Steven Speilberg’s movie ‘War Horse’ is one of those movies you are supposed to love. I will say that it was an impressive feat of film making and that it showcases Speilberg’s brilliance at creating epic and sweeping stories that tug at the heartstrings as they take you on emotional journeys. This movie had the feel of a ‘made for Oscar’ film and I often resist the urge to be swept away when I feel manipulated by a story. It’s a variation of the 'boy and his dog' genre that has been done to death, so they decided to use a horse this time.
The story follows the life and friendship of a horse named Joey and Albert (newcomer Jeremy Irvine) his poor English farm boy owner. After they are separated by Joey being drafted into service, young Albert enlists in the army to pursue his beloved horse. The film impressively captures WWI era Europe and gives us grand vistas as well has horrific scenes of war time cruelty. Speilberg is arguably unparalleled in modern cinema in bringing us expansive landscapes and beautiful photography. It almost seems to pay homage to the epic John Ford films of the 50’s in its' almost canvas like use of film.
The film opens in Devon, England as Joey is born and later bought by Ted Narracott, a drunken English farmer (Peter Mullen) trying to show up his landlord at auction. The drunken Ted payed so much for the horse that he has put his farm in danger. Ted’s wife Rose (played by an underutilized Emily Watson) tries to force Ted to return the horse, but young Albert, who instantly connects with Joey convinces her otherwise. Albert sets out to train Joey and show that he can be a useful part of the family. Unfortunately, the realities of life hit their farm and they are forced to sell Joey to an English Officer (Tom Hiddleston [keep him on the radar]) for the war effort.
The horse is used more of a plot device to showcase a series of vignettes about lives affected by The Great War. As Joey passes from one owner to the next, we see a portrait of the lives of an English officer, German soldiers, and a French farmer and his granddaughter. Joey affects their lives as he struggles to survive the hardships of being a War Horse. Albert faces horrors of his own as he relentlessly tries to reunite with his beloved horse.
There are several things to admire about this film. It runs the gambit of emotions effortlessly and is a visually stunning achievement. I do feel the homage scenes from golden era films seemed a little contrite and especially the ending scene were the skyline was so painted with reds and oranges it illicited a few snickers in the audience. Given all of that, it will be nominated for several Oscars as that is what it is supposed to do.
I admired the perspective of war from both sides of the conflict. Neither side was portrayed as monsters, merely normal people living in a monstrous world. The story of Joey’s stay with two young German soldiers was the briefest in the film, but among the most moving and human. Equally, the story of the Frenchman and his granddaughter merely trying to live a normal life amid the chaos of war invading their land was an incredibly human story. Joey’s appearance helped enhance their lives, yet illustrate their hardship.
I’m not sure if I can recommend this film per se. All I can say is that it was a sweeping epic. The film will garner many nominations and technically it is an impressive feat of film making. I did not walk out of the film thinking how much I loved it though. Maybe it’s just personal bias. A good film that I was blasé about
I give this film ***1/2 stars
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