Review of War Horse (2011) by Matt F — 18 Feb 2013

Steven Spielberg does it again. His latest motion picture, War Horse, is far more than your average war film. Spielberg uses the film to reach out to a broader audience; War Horse provides the perfect balance of action and heartache, melded together by the friendship of a boy and his horse.

The main star of the film, the horse, Joey is born and sold to a farmer who is broke and foolish enough to buy him. The farmer's young boy, Albert, trains the horse to plow a rock laden field, a task even the toughest of work horses would struggle with.

This is only the beginning of many hardships Joey has to face throughout the film. The film presents itself with gorgeous, breathtaking visuals that are sure to please almost all viewers. The beautiful countryside setting of England and accurate representation of farms and villages at this time period (World War I) capture the audience and take them back in time.

Steven Spielberg does a brilliant job of capturing footage from the horse's point of view as he runs from various dangers or charges into battle.The first half of the film is slow but necessary and mainly consists of relationship building between Joey and Albert.

Their day to day training sessions and days on the farm strengthen their bond and trust for each other and ultimately the viewer's relationship with the pair. As a result of a failed fall harvest Joey is sold into the cavalry unit and separated from Albert.

Here the film splits in two, following Joey and Albert on their new paths. Joey's path is winding and war filled. He switches hands and sides in the war several times throughout the film. The audience is introduced to each individual Joey encounters.

The audience is presented with the opportunity to connect to each individual through Joey. With every change of hands Spielberg has the audience fearing for Joey. Albert's path is not much easier.

He tries to enlist in the war but is denied because of his age. Soon after he is of age Albert enlists, determined to find Joey. He then finds himself on the front lines in the trenches where there is plenty of action.

It is here he faces no man's land and is temporarily blinded by tear gas. The audience has all but lost hope at this point as it seems Joey and Albert will never find each other. Albert is blind. Joey is mud covered and injured with a pistol to his head, destined to be put down.

It is then the film reaches its heart wrenching climax, leaving the audience wondering if they will get the happy ever after they have so desired since Joey and Albert's separation.