Worthy Best Picture Nomination

Oscar nomination by numbers to some extent with more than its fair share of cliches, Seabiscuit has more to it than just a general uplifting film. Good performances and direction compliment what is a truly remarkable story. Set against the backdrop of the depression, the film traces the lives of three men who are struggling with life and how through the horse they help to redeem each other. A suggested allegory for America and its people, it could be a bit too sentimental for the cynical viewer, however there is a great attention to detail with what is a relatively simple characterisation of the leads that gives this film a lift above being your standard manipulative academy fodder. I was pleasantly surprised and it was both interesting and good to see a film of that time in America's history where positive stories were few and far between.