Millions of men and horses were killed in the first world war. For over four years men and animals died from bullets, gas, barbed wire, and all manner of causes. But despite this some survived, some with injuries to both mind and body. But there are sometimes happy endings, aren't there?
War Horse takes stage on the English countryside of Devon. Albert (played masterfully by Jeremy Irvine) takes it upon himself to break the the free-spirited horse, Joey, after his father buys him on a whim. But when war breaks out the soldiers are in need of horses, and his father is in desperate need of money. Therefore, Joey must go to a place that all people fear--the battle ground.
As Joey is captured by the Germans he is forced to pull heavy artillery, an activity that usually kills horses within the month. Can Joey survive the living hell of war? Will he emerge alive as a hero; as a war horse?
This movie was beautifully made and gives the war an authentic portrayal while giving the viewers something to bond to--Joey, the horse, and Albert, a young man attached to his friend, his horse. The acting was great and storyline, though perhaps a bit predictable and unbelievable, was satisfying. The story gave the viewers something to love, and kept it from being horribly depressing, like WWI really was.
It does have a PG-13 rating for very real war violence, though not very graphic, and some language,
but still I give the heart lifting War Horse 3 1/2stars
