War Horse (2011) Film Review

            War Horse is a movie based on a novel of the same name written by Michael Morpurgo. The movie was directed by Steven Spielberg in 2011 starring Jeremy Irvine as Albert Narracott, an optimictic, young, naive lad from Devon, and Joey a strong, brave horse who develops a beautiful friendship. Peter Mullen plays Albert’s father who is a drunken  war veteran after serving in the Boer War. War Horse is a historical movie set during World War I that is suitable for everyone to watch at any age. The movie begins in Devon, England.

            War Horse is a movie about a remarkable friendship between Albert and his horse Joey. When World War I starts, Ted sells Joey to Captain Nicholls (Tom Hiddleston) to pay off his debts with his landlord. Before Joey goes away, Albert promises him that they will meet again someday. The film follow the journey of Joey going through World War I meeting different people and other horses. Will Albert and Joey meet again?

            There are many elements in the movie that affect the whole atmosphere of the situation. It takes place when World War I occurs, so they try to make the film as similar as what exactly happened at that time. Those elements, like the acting and the setting, help to make the situation seem realistic. The acting, in my opinion, it is very realistic. The words that the actors use in the movie are very different from what we use now in the 21^st century. Especially Jeremy Irvine’s (Albert) acting as he acts very well. Credit to Jeremy Irvine for being such a great actor. The way he shows the emotion can even make you shed a tear. The other actors and actresses also act very well, like Peter Mullen who plays Ted Narracott. He can act as if he’s drunk and depressed. One more element that really affects the entire atmosphere in the movie is the setting. The places that they use are very similar to what it really looked like back in 1914-1918. They even chose to film the movie in Devon, England where the story actually takes place. Surprisingly, Devon is also Michael Morpurgo’s hometown. The buildings, houses (interior and exterior), village, streets and even the open fields are all really authentic. For me, it’s like going back in time and seeing how it actually looked back then.

            Overall, I personally really like this movie. It is very historical, dramatic and unique. This movie is worth seeing and it will definitely touch your heart. I really recommend this movie, not because it is a family movie, but it makes you understand more about what happened in World War I, also it is very enjoyable to watch. My rating for this movie is 9/10 because somehow I feel like there’s something missing in the movie and there are some parts that are boring. If you really want to know what you will personally think about the movie, go and see the movie yourself. You don’t want to miss this, it’s spectacular!