Plot England, 1914 — Devon lad Albert Narracott (Irvine) tames, trains and bonds with a stubborn farm horse he names Joey. When times get tight, Joey is sold into the British cavalry and begins an adventure that takes him across France and onto the battlefields of World War I — with Albert in pursuit.
Verdict War Horse is bold, exquisite family filmmaking in the grandest Hollywood tradition. Be warned: whether you’re a hippophile or not, it’s a four-hankie moviegoing experience.