Movie: War Horse

(spoiler alert)

THE  FILM - Tells the story of a young man and the horse he raised after his father carelessly bought it back from an auction. From there, the young man named Alfred promised his parents that he will train the horse until its ready to plough. But due to many circumstances including financial difficulties, Alfred’s father sold the horse they named Joey to an officer of an English cavalry. Alfred tried to get the horse back, but the kind soldier swears he will take care of Joey until hopefully they’ll meet again. Alfred then promised Joey and said “I will find you when I get in the war”. And the cavalry left with new recruits and horses.

That’s when Joey’s journey started. As the story continues, Joey landed to the hands of many people in the midst of the war. From being captured, stolen, found in a mill, trapped, enslaved and finally escaped and saved. The horse being raised with a kind spirit touches the lives of the people he came across. Soldiers, enemies, and innocent civilians became naturally connected to Joey even other horses. Years later, when Alfred was at the right age to enlist to service in the war and was stationed in the battlefield, he and Joey were finally reunited under difficult circumstances.

THE GOOD – The movie was highly praised by many critics for its brilliant story, visual effects, cinematography and acting. Some claimed it as “The best movie of the year” so far. It conveys drama about World War I and how the people’s lives evolve during that war. Teaching us a part of our history which in a way only in a movie we can easily understand.

From a director who made significant films about epic battle and wars, we wouldn’t even noticed if there are similarities to movies like Saving Private Ryan or in a movie-made-for-TV like Band of Brothers. Because, it was not the war itself that had been highlighted in this film but the message about relationship, loyalty and camaraderie. Whether it’s between a man and a horse, or between enemies saving a horse, the film unfailingly moved us by its many sentiments.  

The acting was well-matched to the story. Jeremy Irvine brought justice to the main character even he’s just a newcomer. Emma Watson, Peter Mullan, David Thewllis and company made their character very remarkable as expected.

THE WAR AS SEEN IN A HORSE’S EYES - This part I think was the most tragic in the story. Although we have known all kinds of war since we started learning our history, it hasn’t conveyed to me generally how a war has affected other lives such as the animals. Joey, the horse in the movie, was never trained for battle, doesn’t know what is separation, yet he managed to touch other people’s lives amidst the war. He endures struggles, pain, suffering and abuse, but until the end we never knew what those eyes truly perceived.

It is a highly recommended holiday movie. With its moving story and great cinematography, certainly the one you won’t miss to watch.