Spielberg has not failed to impress with this war-time drama. Based on the book by Michael Morpurgo which then became a play, 'War Horse' is about a young boy named Albert who's beloved horse is sold to the British cavalry and sent to Europe, Albert signs up for the army and goes to war in the hopes that he will see his horse again.
Spielberg manages to take a story about a boy and his horse and turn it into an epic family film. We follow the story of Joey the horse as he is forced to travel Europe during the first world war and meet new characters on his journey, from Albert (Jeremy Irvine) the farm boy to Captain Nicholls (Tom Hoddleston) of the British Cavalry, to two German brothers, a dying French girl and her grandfather back to British soldier (Toby Kebbell).
The cast which also consists of Benedict Cumberpatch (Sherlock tv show) David Thewlis (Harry Potter) and Emily Watson (Cemetery Junction) do a brilliant job.
Spielberg's choice of editing and direction in this film is amazing, the Cavalry charge scene was brilliant yet powerful in its simplicity along with the Windmill night scene which was just as simple yet oh so incredible.
There are some fantastic moments in this film which really pull at the heart-strings and with the help of legendary film composer John Williams, I challenge even the hardest men not to get a little teary-eyed at the climax at No-Man's Land.
The cinematography by Janusz Kaminski ('Shindler's list' and 'Saving Private Ryan') is just beautiful, the mixture of the cold blues and greys of the Somme, to the warm reds and oranges of the final scene really show that cinematography is just as important as its ever been, and Spielberg knows that more than anyone.
There has been a lot of talk about Spielberg losing his touch after 'Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull' and a host of tv shows and films produced by him, but after 'Tin Tin' and now 'War Horse' I think we can all say he is back to doing what he does best.
This film is truly awesome, while it may not be for anyone under 10 it's something for the whole family. One tip is that you may need to take some tissues.
By George Kleanthous
@GeorgeK1988
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