Award-winning director Steven Spielberg brings us War Horse, an epic heart-wrenching tale about a horse, Joey, and his journey from an idyllic farm to battlefield during the First World War. Kidzworld has the movie review.
A Boy and His Horse
When an English farmer (Peter Mullan) who needs a strong workhorse to plow his fields goes to market, he finds a beautiful horse that touches his heart. However, the animal isn’t strong enough to pull a plow. The farmer engages in a bidding war for the horse with an evil landowner, and even though he wins it is at a mighty cost. When he brings the horse home his wife (Emily Watson) isn’t pleased, but his son Arthur (Jeremy Irvine) is overjoyed and bonds with the horse immediately, naming him Joey. Arthur promises his dad he can teach Joey to plow, and he does, cementing his friendship with Joey and helping his dad.
A Noble Steed
When the First World War breaks out life is disrupted everywhere, including the farm. The farmer is forced to sell Joey to the army, but ensures that he goes to a good owner, a noble young lieutenant who promises Arthur he will treat him well and return him to the family after the war. Arthur is saddened to be losing his best friend, and it is an emotional parting for both.
The Effects of War
Although the young lieutenant agrees to look after Joey, the movie follows Joey through several different owners and landscapes, and how no one can count on where they’ll be or what danger they’ll meet in the face of war. The audience sees many different war stories through Joey's travels and different owners.
The Bottom Line
War Horse attempts to demonstrate the terrible effects of war on families and individuals, as well as show the emotional connection between people and horses. It includes some spectacularly beautiful shots of countryside while staying away from too much gore during war (although there are still some violent scenes, you may want to shut your eyes). Jeremy Irvine stands out in the film, and really makes you feel how much Arthur loves that horse, but the film isn’t as easy to follow once you’re left to see Joey’s journey alone, but shows many interesting stories (tied together by Joey).
Have Your Say
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War Horse Movie Rating:
