The spectacular, thrilling movie ‘War Horse’ is one of the season’s most anticipated films. ‘War Horse’ the DreamWorks Pictures production is based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, and is a tale of bravery, loyalty and love under the most extreme circumstances. ‘War Horse’, the show has already been turned into a Tony Award winning stage play and is the winner of multiple awards in every category nominated. ‘Exhilarating’, ‘stunning’, and ‘moving’ are terms used by the critics who have unanimously given ‘War Horse’ 5 stars around the globe.

Steven Spielberg directs the movie ‘War Horse’ and brings his full expertise to this epic tale with an all-star cast including Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Patrick Kennedy and David Thewlis. The story is set against the backdrop of rural England and Europe during the First World War. It is the tale of an enduring love between a young man Albert and Joey his horse. Albert becomes Joey’s friend, taming him and training him. Joey is a horse like no other and a deep bond develops between the two who become suddenly and forcefully parted.

The story then becomes that of Joey’s odyssey as we follow his journey across the war torn expanses of Europe. Joey’s strength of character and personality impacts and inspires the lives of all he meets. War Horse is set to a stirring original musical soundtrack composed by John Williams. The titles of the 16 songs read like subtitles to the story, including: “Bringing Joey Home and Bonding”, ‘Ruined Crop and Going to War”; “The Charge and Capture”; “The Desertion; Joey’s New Friends”; “No Man’s Land”; “Remembering Emilie”; and “The Reunion”. The soundtrack is available on Sony Classical.

This is one of the most uplifting productions of the year. Can’t wait till it arrives in movie theatres but in the meantime the stage production is totally worth the experience. If you don’t usually go to live theatre this is one to choose. You will be thrilled. See them both.

Movie review coming with release ‘War Horse’ the movie to theatres Dec. 25th, 2011

National Theatre Great Britain Production, London, England Now

http://warhorselondon.nationaltheatre.org.uk/

Mirvish Princess of Wales Theatre, Toronto, Canada Feb. 10, 2012

http://www.mirvish.com/shows/warhorse