War Horse

(Stephen Spielberg/2011/USA)

Originally a children’s book told from the point of view of a horse sold to the British army during World War I, this film understandably introduces more conventional narratives for human characters to blend with the story of the horse. It is closer in spirit to the theatrical adaptation of the book than the book itself I’d hazard. A pastoral feeling permeates the movie and Spielberg creates a highly emotive story and sense of place. Lighting, music and sets all combine to give an operatic or theatrical feel throughout. The relationship between Albert and Joey is slowly built up to be used further on to pluck the heart strings. War Horse is not short of style and feeling but it can’t help being a bit of a ham fisted story. The action onscreen becomes less and less believable as the film goes on, no doubt more suited to the high drama of a live stage setting than the cinema. But even with this concession the story on screen is a bit flat. There are only so many orchestral cues, telling you how to feel, you can take before it all gets a bit numb. I’ll also admit this isn’t my usual viewing fare or would ever be a first choice. But it was a great film to sit and watch with my kids as they immediately engaged with the plight of the horse and it gave me ample opportunity to lament the horrors of war to them and impart some history not just of the war but of ploughing methods from a hundred years ago!

(2/5)