War Horse by Steven Spielberg

By Diana Smardon

This is a must see movie. It is a genuine, sincere, sweet film touching your heart and soul set in pre-WWI times. The story is about a young lad from a small village in Dartmoor, England who trains a young thoroughbred horse his father buys at a local village auction. Horses were used in military campaigns in WWI to haul equipment, men and supplies to the front. They were invaluable, since conflicts could not be carried on without them. Most warfare at this time was based on the sheer brute strength of men and animals who physically transported all war material. This film concentrates on the events and adventures that occurred to this young lad's horse. which was taken from him and conscripted into the army. The horse "Joey" develops a friendship with another military horse and many adventures ensue.

 This is a totally anti-war film in the genre of Passchendaele, with Canadian director and actor, Paul Gross. It realistically shows the horrors of combat in the bleak and barren "No Man's Land" without the "For King and Country" phony propaganda sentiment and romanticism.

The equine cavalry recruit "Joey" goes through all the anguish of war that the men experience. Millions of horses and men were killed in WWI and previous military campaigns since the dawn of time.  

In summary, this is a touching, heart-felt story about how a young country lad and his horse were reunited after the war, when the lad was conscripted into the army. This movie is cinematic and acting brilliance at its finest and should be nominated for the Oscars it deserves. It is totally the most underrated film of the year. It will have you sobbing in the aisles and cheering at the same time. It is a brilliantly executed film which undoubtedly will become a classic in it own time. Please beg, borrow, or steal a copy immediately, if not sooner! Happy Viewing!