War Horse, Steven Spielberg’s latest masterpiece, hit theaters on Christmas Day.  The film follows the story of a young spirited colt named Joey who is raised by a teenager in rural England around the outbreak of World War I.  The film stars Hollywood up-and-comer Jeremy Irvine as the horse’s owner, a teen named Albie.

The film uses vivid coloring in its depiction of the English countryside where Albie and the horse grow up.  Together Joey and Albie form an inseparable bond.  At the outbreak of World War I, Albie is forced to give up Joey for military use, but Albie vows that he will find a way for the two to be together again.  The film then turns into somewhat of an epic as it follows Joey’s journey through the war as he experiences various owners and even opposing sides of the war.  As Joey gets closer to the front lines of battle, the film gets darker and fills with shadows.  The battle scenes are as realistic as any film about World War I gets.  From the depictions of gruesome trenches to the horrors of the mustard gas, War Horse captures the gritty details of war perfectly.

War Horse has all the trademark authenticity of a Spielberg film. From the period costumes, to the vivid depictions of the horrors of World War I, the film transports the audience to another era.  Despite the fact that it is a war film, War Horse has an overall optimistic tone.  The theme of hope amidst destruction permeates the film. Somewhat of a tear-jerker, War Horse definitely has its emotional moments that will have you reaching for the tissues.  War Horse was both excellent in conception and execution.  A brilliant movie with a touching message, I would personally recommend War Horse for all audiences.