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Based
on Michael Morpugo's 1982 best-seller, War Horse is
the
latest cinematic journey from blockbuster director and household name
Steven
Spielberg. Having previously been recreated for the stage to both
critical
and commercial acclaim, it's no surprise to see a Christmas cinema
release for
the much loved family story. With War
Horse Spielberg
continues to
demonstrate his ability to helm a
holiday money-spinner. Within this
story of courage the director uses his cinematic
prowess to
convey both the scope and emotion that the story requires to a
modern
audience. While his previous war movie Saving
Private Ryan showed
you the horror of war, with War
Horse Spielberg
now wants to
show you the heart.
Set
during the First World War, War Horse is a
grand tale that centers around English farm boy Albert Narracott
(Jeremy
Irvine) and the special bond he shares with Joey, his beloved farm
horse. Joey is purchased in egotistical bidding war between
Alberts father
Ted Narracott (Peter Mullan) and their oppressive landlord Lyons (David
Thewlis). While he is a fine thoroughbred, Joey is not the strong work
horse
the Narracotts need to help sustain their farm. With pressure for
crop
results looming to pay off their landlord, the innocent and
unconditional bond
between man and animal is formed quickly between Joey and
Albert. Despite
the pairs courageous effort, the family is unable to escape their debt
and Ted
Narracott sells Joey to the British Army to ride with Captain Nicholls
(Tom
Hiddleston). Heartbroken and desperate Albert promises to not give up
until he
finds his companion and brings him home.
War
Horse
is a tale told from a variety of perspectives
but driven by two lead narratives. Innocent animal Joey is thrust into
a world
of violence and falls under the ownership of both warring
sides. Having a
four legged lead with no allegiance or connection to the war that
surrounds him
emphasises the pure absurdity and sadness experienced during war
time. Albert's path shows his determination and struggle
through a
brutal war to bring his companion back home to the family farm. This
determination is both admirable and beautifully human, not something
often seen
in Boxing Day blockbusters. Through these two separate narratives we
are given
insight into both sides of the war and never forced to believe anyone
is
"The bad guys".
In
style War Horse is reminiscent of
the bygone era of Hollywood classics. Comparisons to the old MGM
movies of
the 40's will be frequent with this film, but for good reason.
Spielberg's
regular cinematographer Janusz Kaminski has shot the movie
beautifully. Kaminski frames a stunning widescreen picture and
allows a
lot to be seen without ever overcrowding the image or distracting from
the
central focus of the scene. John Williams provides the rousing and
emotional
score and there isn't another man in Hollywood that could do the same
without seeming
like a pale imitation. The director himself is in fine form for this
family
film. One of the film's most absurd but amazing moments involves the
two fighting sides coming together to help a wounded Joey. It is a
beautiful moment laced with clever comedy that is a welcome
breather in
the cinematic pace. With War Horse
receiving an M rating, some of the scenes may be too graphic for
younger
children. However Spielberg's direction has left out the physical gore
of war
in favour of well shot, fast paced action sequences. This
works well
and still brings across the fear and erratic action experienced in the
trenches
and battlefields of the First World War.
The
actors are all well cast with a few standouts. Niels
Arestrup is excellent portraying a loving but wary French grandfather
who
chances upon Joey when his granddaughter finds him in the farmyard
barn. Tom
Hiddleston who we'll be watching in movies for some time to come,
brings an old
Hollywood charm and style to a small but important role. Emily Watson
is also
strong as always playing Albert's mother Rose. Newcomer Jeremy Irvine
who plays
Albert is at time earnest to the point of disbelief, but this is
necessary for
his character and is accurate to the cinematic style and time at which
the
story is set.
War
Horse is
a story for the whole family. While it may be too mature for
the younger kids, grandma and grandpa will enjoy what is on
display. It does not have the laughs or gross out gags that can be
expected on the usual fanfare of Boxing Day Christmas movies. What it
does have
is a beautiful beating heart that tells a important message of hope
through
courage.
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