WWI backdrop for "War Horse" journey
By Matt Grantz, Assistant Editor
January 18, 2012
 “War Horse” is a film from award-winning director Steven Spielberg based on a children’s book and play of the same name. “War Horse” is set in Devon, England, and tells the story of a boy and his horse, both of whom fight in World War I.
The film opens with the boy, Albert Narracott (Jeremy Irvine), watching as the horse, later named Joey, is born. The film then progresses, showing both Albert and Joey as they grow up. Eventually, Albert’s father, Ted (Peter Mullan), purchases Joey at an auction in town. Unfortunately, Ted needs a workhorse to plow his farm and Joey is a thoroughbred, incapable of plowing.
The lack of a workhorse causes Ted much trouble and he is about to be kicked off his farm for not paying rent when Albert is able to cajole Joey into plowing an extra field for more money. Unfortunately, the field is later washed out, with the crops uprooted. At the same time, World War I breaks out, so Ted sells Joey to the British Army in order to make the money he needs. Albert is outraged and asks the British officer who bought Joey, Captain Nicholls (Tom Hiddleston), to take good care of the horse. At the same time, Albert gives Joey Ted’s campaign ribbon from the Boer War.
Joey is then trained in combat tactics with the rest of the British cavalry and is then sent to France with Nicholls. Before  shipping out, Nicholls draws pictures of Joey and sends them to Albert. In France, Nicholls and Joey take part in a cavalry charge, which the Germans stop with machine guns. Nicholls is killed in the process. Joey escapes but “joins” the German Army.
“War Horse” combines a very touching story with an excellent set of action scenes. The story follows Joey and his campaign ribbon as they travel in both the British and German armies, creating a dynamic and interesting story. The film’s action is also quite authentic, featuring impressive and believable battle scenes.
The only fault with “War Horse” is the story’s total unbelievability. Once the viewer is able to move past the improbability of the story’s circumstances, “War Horse” is very enjoyable.
“War Horse” is not a film I would pay to see in theaters again, but I certainly recommend going to see it at least once.
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