A young farm boy enlists to serve in World War I after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. His hopeful journey takes him out of England and onto the front lines as the war rages on.A young farm boy enlists to serve in World War I after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. His hopeful journey takes him out of England and onto the front lines as the war rages on.A young farm boy enlists to serve in World War I after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. His hopeful journey takes him out of England and onto the front lines as the war rages on.
- Nominated for 6 Oscars
- 15 wins & 76 nominations total
Featured reviews
Spielberg's film is his vision of Michael Morpurgo's beloved book, which must surely now be essential reading for all kids, if it wasn't before.
Superficially it's about a horse named Joey and a boy called Albert, who become inseparable through a series of unfortunate events – World War I being one of them. A closer look reveals a story of such overwhelming humanity that I was bowled over. Spielberg was the only director for this film because he knows what it means to be a child.
Whether or not it is apparent in the book, there's no doubt this is a war film, one that ranks with Spielberg's 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Schindler's List'. Emily Watson's character utters a line about the refusal of being proud of killing, which is the line one might use to summarise the film's point. Because Spielberg is Jewish, this line is pregnant with meaning. It's his noble way of saying that, despite the suffering received by his kin, he is willing to forgive their oppressors.
There's a scene where Joey is trapped by barbed-wire in no man's land and is freed by the combined effort of an Englishman and a German, who put aside their differences under the name of human decency. The scene is breathtaking, and it's the sort which no-one does better than Spielberg.
Long-time collaborator John Williams provides a moving score, regardless of its resemblance to the one he composed for 'Saving Private Ryan'. Director of Photography Janusz Kaminski reminds us of the beauty of our rural regions by photographing the Devonshire countryside with reverence.
Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullan, David Thewlis, Benedict Cumberbatch, Niels Arestrup and Tom Hiddleston form the principal cast and are wonderful. Nothing could have prepared me for how much I'd be moved. There's no reason why you won't be.
moseleyb13.com
Superficially it's about a horse named Joey and a boy called Albert, who become inseparable through a series of unfortunate events – World War I being one of them. A closer look reveals a story of such overwhelming humanity that I was bowled over. Spielberg was the only director for this film because he knows what it means to be a child.
Whether or not it is apparent in the book, there's no doubt this is a war film, one that ranks with Spielberg's 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Schindler's List'. Emily Watson's character utters a line about the refusal of being proud of killing, which is the line one might use to summarise the film's point. Because Spielberg is Jewish, this line is pregnant with meaning. It's his noble way of saying that, despite the suffering received by his kin, he is willing to forgive their oppressors.
There's a scene where Joey is trapped by barbed-wire in no man's land and is freed by the combined effort of an Englishman and a German, who put aside their differences under the name of human decency. The scene is breathtaking, and it's the sort which no-one does better than Spielberg.
Long-time collaborator John Williams provides a moving score, regardless of its resemblance to the one he composed for 'Saving Private Ryan'. Director of Photography Janusz Kaminski reminds us of the beauty of our rural regions by photographing the Devonshire countryside with reverence.
Jeremy Irvine, Peter Mullan, David Thewlis, Benedict Cumberbatch, Niels Arestrup and Tom Hiddleston form the principal cast and are wonderful. Nothing could have prepared me for how much I'd be moved. There's no reason why you won't be.
moseleyb13.com
10PWNYCNY
I was expecting this movie to be just another extravagant sentimental potboiler. Wow, was I surprised. This is a great movie. The title says the movie is about a horse, but it's really about a lot more than that. The horse plays a central role but the humans figure in the story too, in a big way. The cinematography is outstanding; it really conveys the bleak, gory nature of war. The movie alludes to the Battle of the Somme which is one of the costliest battles in history in terms of the sheer number of lives lost. At times the movie does lapse into sentimentality but in general the story proceeds at a fast pace (pun intended). The performances of the horses in this movie are impressive. They are stars in their own right. If the movie accomplishes nothing else, it shows that war is hard on animals too, and like the humans, they are victims too; there was never a horse that wanted to go to war. That any horses survived at all in the war is amazing. Anyway, this movie is well worth watching.
Agreeable and entertaining Spielberg film shot in Devon , England , UK . Dealing with the mishap fate of a horse , and the people who own and command it . Portraying the adventures , sufferings , pains and adversities . It narrates the circule of its life from a colt at a farm owns : Peter Mullan , Emily Watson and cared by their teen son : Jeremy Irvine and subsequently to be transported in France during WWI . Separated by War . Tested by Battle . Bound by Friendship .
Concerning a horse's trials extended with the unfortunes and misdemeanours of the humans that surround the animal . Impressive scenarios , Kaminski's photography and Williams' music enhance this tragic adventure and through its profund and wizened eyes . The fascinating and dramatic story is treated in good sense and high sensibility , showing the War Horror , useless massacres and total destruction across the battles . The cast is frankly excellent with plenty of familiar faces , mostly British players , such as : Peter Mullan , Emily Watson , Tom Hiddleston , David Thewlis , Benedict Cumberbatch , Tony Kebbel, David Kross , Liam Cunningham , Eddie Marsan and many others .
The film is produced , written , photographed , edited (Michael Kahn) , designed (production design by Rick Carter) , costume deigner (Joanna Johnston) by Spielberg's regular team . As it contains colorful and brilliant cinematography by Janusz Kaminski . Equally , great musical score by the always excellent John Williams . The motion picture lavishly financed by Kathleen Kennedy , Frank Marshall was stunningly produced/directed by Steven Spielberg (Schdller's List , Saving Private Ryan, E T , Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Terminal, Lincoln...) . Rating : 7.5/10. Better than average . Essential and indispensable seeing for Steven Spielberg completists and his enthusiast followers .
