War Horse | An Epic of Courage and Connection

This week we saddle up for War Horse (2011), Steven Spielberg’s sweeping World War I epic that follows a young man and his extraordinary horse across the battlefields of Europe.

No surprise here, we’re big Spielberg fans. His ability to tell an emotional, visually stunning story is always on display, and War Horse is no exception. But this rewatch hit especially hard for us, especially Field, who now counts War Horse among his favorite Spielberg films. (Yeah, I do!)

A Visual Masterclass

One of the first things we talk about in this episode is just how incredible this film looks. Cinematographer Janusz Kamiński fills every frame with painterly beauty, giving the movie the feel of a classic Hollywood war epic. From the rolling hills of the English countryside to the mud-soaked trenches of the Western Front, the film’s visual storytelling is breathtaking.

Spielberg’s Practical Touch

We also dive into Spielberg’s practical approach to filmmaking on War Horse. Amazingly, there are only three digital shots in the entire movie, each one used solely to keep the horses safe during production. It’s a detail that underscores Spielberg’s commitment to grounding this story in something tactile and real, making the emotions hit even harder.

Why War Horse Deserves More Love

Despite being nominated for six Academy Awards, War Horse often gets overlooked when discussing Spielberg’s best work. We make the case that it shouldn’t be. Between the emotional weight of the story, the technical brilliance behind the camera, and John Williams’ moving score, this is a film that earns its epic status.

Whether you’ve seen it once or not at all, War Horse is worth revisiting on the biggest screen you can manage.

Listen to our full discussion on Forgotten Cinema, available wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube.