Warhorse The Movie – A Review

January 4, 2014 | By Editor | Add a Comment

Warhorse The Movie – The Plot: “From director Steven Spielberg comes “War Horse,” an epic adventure for audiences of all ages. Set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War, “War Horse” begins with the remarkable friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man called Albert, who tames and trains him. When they are forcefully parted, the film follows the extraordinary journey of the horse as he moves through the war, changing and inspiring the lives of all those he meets—British cavalry, German soldiers, and a French farmer and his granddaughter—before the story reaches its emotional climax in the heart of No Man’s Land.

The First World War is experienced through the journey of this horse—an odyssey of joy and sorrow, passionate friendship and high adventure. “War Horse” is one of the great stories of friendship and war— a successful book, it was turned into a hugely successful international theatrical hit that is arriving on Broadway next year. It now comes to screen in an epic adaptation by one of the great directors in film history.”

Who is in it?

Warhorse doesn’t star Hollywood A list instead Steven Spielberg opted for a mix of unknown and tried character actors including:

Emily Watson – A true character actress who has more recently appeared in Anna Karenina, The Book Thief and Appropriate Adult.

David Thewlise – Of Harry Potter films, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, The Fifth Estate and Red 2.

Peter Mullan – Of Harry Potter films, The Last Legion and True North

Niels Arestrup – French actor

Jeremy Irvine – War Horse was essentially his film debut having previously played the role of Luke in the TV serious Life Bites.

Benedict Cumberbatch – Most notably of Sherlock fame

Is it any good? “Breathtaking and Heart-wrenching” are the two words that sum up Warhorse for me. At almost 2 1/2 hours the movies is of epic proportions and from start to finish draws in the audience. The way Steven Spielberg applies his craft to this classic story ensures that there at its finale there will not be a dry eye in the house. The movie is suitable for those aged 8 and above and even though much of it is centred around the first world war there is limited blood and gore but the message is still delivered in such a strong and emotional manner.

Out of 5 stars for me it is a full 5.