War Horse Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A horse goes on a European vacation during World War I, making friends and accidentally becoming a symbol of hope for everyone, even though he’s just trying to find his boy.

🍿 War Horse: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Purchase of Joey

In rural Devon, England, Albert Narracott develops a strong bond with a young horse named Joey. Albert’s father, Ted, impulsively buys Joey at an auction, outbidding their landlord despite being short on funds and needing a reliable plow horse, and the horse is not well-suited to the task. Rose, Albert’s mother, disapproves, but Albert is overjoyed.

Training Joey and Facing Hardship

Albert dedicates himself to training Joey, teaching him to plow the rocky fields. Despite initial skepticism from the community, Joey proves his worth. However, a severe storm destroys the turnip crop, leaving the Narracott family unable to pay their rent. Facing financial ruin, Ted sells Joey to the army as World War I begins. Albert, devastated, makes a promise to reunite with Joey.

Joey in the War

Joey experiences the horrors of war firsthand, serving as a cavalry horse for Captain Nicholls. He becomes close to another horse named Topthorn. However, traditional cavalry charges prove ineffective against modern weaponry, resulting in heavy losses, including Captain Nicholls’ death. Joey and Topthorn are captured by German forces.

Multiple Owners, Shared Humanity

Joey and Topthorn pass through the hands of various owners: two German brothers deserting the army, a young French girl named Emilie and her grandfather, and eventually are forced to pull heavy artillery for the Germans. Throughout these experiences, Joey encounters both kindness and cruelty, highlighting the shared humanity amidst the conflict.

Albert Joins the Fight

As years pass, Albert, now old enough to enlist, joins the British army, driven by his desire to find Joey. He serves alongside his friend Andrew in the trenches of France. Meanwhile, Joey and Topthorn continue to endure the hardships of war, with Topthorn eventually succumbing to exhaustion.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Albert Narracott (Jeremy Irvine): A determined young farm boy who embarks on a perilous journey through World War I to reunite with his beloved horse.
• Joey (N/A): The courageous horse whose journey through war-torn Europe becomes a symbol of hope and resilience.
• Ted Narracott (Peter Mullan): Albert’s father and a struggling farmer, haunted by his past war experiences, who buys Joey on a whim.
• Rose Narracott (Emily Watson): Albert’s mother who supports her son’s bond with Joey despite the family’s financial struggles.
• Capt. Nicholls (Tom Hiddleston): A compassionate British officer who buys Joey for the cavalry and promises to care for him.
• Grandfather (Niels Arestrup): A grieving French grandfather who briefly owns Joey and embodies the human cost of war.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Albert Narracott: “We’ll be alright, Joey. We’re the lucky ones, you and me. Lucky since the day I met you.” – Albert expresses his bond with Joey, highlighting their shared fortune amidst hardship.
• Captain Nicholls: “A horse is a horse, Albert, of course!” – Captain Nicholls jokingly reinforces the simple, yet profound, connection between Albert and Joey.
• Ted Narracott: “He’s got spirit, that one. More than I ever gave him credit for.” – Ted acknowledges Joey’s resilience after the horse successfully plows the rocky field.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $66,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $79,884,879
• Worldwide Gross: $177,584,879

💥 War Horse Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved War Horse! From the sweeping landscapes to the heart-wrenching war scenes, it was an emotional rollercoaster. The bond between Albert and Joey was so touching; I teared up when they were separated and cheered when they finally reunited. The scene in No Man’s Land, where the soldiers from both sides helped Joey, was unforgettable. This movie reminded me of the power of hope and friendship in the darkest of times.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Animal lovers”
  • “Viewers interested in World War I stories”
  • “Those who enjoy emotionally resonant films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “War violence”
  • “Animal suffering”
  • “Thematic elements related to death and loss”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Spielberg delivers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film, although the sentimentality can feel heavy-handed at times. The war scenes are impactful, and the performances are solid, making it a worthwhile cinematic experience.
• Variety: “War Horse is a classic Spielbergian epic with beautiful cinematography and a moving score. While the plot may be predictable, the film’s heart and craftsmanship make it an engaging wartime drama.
• Empire Magazine: “A heartfelt and visually impressive war story that showcases Spielberg’s talent for emotional storytelling. The film’s powerful imagery and strong performances make it a memorable and affecting experience.

