Review of War Horse (2011) by Bradleycohen — 29 Aug 2012

Steven Spielberg knows what makes a film great. In this day and age, the theaters are flooded with computer animated cartoons and over-the-top teen comedies. War Horse is a return to the golden age of cinema: inspiring dramas that tug at your heartstrings. Based on the stage play of the same name (which is based on the novel of the same name), War Horse is a remarkable story of a young Englishman who forms a powerful bond with his horse. Tragedy strikes when World War I breaks out, and the two become separated as his beloved horse is drafted into the army. What follows is some of the best dramatic moments I have ever seen. As far as action scenes go, it's your typical war drama fare: the violence makes the situation more intense for the characters. One particularly notable scene is where several horses are pulling heavy artillery cannons for the German Army, but when any of them fall to the ground, they are simply euthanized and replaced. One of the soldiers becomes merciful and attempts to prevent this, which makes us feel sympathetic for someone who's suppose to be a villain.

One thing I like about this film is the music. John Williams has composed almost every Steven Spielberg film, so it's no surprise that he was called in to do this one. His orchestral score is perfect and the music alone is enough to make you cry. The sets are impressive, reflecting both the battlefields of World War I and the early 20th century architecture of the English and French countrysides. While I can't say War Horse is a perfect film, it still ranks among Spielberg's best. It's a timeless story that adds up to a great experience.