War Horse Film Review

     "War Horse", directed by Oscar-winning Spielberg, is a movie based on a novel with the same name, written by Michael Morpurgo. The film falls in a few categories, such as historical drama and family movies, as it focuses on World War I and is suitable for all ages. 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 drinking problems 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 went into town to buy a plowing horse in an auction, but he took an interest in the same young thoroughbred Albert saw. He brought him home after bidding a high price for the colt, and his wife, Rose Narracott (Emily Watson), wasn't happy. Albert, however, is very happy to see the horse, and soon became bounded to it. He named the horse Joey. He trained Joey to respond to his calls and to plow the rocky grounds. But sixteen-year old Albert soon became separated from Joey when their crops failed and they needed money to pay their debt. They had to sell Joey to Captain Nicholls, a bright and clever british soldier. Joey was now a war horse, and Albert promises that Joey and he will meet once again. 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 his calls, the background music started softly. When Albert stared to run, the music turned faster and jumpier, giving a playful tune. The music changes to a tense background music when the soldiers prepared to charge. It became soft yet strong, and gets afaster as the fight 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 were very realistic. The costumes fit the characters very well. For example, Rose had a beautiful, long, pale pink dress, and it gave off the feeling of a normal English woman. Another example is Emilie's costume. She wore a bright yellow dress, and the bright yellow dress creates a feeling of a cheerful, 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 feels, and it's definitely a first-rate movie. I strongly recommend it. Don't miss it!