Secondhand Lions is a western family movie set in 1960s. The story takes place in the house of two old men, Hub and Garth, during summer. The movie was directed by Tim McCanlies. The cast are Haley Joel Osment, who played the role of Walter, and Michael Caine and Robert Duvall who acted the two great uncles. The three outstanding actors bring the love between the two generations and their moving story to life.
This story is about a boy named Walter, who is sent by his mother to live with his great uncles, who are rumoured to be bank robbers in the past. At first, Walter doesn’t like to stay in the isolated cottage with his two eccentric uncles doing boring things like farming and waiting for the salesmen’s cars. Besides, there is no TV set or any other entertainment. However, one night, he sees Hub fighting in the water in his dream and Garth starts to tell him the long ago stories about Hub’s adventures and his heroic deeds. The relationship between the uncles and the boy becomes closer. When Walter knows that Hub wants to commit suicide, Walter stops him and reminds him that he is not useless because the boy needs him and loves him.
The scene is very touching and makes me understand that being old is not the symbol of being useless. The elderly should treasure their lives as they are the role models of the young generation. Life is not tasteless if there is ‘true love’. Secondhand Lions is a brilliant movie. There are meaningful and inspiring elements in it, for example, ‘the speech for man’ from uncle Hub, the old but brave lion which dies in honour and how the three main characters find out the true meaning of life. Will uncle Hub commit suicide in the end? Is the rumour about the two old men true? Are they really keeping a treasure? I highly recommend this movie to all of you. With love, the world becomes more colourful and exciting.