Grand. Sweeping. Epic. These are all words used to probably describe something a little more old fashioned than what we’re used to these days. Even more so when it comes to Steven Spielberg lately, who actually hasn’t even released a film in four years. While his last feature may have been rather polarizing (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull), he’s taken a lot of heat over the last few years and has laid claim to a new Hollywood catch phrase called “nuking the fridge.”
Back in the old days of the true Hollywood epics (Gone with the Wind, Ben Hur, The Ten Commandments, etc.) these adjectives were heard on a regular basis. Today they’re nearly unheard of. Sometimes something may seem epic when really it’s just getting confused with being way too long. Leave it to Spielberg to harken back to both the glory days of old fashioned cinema, along with his own unique vision. While he may seem more caught up in the sci-fi of technology as of late (War of the Worlds, Minority Report, A. I.) “The Beard” is back with his big screen adaptation of the Tony Award winning stage play of War Horse.
Originally a children’s novel written by Michael Morpurgo, it was adapted as a stage play by Nick Stafford. Performed with puppets, which only brings to mind The Lion King, I’m sure it’s a rather magnificently interesting presentation. I think the best way to see the material truly brought to life would be through the film where you can get up close and personal with Joey. Joey is of course the title horse who is born in 1914.
As a thoroughbred, Joey is drunkenly bought at auction by Ted Narracott (Peter Mullan) against everyone else’s good graces for his farm. We are told thoroughbreds do not make for good use on a farm. Joey also, before, was being eyed by Ted’s son, Albert (Jeremy Irvine), out in the wild. Now that Ted has spent all of his rent money on Joey, his landlord Lyons (David Thewlis) gives Ted until the autumn to come up with the rest. Albert assures Lyons that he can break Joey and they will plow their field to harvest turnips. After the whole town shows up to see if Albert can really break Joey, it takes a fluke rainstorm to show everyone what Joey can do.
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Article comments
1 - m. finnell
I just saw "War Horse" and loved every minute of it. The scenery was beautiful and breathtaking, the actors were great and Joey was magnificent. Two and a half hours of pleasure!
2 - M .R.
The most amazing movie.Filmed in the best place on earth.All the characters expressed true emotions of those who would have actually lived through & overcome the challenges to survive in "lean" times. Steven Speilberg's research for this movie has reminded us of how important Dorothy Brooke's work & legacy in Egypt was & is today.The War Horse is truely a magnificent & inspirering story. The bonding relationship between Joey a thoroughbreed horse & Albert a country boy from Devonshire
with a spot on dielect touches your soul. I highly recomend seeing this epic movie.
This film will receive every award available.
3 - Jim West
Great movie of WW1. enjoyed every part of it.
4 - DF
Though it started out rather paltry, this year in film has redeemed itself in the last six months, seemingly focusing much more on narration as opposed to visual stimulation. War Horse, The Artist, etc., for the most part, remind us why we go to movies.
5 - Ziva..K....
WAR HORSE,was difficult to watch at times..It was too graphic in the plight of the horses.Would have been a better movie without so much saddness for Joey...not an animal lovers movie..at all.......but war is graphic..so should have known......
6 - Andy Wilson
What an asshole how dare he make a statement that ENGLAND is at war when the whole of the British people,scots irish,welsh ndEnglish fought this war.Once again a statement from a prick who only sees Britain as England
7 - Nancy
One of the worst movies I've ever seen. If you know anything at all about horses, you will find it so unbelievable that is is ridiculous.
8 - irish barry
biggest lod of shit i ever. seen ther are better movies than that shit and there not up for awards a race hoarse pulling a plough to many mistakes.the hole movie is a mistake.