War Horse (2012) - review

Running Time: 146 mins
Directed By: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Tom Hiddleston, Benedict Cumberbatch, Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Peter Mullan
Screenplay: Lee Hall, Richard Curtis
UK Release Date: 27th January  - UK

Quick Plot: In 1914 England, young Albert trains and bonds with a horse named Joey. After the war breaks out, Joey is sold to battle alongside Britain and so begins his journey through France, touching hearts of many people.

Review: Converting the famous children’s book by Michael Morpurgo and West End adaptation War Horse into a film is something only a few directors would be successful in. Luckily, Steven Spielberg has been. In possibly his most family orientated directorial in years, War Horse includes all the pieces needed for a Spielbergian classic and then more.

War Horse sticks to everything Spielberg is known for; beautiful setting shots, a little hint of war and characters that are so engaging to watch; it’s hard not to admire many things about the film.
Morpurgo’s novel is told through the eyes of the horse, therefore it is expected that a film from this view would be a challenge to create. Spielberg’s War Horse mostly looks at Joey, the very characteristic horse of the film, as he experiences different people in his journey. Then there are other moments where everything is seen from Joey’s point of view. From the beginning scene of Joey’s birthday to the separation from his mother, Joey’s introduction is explained in beautiful detail which makes it so easy to feel for him and identify Joey as the protagonist.

As always, John Williams’ score and theme for War Horse helps encourage empathy towards characters and situations. With bold, strong string chimes and tones, Joey’s presence is at times gracious and others, weak and frightened. Williams has created a defined a theme for Joey, which is sure to be iconic in years to come.

Although overall it feels like an 80s/90s Spielberg classic, the technology in transitions and cinematography offer War Horse a modern flare. Little moments in scenes are cleverly crafted to minimise the horror of war for a family viewing, but of course the war theme is something Stevie perfects. Watch out for a mesmerising shot with a windmill sail, though not at all pleasant it’s gentle to the heart one of the best moments.

Young Jeremy Irvine, as Joey’s human pal Albert, holds a passion in his first feature film role showing in many ways the meanings in Morpurgo’s book. Albert is Joey’s main friend during his adventure and like many Spielberg films; it’s a cherished friendship which reflects traces of Elliot and ET. Albert’s time training Joey is an enjoyable and precious which definitely highlights the sheer beauty of the story. The rest of the ensemble is strong; Watson, Mullan, Thewlis, Hiddleston and Cumberbatch give real, emotive inputs which are as good as ever. Even with the difference in character screen time, neither actor stands above another in particular because War Hose is a collective ensemble piece.

The 146 minute run time is a bit of a stretch, especially for a family viewing, but the film doesn’t feel dragged out in the end. For each individual, there will be people Joey meets who are preferred and others who feel irritating or a little selfish, but each segment of the film has a moment where your heart moves.
To finish, the English and German solider conversion needs a small mention- War Horse isn't expected to funny, but near the end of the film there is a grand scene with an English and German soldier which lit up the approaching end. There is no official or professional way to describe it other than absolutely lovely and touching.


War Horse is a definite Spielberg hit which has something for every member of the family. It’s the perfect Sunday afternoon film, but make sure you have tissues handy.
4/5 

War Horse trailer

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Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

Running Time: 127 mins
Directed By: Tomas Alfredson
Starring: Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Tom Hardy, Benedict Cumberbatch, John Hurt, Ciaran Hinds, Kathy Burke
Screenplay: Peter Straughan, Bridget O'Connor
UK Release Date: UK - 16th September

Quick Plot: Set in the height of the cold war aka. 1970 London, semi-retired MI6 agent George Smiley is recalled back to find a double agent working for Soviets.

Review: For critics, Tinker Tailor Solider Spy has been one of the most anticipated films of the year and that's no surprise looking at the absolute extraordinary cast and the fact the novel by John le Carré and the mini series in 1979. It's also no surprise the film is very good which is mostly down to the cast.
Gary Oldman is possibly the main reason Tinker Tailor Solider Spy has been receiving such incredible reviews and a lot of talk. His take on our central character George Smiley is exquisite and I wouldn't be surprised if it wins him an Oscar nomination in the least; he deserves it. The film starts off with a tense and great cold open scene indicating the greater plot and then follows Smiley into his life after going into early retirement. With exception of the soundtrack and sounds of the scenes, it's silent and you're following George Smiley into his life and wondering what is going to happen. After the film quickens it's hard to find times of the film to really sympathise with George but on a whole, with him being our main character, you're on his side throughout. Oldman is undoubtly the standout performance but in my opinion, Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hardy's roles were closely followed. They have different jobs within their roles but altogether contribute to the fine work of acting talent in the entire film.

Cumberbatch, who is really making his mark in film and TV recently, shines throughout the film. One key scene and a favourite of mine, which I had the luck of seeing a month ago at big screen, was still as tense and remarkable on my first viewing. Being younger than the more experience actors in the film, Cumberbatch's acting comes off on the others making his role more important than it seems. With a few more emotional scenes than you expect, Cumberbatch really did a fantastic job. Hardy never seems to fail to show that he has a wide range of proficiency's within his work. Again a younger character among the rest of the cast, but with still as much importance with them all. My other favourite scenes involved him and his flashbacks in telling the important stories. King Colin Firth, John Hurt and Mark Strong are just as great as all of their other works and their parts do not at all go by unnoticed, but on a personal note, Hardy, Cumberbatch and Oldman stole the show. A worthy mention is Kathy Burke in a key scene, having a few laughs which is natural for her but is must be mentioned as she is wonderful.
From the moment Tinker Tailor Solider Spy begins, you're constantly being thrilled by the beautifully exciting suspense we are put through! With some very clever shots of the bottom of people's bodies and not clear picture of Smiley's wife and another key character's face, as part of the audience you're singling out characters by just the way they're represented. Everything is a mystery until the end, so Tomas Alfredson has very cleverly mastered the cinematography, creating a constant cold feel adding your own suspicion to the the characters individually.

The film is undoubtedly long and for some it can seem tedious. I don't agree that Tinker Tailor Solider Spy is purely a 'critics' film because the cast and story does appeal to many different types of audiences. But it's not for everyone because of the length. If it was a simple hour and a half long thriller more people would like it but it'd be basic. Because of the duration it allows for the film to involve a list of greatly developed characters, a long interesting mystery story and it keeps you thinking. Saying that, the film's greatness is solely down to the accomplished cast. Being great in all of their previous work alone, together they seem to bounce off one another making each other greater unknowingly.

Tinker Tailor Solider Spy is showcasing the fine acting talents Britain have to offer. It's not a thriller glamorising in guns, girls and excessive amount of murders, but you're on edge all the time. Long but worth it.

4.5/5

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy official trailer

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