heart-pounding excitement as Secretariat races toward the Triple Crown, with each thundering gallop more thrilling than the last. Kids cheer as this brave horse and his team stand up to doubters and prove that being different makes you special, not weak.
Watching Secretariat's powerful legs carry him to impossible wins creates pure racing magic that keeps kids on the edge of their seats. The bond between the horse, Penny, and their loyal team shows how believing in your animal friend can help everyone achieve the impossible together.