An old man recounts his days in the circus to a circus employee. He is Jacob (Robert Pattinson), who was a vet student in the 1930s and when his parents die, he joins the circus to become its veterinarian. There he meets a beautiful equestrian performer Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), who happens to be the cruel circus master August's (Christoph Waltz) wife. When Marlena's showhorse is put down, they replace it with an uncooperative elephant, Rosie. Marlena and Jacob train and bond over the animal. When Rosie goes berzerk at a show, August is furious and beats the animal to submission. Jacob continues training Rosie and discovers that she only responds to German commands. Shows sell out. August however is suspicious of his wife and Jacob's relationship. One night, Marlena and Jacob start an affair, but the next morning, is hunted by August's thugs, beating Jacob and taking Marlena back to the circus. When Jacob comes back to rescue her, they agree to delay their escape until after a show. At the show, trouble erupts when disgruntled employees free the wild animals. Jacob confronts August in a fight, Rosie defends Jacob, and kills August with a spike. Jacob and Marlena are reunited, and live a long life. When she passes away, Jacob comes back to the circus, where it all began.
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Best part of story, including ending:
You see the special bond that humans can have with animals.
Best scene in story:
When Jacob trained Rosie, and Rosie had her own quirks and moods.
Opinion about the main character:
I like his sense of adventure. He comes from such a tame background, then he drops everything to join the circus.
