War Horse

War Horse, released in 2011, is a gripping journey through the tumultuous landscape of war infused with atypical blend of raw emotion and epic historical narration of the world war I. Directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, this film offers a profound narrative engulfing the loving bond between a boy and a horse against the backdrop of human conflict.

The tale begins in the idyllic rural backdrop of Devon, England, with the birth of a spirited horse named Joey. The narrative centers around Albert Narracott, played skillfully by Jeremy Irvine, who forms a deep and unique friendship with Joey since its young foal days, despite the fact that his father Ted Narracott (played by Peter Mullan) bought the horse imprudently at an auction. His mother, Rose Narracott (portrayed by Emily Watson), is the realist of the family, understanding their precarious financial situation and the importance of the horse in aiding their survival.

The bond between Albert and Joey grows stronger with time with Joey learning to plow fields and Albert treating the horse more like a family member than a farm animal. Yet, the harsh reality of war changes their serene life as world war I broke out. Joey is sold to the British army as a war horse, which separates him from Albert. The remainder of the movie narrates the hardships, experiences and the remarkable journey of Joey, as he traverses through different owners and landscapes across the war-torn Europe.

The film captures the grandeur and brutality of war from an unusual perspective. From the muddy trenches of France to the vibrant farmlands of Devon, the cinematography captures the essence of the narrative closely, drenching the scenes with the right amount of reality and emotion. The well-orchestrated visuals bring a poetic tone to the movie, all while keeping the raving realities of the war grounded.

Jeremy Irvine offers a stellar performance making his cinematic debut as Albert. He beautifully portrays the depth of his character’s relationship with Joey and the visceral pain of their separation. Emily Watson, playing Albert’s mother, brings forward a robust performance, capturing the emotional inner strength, resilience and practicality of her character in testing times. David Thewlis also deserves mention for his convincing portrayal of Lyons, a landlord who adds to the Narracott family's tribulations.

In the midst of war and chaos, 'War Horse' tracks Joey through an extraordinary journey which sees him changing hands and roles, serving both the English and the German soldiers, turning into a civilian horse and even getting tagged as a symbol of hope. Each of these transitions is uniquely heart-wrenching. It is through Joey’s experiences that the audience is given a tour of the battling grounds, the turmoil it creates and an introspective look into humanity during war.

The movie uses Joey as a narrative device to shift perspective from military strategies to innocent suffering, revealing a wide array of characters - from soldiers with a soft corner for animals to a little girl who sees Joey as her only companion. These insights into individuals caught in the crossfire of war add depth to the narrative, steering it away from being just another war movie.

Musically, the film uses an emotive score composed by John Williams, which adds depth to every scene. The infusion of the score throughout the narrative weaves an emotional texture that complements Spielberg’s storytelling, and the stunning visuals of cinematographer Janusz Kaminski.

While it is a war movie, 'War Horse' interestingly refrains from taking sides. Instead, it offers a shared experience of the adversities, strength, and resilience of individuals, whether they are on the British or German side. There is no villain to point fingers at but the war itself.

In essence, War Horse, with its extraordinary storytelling, ensemble performances, and effective direction, serves as an entrancing tale that highlights the horrors of war and the resilience of love and faith in the face of adversity. It beautifully captures the profoundly human and emotional connection between a boy and his horse, offering a poignant commentary on the tragedies of war, compassion and courage borne from challenging circumstances.