I did not have the opportunity to see War Horse in the theater. I’m sad that I didn’t because this film would have been amazing on the big screen.
I was going to the red carpet premiere of the film in NYC, but I was unable to attend. I’m so sorry that I missed out (Steven Spielberg was there too!).
Others who I know that have seen the film told me that you need a box of tissues in order to get through the movie. I’m thinking 2-3 boxes is more like it. This film tugs at your heartstrings – and then some!
Prior to seeing the movie I wasn’t sure if this was going to be a war film, or a film about the horse. I find war films very upsetting. I have never seen a war film that didn’t leave me feeling depressed and bawling my eyes out. Case in point, Saving Private Ryan and Schindler’s List, both of which also happen to be Steven Spielberg films. War Horse, thankfully, is more so the story about the horse, Joey, and the lives that he touches throughout World War I.
Here is the movie’s official trailer. If you are reading this post via e-mail you can see the trailer here,
War Horse stars a beautiful horse name Joey. Growing up around horses I have always had great respect and appreciation for these beautiful creatures.
The film starts out focusing on Joey and his special friendship with the young man who trained him, Albert. They had a truly unique bond (reminiscent of the Black Stallion).
Joey’s original purpose was to be a plough horse, however Albert saw more in Joey. He was able to teach Joey things that other horses probably couldn’t do.
Joey helps Albert plant a field of turnips to help raise money for his family. Sadly a bad rain storm destroys the crop. Unable to pay the rent, Albert’s father sells Joey to a young soldier. Albert is so distraught that he tries to enlist in the army to be with Joey but he is too young to join. The soldier who purchased Joey, Captain Nicholls, promises Albert that he’ll take good care of Joey and after the war is over he will return the horse to him.
Joey is trained to be a War Horse. He was taken care of by Captain Nicholls until he is killed by enemy fire, along with many in his battalion. The Germans then take all the horses, including Joey.
From that point on Joey changes hands several times. Being a war horse he also finds himself in the middle of battle, doing hard labor that has been known to kill horses because it is so exhausting.
I won’t give away the entire story because this is something you truly need to see for yourself. Not only does the events that take place and the people that Joey meets amazing, but the cinematogrphy is breathtaking. From rolling green fields to battle worn “No Man’s Land” – each and every scene is incredible. Even if the story doesn’t sound like something you would be interested in, the cinematography is a “must see”.
I loved the movie. I didn’t love the battle scenes or when people are killed, but I understand that it’s all a part of the story line.
The horse, Joey, was AMAZING! I really didn’t think you could train a horse to do the things that they had Joey do in the film. I’m VERY impressed with the horse and his handles. Joey should have been nominated for “Best Actor” because he’s an incredible horse.
You DON’T need to be a horse lover to appreciate this film. It does star a horse, but there is so much more to the story then just the horse. There is also the human aspect and their stories to take into consideration.
Be forewarned, you’ll need AT LEAST one box of tissues to make it through the movie. I’m thinking two might be a better choice. Even my husband got misty eyed.
I have the 4-disc combo pack. One disc is the movie on Blu-ray and another disc has the movie in DVD format. A third disc is the digital copy of the film. The fourth disc is packed with must-see bonus features.
The bonus feature, A Film Making Journey, is just as amazing at the film it’s self. This bonus feature is around an hour long (give or take). It takes viewers behind the scenes of the making of the film, from it’s conception to it’s final cut. It provides viewers with in depth details about every aspect of the film. This film was truly a “labor of love” for all of those involved.
Another feature, War Horse: The Journey Home, also provides viewers with insight about the making of this incredible film from Steven Spielberg and the production cast.
As a photographer I really appreciated the bonus feature called Through a Producer’s Lens. This bonus feature shows photos taken on the set of the film from Producer Kathleen Kennedy.
I’m not sure how long all the bonus features are if you watched them together, but it would probably be well over two hours. However I feel that the bonus features are just as interesting as the film it’s self and well worth watching. Watch them after you have seen the film so that you can have more appreciation for the hard work, dedication and heart that was put into the making of this breathtaking film.
A few months ago I posted an interview with Steven Spielberg about the movie, War Horse. If you are interested in his interview (video) you can find it here, https://www.shescribes.com/2011/12/an-interview-with-steven-spielberg.html.
War Horse is available where ever movies are sold. It’s rated PG-13 because of the war/battle scenes which might be too intense for young children.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in anyway.