Steven Spielberg is one of my favorite directors in cinema, who has created timeless movies such as Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and the Indiana Jones series. Next to Joel and Ethan Coen, I found his work to be truly inspiring. It has been three years since his last film, and his latest is more than a welcome return for him. War Horse, based on the play and best-selling children’s novel, tells the story of an extraordinary horse’s life, set before and during the events of World War I.
From the moment he saw this horse being born, Albert Narracott (Jeremy Irvine) develops a special bond with him. After his father makes a foolish, but well-intended bargain for him at an auction, he becomes responsible, after naming him Joey, for training him to plow to make a wealthy garden on a rocky field. Life is already tough for Albert and his family, for not only are they unable to pay the rent by overbidding on the horse, but their landlord threatens to repossess the farm if they can’t pay by the end of the autumn season.
Despite successfully making a garden, a rainstorm destroys it, giving Albert’s father no choice but to sell the horse to a British cavalry officer just when war breaks out in England. Determined, but heartbroken, Albert vows to reunite with Joey. Before he departs, Joey is given Albert's father's bandana, as a sign of bravery.
The story from this point goes in interesting directions, shifting perspectives to different characters Joey encounters, from British and German officers to a sickly French girl. Joey goes through many hardships throughout the war, such as charging across machinegun fire, pulling heavy artillery weaponry, and even getting trapped in barbed wire. Meanwhile, Albert and his childhood friend eventually enlist and experience the horror of trench warfare in the Battle of the Somme, but remains determined to see his beloved horse again.
This film is artful, tragic at times, yet uplifting, and in the end, magnificent. Spielberg provides great direction with breathtaking cinematography, great performances and casting, wonderful scoring by John Williams, and amazing art direction, especially at the ending shots. The story is also entertaining and captivating, enough for you to feel the emotions from not only the characters, but the horse as well.
War Horse is one of the finest movies I have ever seen in 2011, if not ever. It’s a film that takes a step in the right direction with an engrossing plot that not too many recent movies seem to consider anymore. It’s Spielberg’s most heartfelt creation since E.T. and I cannot recommend it enough.
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