Audience Reactions

The visuals were breathtaking, especially the landscapes of Devon and the stark contrast of the war-torn battlefields.: Viewers consistently praised the stunning cinematography and beautiful score, which heightened the emotional impact of the film.

The reunion of Albert and Joey at the end had the entire audience in tears.: The strong emotional connection between the characters and the animals resonated deeply with audiences, making it a powerful and moving experience.

Overall Consensus: War Horse is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant war drama that highlights the bonds of friendship and the power of hope amidst the chaos of World War I. While some find it overly sentimental, the film’s strong performances and beautiful cinematography make it a memorable cinematic experience.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Motion Picture – Drama)- 2012

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Steven Spielberg limited digital effects to only three shots lasting three seconds to ensure the horse’s safety, proudly stating that everything seen on screen really happened.”
• “Multiple horses portrayed Joey, each selected for specific skills and temperament to handle different scenes, ensuring the horse’s well-being throughout filming.”
• “The film is based on a 1982 children’s novel by Michael Morpurgo. In 2007 it was adapted for stage using life-size horse puppets which proved to be an unexpected hit.”
• “The scene where British and German soldiers meet in no man’s land to free Joey from barbed wire was inspired by real accounts of temporary truces during World War I.”

🖥️ How to Watch War Horse?

War Horse is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can also be found through online retailers like Amazon and at most major stores. Some cable providers may also offer it on demand.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed War Horse, you might like these similar films:

• Seabiscuit (2003): A historical drama centered around a horse overcoming obstacles and inspiring hope during a difficult era.
• Black Beauty (1994): Another story told from the perspective of a horse experiencing various owners and life events.
• Saving Private Ryan (1998): Also directed by Spielberg, offering a brutal and realistic depiction of war and its impact on individuals.
• 1917 (2019): A modern war film focusing on two young British soldiers during WWI, emphasizing their courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

🛒 War Horse Related Products

• War Horse (Blu-ray): Experience the epic adventure of War Horse in stunning high definition, with bonus features including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• War Horse: The Illustrated Story: Relive the magic of War Horse with this beautifully illustrated edition of the original novel by Michael Morpurgo, featuring captivating artwork and behind-the-scenes insights.
• War Horse Movie Poster: Decorate your space with a high-quality reproduction of the original War Horse movie poster, capturing the film’s powerful imagery and emotional depth.
• War Horse Official T-Shirt: Show your love for War Horse with this comfortable and stylish t-shirt featuring iconic imagery from the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

War Horse features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Across the Fields” – performed by John Williams
• “Dartmoor, 1912” – performed by John Williams
• “The Reunion” – performed by John Williams
• “The Scarlet and the Blue” – performed by John Tams and Adrian Sutton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Joey in #WarHorse Filmed by Robbie Kane!

Ever wondered how they make a horse puppet so realistic? This video gives you a peek behind the curtain, showing the incredible craftsmanship that went into creating Joey for the stage. It’s truly fascinating to see how they bring this beloved character to life.

War Horse-Joey interacts with a real horse

Curious about how they made the War Horse puppet interact so seamlessly with a real horse? This video shows the cast and crew bringing Joey to life, demonstrating the incredible artistry and attention to detail that went into making the film so immersive.

Soldier Reunites with His Beloved Horse on the Battlefield

Prepare to have your heartstrings tugged! This clip from War Horse showcases the powerful bond between a soldier and his horse, capturing the emotional rollercoaster of their reunion. It’s a reminder of the incredible sacrifices made during wartime and the unbreakable connections that can form in the face of adversity.

Joey – War Horse

Get ready to be amazed by the artistry behind the War Horse puppet! This video shows Joey in action at a horse show, showcasing the incredible skills of the puppeteers and the lifelike movements they were able to create. It’s a testament to the dedication and talent that went into bringing this beloved character to life.

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