Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, David Thewlis, Jeremy Irvine
Plot: Young horse trainer Albert (Jeremy Irvine) develops an emotional bond with headstrong farm horse Joey. But when the storm clouds of war gather and money is short, Joey is sold to the British Army and before long is bound for French battlefields where the average life of a horse is shorter than some of the jumps at the Grand National. Albert, distraught at being parted from his friend, follows Joey to France.
English language films on Tenerife: There are two English language movies to choose from in Tenerife and both are worth making the trip to the flicks to see. John le Carré fans will already know the plot of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Gran Sur 7.40pm daily). This tale of master spy George Smiley trying to uncover a Soviet spy who has infiltrated the British Secret Service reveals a fascinating world which, unlike Bond, is unglamorous and decidedly seedy. An excellent cast including Colin Firth, Gary Oldman and Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch – in both English language films this week), tight direction and an intricate plot make this a classic and absorbing adaptation.
In truth it’s a better movie than War Horse, but its subject matter will have less appeal for a mainstream audience and as War Horse is being screened at both Gran Sur and the Zentral Centre we’ve decided to concentrate on that.
TM Rating: Black Beauty, National Velvet, Seabiscuit and Muffin the Mule; all four legged friends that tugged at our heartstrings… except in Muffin’s case it was more a case of just tugging at strings.
Now there’s War Horse to add to the ““ err ““ stable. War Horse is a nostalgically old fashioned family movie with a emotionally charged plot that puts its human and equine stars into the sort of danger that has audiences clutching a handkerchief for much of its running time.
Director Steven Spielberg is a master of knowing exactly how to press all the right buttons to have your emotions veering all over the place like a runaway steed as Albert and Joey struggle to find each other whilst surviving a war where an animal, no matter how brave-hearted he may be, is no match for a tank.
Sometimes we forget the most satisfying cinematic experiences can be about escapism, being enthralled and moved by what’s up on the big screen. Thankfully Steven Spielberg is on hand to remind us.
8/10 ““ War Horse is beautiful on the eyes and as emotionally charged as riding bareback through a spring meadow. A thrilling throwback to the days when a trip to the cinema was magical. You don’t have to be a fan of horses to enjoy this cavalry charge.
Dates: 10th to 16th February
Screening Times: Gran Sur 5.30 pm daily; Zentral Center 8.30pm daily.
Tickets: €6.50 Buy Your Tickets Here
