War Horse (2011)

The story begins and ends in the southwestern England country of Devon with Albie Narracott and his remarkable horse Joey.  When the family farm goes broke through lack of resources and an unlucky weather spell Albie’s father is forced to sell Joey to the British cavalry to keep his family’s house and land. This is where Joey’s odyssey begins as he ventures through four years of WWI, profoundly affecting everyone he meets on both sides of the war while trying to make his way back to Albie.

One thing I’d like to make clear to anyone looking for an uplifting family adventure to get the kids and in-laws out of the house during the holidays: This is not your movie. At times, the movie almost seems to gleefully take pleasure in ripping your heart out and stomping on it. Although the violence is never gory or graphic, this is an emotionally brutal film. Plenty of movies go all the way to their end credits without the audience becoming invested in the characters, but this film does an exceptional job of rapidly introducing characters you will grow to like, but who are given a woefully short amount of screen time in which their story (or sometimes their life) ends unexpectedly (and quite often horribly). There are not many happy endings in War Horse.

The first such character we meet after Joey leaves the Narracott’s farm may be the best. Tom Hiddleston does a complete 180-turn from his disturbed villain role of Loki in Thor with his instantly empathetic and lovable performance as Captain Nicholls. I found myself wanting the rest of the movie to revolve around his character. Unfortunately, his story ends all too soon, and this sets the tone for how the rest of the stories will be told throughout the remainder of the movie. The entire Narracott family (Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, Peter Mullan) are also particularly great in their roles. I could honestly write an exhaustively longer review praising all the many performances and characters but I’m going to try to keep this mercifully shorter for the casual reader.

Another aspect of the movie that makes it worth seeing is the cinematography. From the gorgeous shots of the Devon countryside that could double as The Shire in Middle Earth to the WWI battles that are nothing short of stunning, Spielberg and company have a visual masterpiece on their hands. It’s really something to see all the different locations throughout England and Europe. Some of which are naturally breathtaking while others are desolate and deathly imposing as the war engulfs the surroundings. But it all adds to the overall richness and character of the film.

There is a good amount of humor and adventure had by Joey and the revolving door of characters around him. Since the war is only the backdrop and not the focus of the film there isn’t much of a line of good or bad portrayed on either side.  Both sides have characters that are shown in positive or negative lights in certain situations, giving the movie a humanity that many other films would have shied away from. 

War Horse is a great piece of filmmaking.  Spielberg adeptly weaves in and out of multiple storylines with a master’s ease. The largest negative to the film, especially true for animal lovers, is that there are so many gut-wrenching emotional beats throughout that you will become exhausted and begin to ask for mercy by the last half hour. But if you are a fan of finely crafted epic old school cinema you will not be disappointed with War Horse, just don’t be surprised if you need a tissue…or twenty. 

The book. War Horse is a literary, film and theatrical experience that no one should miss. War Horse began as a children’s novel by award-winning author Michael Morpurgo. It was first published in Great Britain in 1982, set before and during the First World War. This powerful story recounts the experiences of Joey, a horse purchased by the Army for service in World War I France and the attempts of young Albert, his previous owner, to bring him safely home. Caught in enemy crossfire, Joey ends up serving on both sides during the war before landing up in No Man’s Land, while Albert, not old enough to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home. This remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship formed the basis of an award-winning play seen by over 5 million people worldwide since its opening at the National Theatre in 2007. During its successful run on Broadway, it received five Tony Awards, plus a special Tony Award for Handspring Puppet Company. It is also an acclaimed Spielberg film (2011). 

The movie. Filmed in Devon, UK, the film is beautifully done, with rich, saturated colours. But this is more than just the story of a horse during a war. The tale highlights the suffering of the First World War where a million horses died on the British side. In his research, Morpurgo extrapolated an overall figure of 10 million horse deaths on all sides. Of the million horses that were sent abroad from the U.K., only 62,000 returned, the rest dying in the war or slaughtered in France for meat. The loyalty, beauty, courage and ultimate deaths of these amazing creatures during the carnage of World War 1 have been captured in all three forms, although I must say that, for me, seeing War Horse on stage was the ultimate experience.

War Horse stage show features ground-breaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing and galloping horses to life on stage with incredible nuances particular to each animal. Amazing as it seems, the ability of the puppeteers to blend with their animal puppets and become one with them, and the ability of an audience to suspend their disbelief in a theatrical performance make War Horse an emotional and moving experience. From the magnificence of horses Joey and Topthorn, to the cantankerous goose (who almost stole every scene in which it appeared), to the horrific carnage of the battlefield economically but effectively created with lighting and sound, this is an experience that has one crying at the deaths of the horses killed on the field, tense with expectation of Joey’s survival, and deeply saddened that the war to end all wars did not, in fact, end them. 

Steven Spielberg’s “War Horse” (2011) is a poignant and visually stunning film that captures the essence of courage, friendship, and the brutal realities of war. Based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel and the subsequent stage adaptation, the film follows the extraordinary journey of a horse named Joey and his young owner, Albert Narracott, played by Jeremy Irvine.

The story begins in the idyllic English countryside, where Albert forms a deep bond with Joey, a spirited thoroughbred. Their peaceful life is shattered by the outbreak of World War I, and Joey is sold to the British cavalry. Determined to reunite with his beloved horse, Albert enlists in the army, setting the stage for a heart-wrenching odyssey across the war-torn landscapes of Europe.

Spielberg’s direction is masterful, blending sweeping cinematography with intimate character moments. The film’s visual grandeur is complemented by John Williams’ evocative score, which enhances the emotional depth of the narrative. The battle scenes are both harrowing and beautifully choreographed, capturing the chaos and devastation of war while maintaining a sense of hope and resilience.

One of the film’s strengths is its ability to convey the universal impact of war through Joey’s eyes. As Joey changes hands from British to German soldiers, and even a French farmer and his granddaughter, we witness the shared humanity and compassion that transcends national boundaries. Each encounter highlights the profound bond between humans and animals, and the enduring spirit of those caught in the conflict.

The performances are uniformly excellent, with Jeremy Irvine delivering a heartfelt portrayal of Albert’s unwavering determination. The supporting cast, including Emily Watson, Peter Mullan, and Niels Arestrup, add depth and authenticity to the story. The real star, however, is Joey, whose journey symbolizes the resilience and hope that can emerge even in the darkest times.

“War Horse” is not without its flaws; some may find its sentimentality and old-fashioned storytelling a bit heavy-handed. However, these elements also contribute to its timeless appeal. Spielberg’s film is a tribute to the enduring power of friendship and the indomitable spirit of those who face unimaginable challenges. It is a moving and unforgettable cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll.