Tuesday, May 8, 2012

'War Horse' evokes gamut of emotions

Great Falls Tribune

Desire, compassion, envy, loyalty, love — they're all driving emotions of any courageous being, and all emotions displayed by a young Albert Narracott (Jeremy Irvine) in "War Horse."
This dynamic film depicts the journey a young English boy, Albert, takes when his family takes possession of a youthful steed.
Despite the objections of Mama Narracott, the family decides to keep the small, immature stallion. Albert must prove his mettle by training Joey to plow the Narracott field. If he fails, the Narracotts will lose Joey and their farm to landlord Mr. Lyons (David Thewlis), whom the family owes money.
After an agonizing night, Albert's hours spent training Joey pay off. But just as the viewer begins to feel relieved for Albert and Joey, director Steven Spielberg pulls a fast one.
World War I is brewing and the draft is under way. While most viewers would assume that Albert would be the one to get drafted, Joey's striking features and thick muscles impress the recruiting officers, and Joey finds himself drafted into the British Cavalry.
The film follows Joey through his journey, bouncing from owner to owner as the war ravages the world. Albert finally decides to stop mourning and planting turnips and enlists to reunite with his lost companion.
Albert and Joey endure many horrors of war but their companionship and love wear a Kevlar suit.
The film features a much-awaited dramatic finale, which Spielberg directs flawlessly.
The producing, filming, sound editing, casting and directing earned it multiple Oscar nominations. The cast, while unfamiliar to me, performed exceptionally well. They expertly displayed the right emotions at the right times.
As predicted, "War Horse" received splendid reviews.
"Amid the incomprehensible slaughter, it's a horse that reminds these warriors of their humanity," David Edelstein from New York Magazine said.
While miles and bloodshed separated them, Albert and Joey proved philosopher Virgil right when he stated, "Love conquers all," even the Axis powers.
Kylar Clifton is a sophomore at Great Falls High and a member of the Tribune's Teen Panel.

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