I am going to start this movie review kinda in a visa-versa sort of way.
I usually go through all the characters, name what I loved about the movie, etc....and then close with the things I disliked.
But I'm going to start out backwards.
---
I loved this movie. Everything about it.
BUT...
for the fact that there are many well-known actors in it, but they are only in the movie for a couple scenes (at the most!)
AND
that there was absolutely no romance.
I know this movie is about the horse (which is TOTALLY legit by me!! I mean, horses...one of the reasons for living!)...
but seriously...every movie could have just a smidgen of romance in it.
Well, maybe there is...
if you've seen it, comment and tell me if you think that the last part (between Albert and the Grandfather) might have had a little hint of 'caring' in it ;) You should know what scene I'm talking about...
---
Okay, now on with the characters and the AMAZING actors who played them!!
Seriously, people...I loved this movie.
Jeremy Irvine as...
Albert Narracott
Jeremy is now one of my favorite actors. Just thought I'd make that official.
I think he did a fabulous job in War Horse - and I am SO glad Stephen Spielberg decided to use him as Albert.
He's not bad-looking, either. ::coughs::
The horse's name is Joey, by the way. Yes, a very important factor!
{Steven Spielberg and Jeremy Irvine one of the horses that played Joey. There were 14 unnamed horses that played Joey's character in the movie! Pretty crazy, huh? Not to mention CG ones...}
He reminds me a lot of Knight, actually. :D It may just be the coloring though...that bay color...
{I think this ^ is a great picture!}
Knight only has two white socks...but their white markings (on their face) are a little similar.
The relationship he has with Joey is so...good. I just love it!!
I won't tell you how he meets him or gets him or anything...I'm not a spoiler ;)
---
Albert's parents were played by...
Peter Mullan and Emily Watson
When I first started the movie, I took an instant dislike to Mr. Narracott. He was just too bull-headed for his own good. And he drinks (strong drink :P) like an idiot!
But one of the most beautiful things about this movie is the relationship, respect and admiration that Albert has for his parents. Even though his father is a close to good-for-nothing, he still loves and respects him. He forgives his father. He takes on the responsibilities that his father should have.
And towards the end of the movie, there's a scene that just about made me cry...(I was already crying though, I think...)
I LOVE Albert and his mother's relationship!! So sweet. <3
(see Joey in the background? ;)
Mrs. Narracott is such a strong character. She's a very courageous woman. I love how she is a mother, encourager, hard-working, tough person...but doesn't come across as 'manly' in any way.
She loves her husband - even past his faults.
She supports her son - through everything.
There's a scene in the movie that Mr. Narracott asks 'Do you hate me?'
And she answers:
'I may hate you more...but I'll never love you less.'
---
Tom Hiddleston as...
Captain Nicholls
Okay, so most of you probably recognize this gent from 'Thor' - in which he played Loki.
Personally, I didn't really like him in 'Thor', I mean...he's the bad guy! Great actor, just a bad character :P haha
BUT...
In War Horse...this guy is legit. Totally love him. Loved his character. LOVE how Hiddleston portrayed him.
---
Benedict Cumberbatch as...
Maj. James Stewart
(No, that ^ photo isn't from the movie. Sorry, folks!)
I've seen Cumberbatch in 'Amazing Grace' and I hear that he's superb as Sherlock Holmes in the BBC miniseries (sorry...I'm still a very loyal Downy Jr. fan... :P)
Really liked Maj. Stewart...
But like I said at the beginning of this review...the 'big' actors weren't really in the movie for very long, so...I don't think I have a very formed opinion about him. ::shrugs::
---
Patrick Kennedy as...
Lt. Charlie Waverly
Couldn't find a single shot of him, but...he's the dude all the way on the left.
You may recognize him from BBC's 'Bleak House'.
I liked his character in War Horse. He made me laugh hysterically in one scene :D If you've seen it, I'm sure you know which scene I speak of ;)
I really liked all three of these guys. They acted very well together and...were just amazing.
What a great shot!! ^
And I LOVED Maj. Stewart's horse! A big, black beauty.
---
Neils Arstrup as...
Grandfather
He is such a sweet, gentle older man...The kind that makes you just wanna jump into the movie and hug him. :)
---
Celine Buckens as...
Emilie
I love Emilie!! She reminded me so much of myself!! haha It was kinda funny.
She and her grandpa are so sweet to each other. He takes such good care of her.
She's a great little actress too!! Okay, well, not little...I think she's 14 or something.
War Horse was her first BIG movie...which *I* would certainly consider an honor - getting to work alongside such amazing actors! I think she did a great job.
Three cheers for Celine!
---
David Kross as...
Gunther
Gunther is the fellow on the left. For some reason I can't find the guy's name, one the right.
But anyway, they're brothers...
I fell in love with their characters. And I'm sure you will too. <3
---
So...here are a few more actors in War Horse who I'm just too lazy to include :P haha
No really...I couldn't find photos of them that would've worked for this post.
David Thewlis as Lyons
Eddie Marson (the Inspector from 'Sherlock Holmes') as Srg. Fry
---
So...to wrap this movie up, I'm going to list 3 things about it.
Number 1:
I loved the different relationships they portrayed.
From a husband and wife.
Parents and their son.
A boy and his horse.
A girl and her horses.
Soldiers in the war.
Two brothers.
A grandfather and his graddaughter.