Concerning a horse's trials extended with the unfortunes and misdemeanours of the humans that surround the animal . Impressive scenarios , Kaminski's photography and Williams' music enhance this tragic adventure and through its profund and wizened eyes . The fascinating and dramatic story is treated in good sense and high sensibility , showing the War Horror , useless massacres and total destruction across the battles . The cast is frankly excellent with plenty of familiar faces , mostly British players , such as : Peter Mullan , Emily Watson , Tom Hiddleston , David Thewlis , Benedict Cumberbatch , Tony Kebbel, David Kross , Liam Cunningham , Eddie Marsan and many others .
The film is produced , written , photographed , edited (Michael Kahn) , designed (production design by Rick Carter) , costume deigner (Joanna Johnston) by Spielberg's regular team . As it contains colorful and brilliant cinematography by Janusz Kaminski . Equally , great musical score by the always excellent John Williams . The motion picture lavishly financed by Kathleen Kennedy , Frank Marshall was stunningly produced/directed by Steven Spielberg (Schdller's List , Saving Private Ryan, E T , Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Terminal, Lincoln...) . Rating : 7.5/10. Better than average . Essential and indispensable seeing for Steven Spielberg completists and his enthusiast followers .
It is well understood from the first few scenes that the typical cliché of both war films and animal dramas will stain Spielberg's canvas, yet the film pushes forward, earning well-deserved praise. Quite a few scenes are captivating to say the least; as is the scene with the horse, Joey, forging through heavily barb-wired no man's land.
'War Horse' surely reminisces the older WW1 films, and epic war films in general, such as Lawrence of Arabia, that drag on forever, yet do not fail to keep you enthralled with their stunning visuals and top-notch acting. Jeremy Irvine's performance was acceptable for an actor fairly new to the game, as were the performances of the gamut of child actors in the film, but honorable mentions must go to Emily Watson, Niels Arestrup, and Peter Mullan. The production did a wonderful job to give the horse Joey a deeper personified image, as if he were an actor. The same goes for the other horses in the film, who seem to converse amongst each other and reveal a chemistry shared between animal and animal, as well as animal and man. A wonderful job on the whole. Certainly Spielberg's finest work in recent months (yes, I don't think cowboys and aliens should ever mix).
For what its worth, this picture will move you deeply, as it has done to many. 'War Horse' inspires anti-war sentiments, as Joey's endeavors help him sympathize with men on both sides of the trenches, and ultimately reminds us of the beauty of Earths beasts. Each one has its own character that strikes a chord with the audience, and this is undeniable.
Enjoy!
'War Horse' surely reminisces the older WW1 films, and epic war films in general, such as Lawrence of Arabia, that drag on forever, yet do not fail to keep you enthralled with their stunning visuals and top-notch acting. Jeremy Irvine's performance was acceptable for an actor fairly new to the game, as were the performances of the gamut of child actors in the film, but honorable mentions must go to Emily Watson, Niels Arestrup, and Peter Mullan. The production did a wonderful job to give the horse Joey a deeper personified image, as if he were an actor. The same goes for the other horses in the film, who seem to converse amongst each other and reveal a chemistry shared between animal and animal, as well as animal and man. A wonderful job on the whole. Certainly Spielberg's finest work in recent months (yes, I don't think cowboys and aliens should ever mix).
For what its worth, this picture will move you deeply, as it has done to many. 'War Horse' inspires anti-war sentiments, as Joey's endeavors help him sympathize with men on both sides of the trenches, and ultimately reminds us of the beauty of Earths beasts. Each one has its own character that strikes a chord with the audience, and this is undeniable.
Enjoy!
I went to see this movie expecting NOT to like it. But, for 2 hours and 15 mins I was totally enthralled. I don't understand the reviews that have disliked this wonderful movie. If you want a cinematic experience this will tick the boxes. This is simply a great story - well told. Its also visually stunning. There's no stupid CGI. There's no gratuitous violence - the violent moments are tastefully choreographed and at times heartbreakingly realistic - without going for sensationalism. I'll not tell you the story or give any spoilers. Except to say this. Girls - bring hankies! Guys - don't be put off by the hankies - there's plenty of good action and the story is brilliant anyway. If you want a normal brainless CGI blockbuster - look elsewhere. If you want a class GREAT MOVIE GO AND SEE WARHORSE - you will not regret it.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDirector Steven Spielberg stated that the only digital effects used in the movie were three shots that lasted three seconds, and it was done to ensure the safety of the horse involved. Spielberg was quoted as saying, "That's the thing I'm most proud of. Everything you see on screen really happened."
- GoofsCaptain Nicholls is shown completely clean-shaven in 1914. In reality, British Army officers were not permitted to shave their upper lips until 1916.
- Quotes
Albert Narracott: We'll be alright Joey. We're the lucky ones, you and me. Lucky since the day I met you.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Breakfast: Episode dated 26 October 2011 (2011)
- SoundtracksThe Scarlet and the Blue
By John Tams and Adrian Sutton
- How long is War Horse?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Languages
- Also known as
- Caballo de guerra
- Filming locations
- Castle Combe, Chippenham, Wiltshire, England, UK(horse auction)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $66,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $79,884,879
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $7,515,402
- Dec 25, 2011
- Gross worldwide
- $177,584,879
- Runtime2 hours 26 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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