en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 22:04:34 GMT 15 By Tamour Malik
At the outbreak of the First World War, the relationship between a horse and its owner are tested against the harshness and brutality of warfare. Director Steven Spielberg’s 27th feature film is one of his most powerful and emotional period pieces to date. Adapted from a 1982 novel, and stage play, the film balances its loud, epic wars scenes, with more quiet, emotional moments, focusing on the power that a friendship between an owner and his companion can have. Although some scenes are overplayed at times, War Horse is a powerful, epic, and traditional film for anyone to enjoy. The film focuses on the journey of a horse named Joey. He is the center of admiration to his caretaker, Albert Narracott, a young boy living on his parents’ farm. However, when war breaks out in England, Joey is sold, and becomes a war horse on the frontline. Joey goes from owner to owner as the story progresses and the war drags on. The film’s greatest strength lies in its production value, no expense was spared to recreate the time period of the 1910s. For example, the battlefield sets are truly epic in scale. Spielberg attempts to historically recreate the environment of the First World War, showing soldiers hidden in deep trenches, and introducing the component of chemical warfare (which was used heavily in WWI). The film is strikingly cinematic; feeling and looking like a true, Hollywood classic. The final scene, in particular, uses classic cinematography to relate the vintage feel of this movie. Perhaps the film’s greatest achievement is its deep characterization of the horses, they are not just animals, there is a deep emotional connection with the people who ride them into battle. The only criticism that could be laid against the film is that some of the scenes feel overdone, though this feeling was few and far between. This is Spielberg’s first war film since his 1997 masterpiece Saving Private Ryan, and once again, he is able to perfectly capture the perspective of the common people. The film brings forth strong emotional feelings of heartbreak, pain, and bittersweet happiness that radiate throughout. War Horse has all the elements of a great movie, with brilliant direction, an original story, and splendid set design, making it easily one of the best films of the past year. OVERALL: 4.5 out of 5 ]]> Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:26:18 GMT