Watch War Horse
- PG-13
- 2011
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7.2 (167,159)
War Horse is a 2011 epic war drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the 1982 children's novel of the same name by Michael Morpurgo. The movie was a box office success and received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. The story is set in rural England in the early 1900s and revolves around a horse named Joey. The movie opens with Joey being born on a farm owned by Ted Narracott (Peter Mullan), a drunken farmer who buys him at an auction against the advice of his wife Rose (Emily Watson). Ted's son Albert (Jeremy Irvine) develops a strong bond with Joey and trains him to plow fields, but their peaceful life is interrupted when the First World War breaks out.
Albert's father sells Joey to the army to pay off debts, and Joey is shipped off to France. There he is taken care of by a compassionate officer named Captain Nicholls (Tom Hiddleston) before being sent to the frontlines. Joey faces the horrors of war on both sides and changes the lives of the people he meets along the way.
The movie explores themes of courage, loyalty, and perseverance in the face of adversity. It also depicts the brutal reality of war and its impact on innocent animals and civilians. Through Joey's journey, we see the futility of war and the importance of compassion and empathy.
The performances in the movie are exceptional, especially by the young lead Jeremy Irvine. He portrays Albert's emotional attachment to Joey with sincerity and gives a moving performance. Emily Watson and David Thewlis, who play Albert's parents, also deliver solid performances.
The cinematography in War Horse is breathtaking, with the picturesque landscapes of rural England and the stark contrast of the war-torn French countryside. The film's score, composed by John Williams, is haunting and emotional, adding to the already powerful story.
Overall, War Horse is a poignant and heartfelt movie that explores the human cost of war through the eyes of an animal. Spielberg's direction, combined with the excellent performances and stunning visuals, make for an unforgettable cinematic experience. Whether you're a fan of war movies or not, War Horse is a must-see.
War Horse is a 2011 war movie. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 72.