Once in a while, there comes a film that tugs at the heartstrings of every audience member. War Horse, directed by the famous Steven Spielberg, is no exception. With an eye-grabbing trailer and much publicity, you can get a glimpse of its plot just about anywhere. War Horse digs deep back in time, when Europe was war-torn and World War I was about to begin. When it did, however, a “miracle” horse named Joey appeared.
Taking place in England, the plot begins when a young colt, separated from his mother, is auctioned off and unintentionally bought by a drunk and poor farmer. Once the horse comes home, he meets the farmer’s young son, Albert, who is fascinated by him and holds a soft spot for horses. Albert names him Joey, and from then on, Joey continues to pull through the most enduring tasks with his strength and perseverance, which defines his personality. At the same time, he and Albert develop an unbreakable bond, even when they are separated.
Joey continues to go from owner to owner, each of them except Albert having been killed because of war. From the British to German’s side, he fights for whoever claims him. During this process, he is physically and mentally deprived of health and love. Spielberg doesn’t hesitate to show the hardships and sufferings of horses during World War I. Hundreds of thousands are forced to fight, work, or be killed. Viewers are able to see Joey’s physical and emotional journey throughout the film, including his joy when he miraculously reunites with Albert again.
War Horse also lets audience members see how soldiers mentally struggle with the horrors of war. The emotional struggle that young men like Albert went through was very common in the past, when they fought using trench-warfare and see, hear, and feel nothing but terror and death. The film delivers a taste of war from both a human and animal’s perspective, which both are life-changing experiences, and yet you can’t help but feel they are quite similar.
Albert and Joey, in many ways, are alike. They are afraid and fear-stricken at first, but are brave, valiant and courageous when they need to be. They were separated, went through the same physical and emotional struggle together, and still managed to reunite through it all. Endurance, hope, and friendship ultimately brought them together.
Overall, the story will have you laughing, crying, smiling, and cheering. Whether you get emotional easily or not, be sure to bring tissue boxes for yourself and the person next to you. War Horse will bring you through a journey you won’t want to forget. War Horse was released in Christmas 2011 and is still showing in theaters!
