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Cast: Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston
From legendary director Steven Spielberg comes the epic adventure War Horse, a tale of incredible loyalty, hope, and tenacity. Based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway play, and set against the sweeping canvas of World War I, this deeply heartfelt story begins with the remarkable friendship between a horse named Joey and his young trainer Albert. When they’re forced apart by war, we follow Joey’s extraordinary journey as he changes and inspires the lives of everyone he meets.
The courage of a horse and a young man and their unbreakable bond they have amid the horrors of war. Spielberg has become a household name over the years with his fantastic film resume and when you combine that with Disney you know you are in for a treat. "War Horse" is a film the family can enjoy together but I think it might be a little too heavy handed for younger children, plus there's plenty of war action and drama mixed in so I would say this is more an adult saga.
You might say the story is a bit sappy at times but it's meant to be an uplifting and inspirational tale and that it is, with all the drama and heartache that takes place in the film it still manages to stay light enough and have a happy ending. The entire cast did a terrific job including Jeremy Irvine who plays Albert, the young man that refuses to give up hope that his horse Joey will return safely from the war even going as far as joining the army in hopes of finding him. Peter Mullan and Emily Watson are also a delight as Albert's parents.
With a film like this with this many big name stars behind it you expect it to look good and production wise it is flawless, the scenery at times is breath-taking to look at. The battle scenes are well-done as well and the musical score fits every scene perfectly. This may not be Spielberg's best film or the best film of last year for that matter but it's still a highly entertaining journey. This is the story of a brave horse, a boy becoming a man and family, friends and enemies brought together by war.
"War Horse is available as 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack, 2-Disc DVD Combo Pack and a 1 Disc DVD. The premium 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack in particular allows viewers to explore the filmmaking process and storytelling adventure though a special 60 minute documentary (named "A Filmmaking Journey"), created by Spielberg, that offers a never-before-seen inside look into the making of "War Horse." Additional bonus features include a behind the scenes look at Spielberg's Award-Winning "Dream Team" - the film's scoring session with five-time Oscar-winning composer John Williams, the editing room with three-time Academy Award winning film editor Michael Kahn, the sound room with seven time Oscar-winning sound designer Gary Rydstrom, and a look through Producer Kathleen Kennedy's lens as she shares photos she took during the filming and recounts her discovery of "War Horse."
You can order the Packaging of your choice HERE.
Everyone needs to escape the hassle of everyday life from time to time and "War Horse" is a film to do that, I highly recommend checking this out. A film that is at times happy, sad and gut-wrenching but it's also a uplifting film that like in the film, will bring families together.
Released by Touchstone / Disney
**** Out Of *****