Quick Movie Review: War Horse (2011)

War Horse (2011)

Bottomline: Push past the naysayers and go see this film. Good stuff.

What Other Emily Watson Movies Do You Recommend? Well, glad you asked. I adore Emily Watson and would recommend you take a look at the following: As Jacqueline Du Pre in Hilary and Jackie (1998) or as Elsie in Gosford Park (2001).

Interesting Note: The main horse of the film, Finder, also portrayed Seabiscuit in Seabiscuit (2003).

CAVEAT: I do recommend this film for young people but remember -- it's PG-13 for a reason. That's because there is a lot of violence and a lot of death. There is no blood spray or gore but watching the carnage that is war is disturbing as is watching animals being treated cruelly.

QMR Opinion:
Here’s what you’re going to hear from critics about this movie – it’s sentimental clap-trap that manipulates you into caring too much for the horse and not enough for the lives that cross the horse’s path. That some of the stories that are told as the horse wends its way through World War I are weak and poorly conceived. That the acting is a bit overly-dramatic bordering on false pathos. That the dialogue, at times, can be a bit wince-inducing. And, frankly, that’s all true. But here’s the deal: it’s directed by Steven Spielberg. Remember him? He’s one of the greatest American directors -- ever. And that’s why this movie works. It brings you in. You care about this horse. You care about the people who come into contact with the horse. The horse provides perfect continuity as the driving thread of the film. The cinematography is magnificent – English countryside, French countryside, German countryside. It is truly breathtaking. Then combine that with the John Williams score and you have yourself a winner. Oh. . added Bonus! It has Emily Watson who takes a terrific turn as a mother trying to hold her family together. The thrust of the story? Young Albert owns a horse named Joey who was bought to save his family’s farm. World War I breaks out. Joey is sold to the cavalry. We then follow Joey throughout the war. Be forewarned: The movie is Rated PG-13. There are disturbing scenes of war violence and animal cruelty. There is no blood spray but there is plenty of death. Will you shed a tear or two in this movie? Yes. But it ends on a wonderfully inspirational note. Don’t be afraid to fall in love with this type of sentimental clap-trap. It’s good stuff.