A friend of mine was once a owner of many horses, and he suggested I watch the film War Horse. Though he did get me a copy of the original book that the film is based on first. While it took me some time to get the movie, I can’t believe I waited this long. I loved the book, and Steven Spielberg did an amazing job with it.

The film starts out in a peaceful early 20th century England. An old man named Ted Narracott favors a horse in an auction, and loses his head when another fellow also wants the horse. He ends up destroying his budget, and the horse Joey must plow the whole farm to prove his worth with the help of Ted’s son Albert.

Albert trains Joey well, and they end up saving the farm. However his father is compelled to sell Joey to the British Army as World War I has just broken out in Europe. Captain Nicholls pities Albert after see him beg for his beloved horse back. Nicholls promises that if he and Joey are both safe and sound, then he’ll return the young colt back to his care when the war is over.

However tragedy strikes in the battlefield as Joey loses his caring Captain early on. He then is acquired by whoever finds him. For most of his war career he ironically pulls weaponry and machines for the German army. But my favorite part of the story is when he ends up in the peaceful French farm run by Emilie and her grandfather.

Joey’s tale of service in World War I may be at times unrealistic, but also with plenty of heart-warming and heart-breaking moments. It also shows the brutal nature of war, and complete lack of concern by most humans (except most of Joey’s carekeepers) for animals. It has a few flaws I admit, but like most of Spielberg’s work it’s just a fantastic film.