What Is ‘War Horse’? Oscar Nominees 2012 Guide

“War Horse”

Nominated For: Best Picture, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing

What’s It About: The Narracotts are a farming family struggling to survive in the pre-WWI era. Stubborn father Ted purchases a horse (Joey) up for auction, and his son Albert is smitten almost immediately. The two develop a special bond as Joey grows. Then the unthinkable happens: Ted sells Joey to the war effort, and he’s shipped to the front lines. Albert makes it his life mission to reunite with Joey, no matter what the cost.

Why You Should See It: If you’re a Steven Spielberg fan and you like dramatic, wholesome, feel-good stories, then this is the movie for you. As you can probably tell from the nominations, the film is beautiful and a real feast for the eyes. With the exception of one particularly tough-to-watch scene, “War Horse” is an ode to the expansive pastures of the UK, a revealing look at the harshness of war, and a story of the love between man and beast.

It’s Kind of Like: “Secretariat,” but replace horse racing with war, and Diane Lane with Jeremy Irvine.

How You Can See It: In some theaters now.