Friendship.
Each of these were such beautiful relationships...and portrayed so realistically.
---
Number 2:
The actors that were selected were absolutely superb.
No one could've played any of the characters any better.
Each scene in this whole movie was special and unique in its own way.
Whether by intensity, the drama, fear, suspense, love...or just by the way the actors acted. Amazing.
---
Number 3:
Horses.
Horses are beautiful, amazing creatures. And they have personalities.
You can get attached to them.
You can cry because of them.
You can laugh because they make you happy.
War Horse captured all the feelings of people who love horses...and horses.
I heard that the book (that the movie was based off of ) is written from the horse's perspective. (Like Black Beauty - for those of you who've read/watched that).
That book is on my to-read list.;)
---
The Cast
at the world premier in England.
Lady Kate attended! Did you know that? ;) Little random fact that I wanted to include in here to make me sound brilliant... :D
This ^ is a SUPER cool picture that I found!!!!
It made me ::shriek:: (in delight, of course)
I just thought it was so...so...legit. (yup, there's my word again :P)
---
And to close this review...
I plan on drawing this photo:
One of my favorite movies...of all-time.
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PS: One thing I would caution, is not to watch this with young(er) children. It is a bit violent in some scenes.
19 of your thoughts:
When I first saw this movie advertised, I wanted to see it...now I really want to see it! Looks great.
i saw this movie on New Years eve. AMAZING. The actors were ALL amazing. I loved Albert and the brothers and especially Emilie, she was so cute!
My younger sister just got the soundtrack! We are looking forward to seeing it someday, when the library carries it...
You can't go wrong with a horse movie!
Ooooh...I saw it on the opening day here in TX :D It was AWESOME!!! And I cried like almost the whole time except for like in between parts...hehe... Horse lover too :D
If I cannot see this movie in a theater, I will die. I recognize a ton of the actors, and the two main actor duded are pretty adorable. :) Love the review... I must go see it!!
I can't wait to see this movie!!! I probably will in theatres. It looks so good!
-Betsy
www.reviewsbybetsy.blogspot.com
OH, That's a GREAT shot to try and draw! I might follow up on that! Really? NO romance? Aw, darn. Well, I'll still watch it, I guess ;) Thanks for the review!
xoxo,
Jessica
Diary of a Beautiful Soul
I'll have to get it to watch with my Dad, he loves horse movies!
Wow, thank you for the review, I've been loving reading your review as of late. I read the sherlock holmes one and convinced my dad it wasn't going to be bad, so we went and watched it. It was spectacular, I loved it (though I have to admit, I love sherlock holmes in general). Although, I may have liked the first one better, this one was absolutely superb.
Now, to this movie, I haven't watched it yet, but I thought it might not be a romantic movie. That's ok, I guess ;). I must add it to my list of movies to watch.
And yes, the main character Jeremy Irvine, is definitely not hard on the eyes. ;) Maybe there's another reason.
Anyways, thank you,
Rebekah
I want to see it :) All the horses would have me swooning *wink* Thanks for reviewing, and I just wanted to point out that as you were talking about Captain Nicholls/Tom Hiddleston you spelled Noki instead of Loki. I might like Noki better. :P (not to be Ms. Spell-it-right or anything.) Sierra
Keep Growing Beautiful♥ (Cause You Are!)
you just made me want to see this!!!
i l♥ve the picture of them in the barn!
I saw this movie on Christmas Day (the theater was packed!) and I thought it was great. It reminded me a lot of Black Beauty.
And even though I was expecting a romance too, I think the movie did quite well without it.
-Ivy
(BTW: I really like your site)
Going to see this movie was my sister's Christmas present to me!
Being an equestrian myself, I absolutely loved this movie! I thought about my own horse, Nestle, the entire time. There is no way he would ever be a "war horse" but the bay that played Joey looks just like my man. :) Minus the white socks (his legs are all black).
One of the best horse movies I have seen in a long time! Had me balling!
This review made me want to see the movie!
I liked the BBC Holmes-guy, but yes, like you I am still a dedicated Downey Jr. fan. =D
Can't wait to see what else you review!
Hey, thanks for the review! I've been debating whether or not to go see it, and I think now that I will ... it looks really good! :-)
Have a wonderful evening!
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Ooh, I really really want to see this movie. :D It looks so good! :)
-lucia @ lucia, etc.
www.one-beloved.blogspot.com
My mom and I went to the see this movie!! its SO good! Its one of the best movies that have come out recently that I've seen. The acting was awesome. so was the action and scenes and the plot and story. Also to me it was kind of refreshing not having romance in it.
Anyway, I LOVED IT. and I love Tom Hiddleston's acting. I really liked his character.
Great review and photos!
{and I've said "acting" and "action" a lot in this comment ;}
♥Samarah
I just saw this movie last night and LOVED it!! Jeremy Irvine was amazing =)
A couple days after Christmas, I went to 'War Horse' with my mom and grandma. :)
I loved it!!
Jeremy Irvine was fabulous as Albert--there was something so sincere about his character! He showed a lot of perseverance too.
Benedict Cumberbatch played a wonderful role in 'Amazing Grace', so when I heard his voice I was like, 'Oh, yeah! He plays in this movie.' His part was short and sweet. ;)
The music was beautiful, too.
AnYwAy...
Thanks for the review, Raquel!
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