What is war horse about?

What is War Horse About?

War Horse is a British war drama film directed by Steven Spielberg, released in 2011. The movie is an adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s 1982 novel of the same name. The story revolves around the unique bond between a young boy and his beloved horse, set against the backdrop of World War I.

The Story

The film begins in Devon, England, where we meet Albert Narracott, a young boy who grows up on a farm with his parents and siblings. Albert’s passion is horses, and he is particularly attached to a thoroughbred colt named Joey. The bond between Albert and Joey is the heart of the story. The two share a deep connection, and Albert trains Joey to be a war horse.

As World War I breaks out, the British government requisitions horses for military service. Joey is sold to the army, and Albert is heartbroken. Joey is sent to the Western Front, where he is assigned to the British Army’s cavalry. Meanwhile, Albert’s father, Ted, joins the army, and Albert is left to take care of the farm.

The Battle Scenes

The film’s battle scenes are intense and realistic, depicting the harsh conditions and brutality of war. The cinematography is stunning, with sweeping shots of the battlefields and detailed depictions of the chaos and destruction. The horses, including Joey, are shown to be terrified and traumatized by the war.

Joey’s Journey

As the war rages on, Joey becomes a symbol of hope and resilience. He is captured by the Germans and eventually ends up on a farm in No Man’s Land. There, he befriends a young German girl named Emmy and a goose named Gretel. Joey’s time on the farm is a poignant and tender moment in the film.

The Reunion

After the war ends, Joey is found by Albert, who has become a soldier. The reunion between Albert and Joey is a heartwarming and emotional moment. The film ends with a sense of closure and healing, as Albert and Joey are reunited, and the farm is restored to its former beauty.

Themes

War Horse explores several themes, including:

• The Impact of War on Animals: The film highlights the plight of horses during World War I, many of which were used as war horses and suffered greatly.
• The Bond Between Humans and Animals: The relationship between Albert and Joey is a powerful example of the deep connection between humans and animals.
• Redemption and Reconciliation: The film suggests that even in the darkest of times, there is always a chance for redemption and reconciliation.

Accolades

War Horse received widespread critical acclaim, including:

• 8 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director
• 4 BAFTA Award nominations, including Best Film and Best Director
• Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Drama

Trivia

• Over 1,000 horses were used in the filming of War Horse, including 300 horses that played Joey at different stages of his life.
• The film’s budget was $150 million, making it one of the most expensive war films ever made.
• War Horse was released in 12 countries simultaneously, making it one of the widest releases of a film at the time.

Conclusion

War Horse is a powerful and emotional film that explores the devastating effects of war on humans and animals. The story is a testament to the enduring power of love and friendship. The film’s stunning cinematography, intense battle scenes, and poignant portrayal of Joey’s journey make it a must-see for anyone interested in war dramas.

Table: Awards and Nominations

Bullets: Notable Quotes

• "War is not just fought between humans. It’s fought between animals too." – Albert Narracott
• "Horses are not just animals, they’re part of the family." – Ted Narracott
• "The war may be over, but the scars will remain." – Albert Narracott