War Horse Film Review REVISED

     "War Horse", directed by Oscar-winning Steven Spielberg, is a movie based on a novel with the same name, written by Michael Morpurgo. This film falls into a few categories, such as historical drama and family movie, as it focuses on World War I and is suitable for alla ges. The main character, Albert Narracott (Jeremy Irvine), is a young and kind boy from Devon who loves his brave and beautiful male thoroughbred, foal, Joey. His father is Ted Narracott, an old man with a drinking problem who is a veteran from the Boer War.
     The story begins when ALbert Narracott witnesses the birth of a thoroughbred foal. Some time later, Ted Narracott goes into town to buy a plowing horse in an auction, but he takes an interest in the same young thoroughbred ALbert saw. He brings him home after bidding a high price for the colt, and his wife, Rose Narracott (Emily Watson), isn't happy. Albert, however, is very happy to see the horse, and soon becomes bounded to it. He names the horse Joey. He trains Joey to respond to his calls and to plow the rocky grounds. But sixteen-year-old Albert soon becomes separated from Joey when their crops failed and they need money to pay their debt. Ted sells Joey to Captain Nicholls, a bright and clever british soldier. Joey is now a war horse, and Albert promises that Joey and he will meet once again. After being seperated from each other, they both face different difficulties and challenges. Will Albert be able to fulfill his promise and be together with Joey once more?
     The background music fits perfectly for every scene in the movie. For example, during the scene of teaching Joey to respond to calls, the background music starts softly When Albert starts to run, the music turns faster and jumpier, giving a playful tune. The music changes to a tense background music when the soldiers prepare to charge. It becomes soft yet strong, and gets faster as the battle reaches its climax, then slows down as the scene ends. It gives the feeling that the music follows everything that happens in the movie. John Williams, the composer of War Horse soundtrack, is a genius. The costumes designed by Joanna Johnston are very realistic. The costumes fit the characters very well. For example, Rose wears a beautiful, long, pale pink dress, and it gives off the feeling of a normal English woman. Another example is Emilie's costume. She wears a bright yellow dress, and the bright yellow dress creates a feeling of a cheerful and young French girl.

     War Horse is a highly enjoyable and suspenseful movie. Watchers of all ages will not regret watching this movie. It really captures how people on different sides of World War I feel, and it’s definitely a first-rate movie. I strongly recommend it. Don’t miss it!