Our regular Tuesday movie night was re-enabled as my UW class is taking a break. Getting discount popcorn is also an incentive. Last night we saw Steven Spielberg's War Horse. I can see why the critics acclaim it even though I don't always agree with them. While the cinematography was great (especially the final scene), the story drew me in right away. I also got to like the characters and horse actors despite the son's somewhat sappy behavior (at times). The acting was special as well. The theme? In a word: Devotion. Devotion to family, a horse, countries, friends and comrades in arms. Moving. I give it 5 stars.
However, what struck me as very special was the lack of gore. The story is set in World War I--one of the most brutal human conflicts in history where seventeen million lives were lost and countless more were wounded or were never the same again. It was a time when generals had the impression that gallantry and valor could win over machine guns. We saw a courageous (and insane) horseback charge that ended... well, not well. What we didn't see was the gore. We got the point none-the-less. Over and over again we saw innocents struck down but without actually seeing their blood and entrails blown all over the screen.
Mr. Spielberg, thank you. I have plenty of first-hand images of the horror of war to know that it's not a solution to anything. Like today, it was the politicians that sent other people's sons (and daughters) into harm's way. And we still have not learned this lesson--and we never will. Memories of war seem so horrible at the time but fade into golden glorious fantasies as those who actually did the fighting pass away.
Bill Vaughn
