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“War Horse,” the latest epic directed by legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, is a triumph of the human and animal spirit alike.
Set on the eve of World War I, the film slowly develops into its theme of wartime devastation, diverting its attention to the relationship between a young teen, Albert Narracott (Jeremy Irvine), and his beloved horse, Joey, during the first half of the film.
Spielberg delays the action intentionally, electing to craft his own story based on the novel from Michael Morpurgo. Rather than entering wartime immediately, he focuses on Albert’s struggle to forge a bond with Joey, which he must do in order to cultivate the family farm and keep the property that his alcoholic father (Peter Mullan) seems destined to drink away.
While the two are inevitably torn apart by the demands of war, it is the beauty of how they forge an everlasting connection that makes “War Horse” such a deep and impactful film.
Some may dismiss the plot as corny or even trite, but those who are quick to dismiss the film are missing out on what is quite easily the year’s best picture.
“War Horse” is an emotional tour de force that promises to leave you sniffling as the credits role; however, it is more than just an uplifting movie about a boy and a horse.
It’s a periodic study on a time that often goes overlooked in history, but more importantly, it’s a brilliant reexamination of the harsh realities of war, any war for that matter, where devastation isn’t limited to human life.
Joey is a majestic creature and a magnificent counterpart to Albert during the film’s earlier stages.
However, once Spielberg jumpstarts the movie and accelerates the war plot, it is a one-man show in which Joey’s interaction with several other characters, and horses, become the film’s focus as he is sold by Albert’s father into enlistment.
While we don’t see Albert until a later war scene, the human element of the movie does not go away; rather, it increases from scene to scene, building up until a triumphant climax between a British and German soldier who must work together to untangle the thoroughbred protagonist.
The scenes that follow are semi-predictable, but they still pack an emotional punch.
Spielberg crafts yet another Oscar-worthy wartime epic as “War Horse” joins the elite company of “Schindler’s List” and “Saving Private Ryan” and looks to help the two-time Best Director-winner claim his third golden statue.
“War Horse” is more than just the film of the year; it’s the directors best work of this century. Clearly, he hasn’t lost his touch for keeping us entertained and emotionally riveted.
