The film is set in rural England and begins with the purchase of a thoroughbred horse named Joey by Albert Narracott’s (Jeremy Irvine) father, Ted (Peter Mullan), at an auction. Albert becomes attached to Joey and trains him, forming a strong bond.
However, when World War I breaks out, Ted is forced to sell Joey to the British Army to help support the war effort. This decision devastates Albert, who promises Joey that they will be reunited.
Joey is sent to the front lines of the war, experiencing the harsh realities of battle. He encounters different owners on both the British and German sides, each with their own stories and struggles. Joey’s journey takes him through various challenges, including a cavalry charge, working as a farm horse, and becoming trapped in barbed wire.
Meanwhile, Albert, underage and determined to find his beloved horse, enlists in the army to search for Joey on the front lines. The film depicts the horrors of war and the impact it has on both soldiers and civilians.
The climax of the film occurs in No Man’s Land, where Joey and another horse, Topthorn, become entangled in barbed wire. British and German soldiers, recognizing the shared humanity in their love for the horses, come together to free them.
In the end, both Joey and Albert survive the war, but Joey is sold to a French farmer. Albert returns home, and the film concludes with him reuniting with Joey in the French countryside.
“War Horse” received positive reviews for its emotional storytelling, stunning cinematography, and the portrayal of the bond between humans and animals. The film emphasizes themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of hope in the face of adversity.