2011 Films To Watch #8: War Horse

Published in 1982, it comes as a surprise to me that novel War Horse wasn't adapted into a fully-fledged motion picture sooner, but that doesn't make it any less welcome in the 2011 line up. Set in World War Two, the plot revolves around a boy, Albert, who makes a strong connection with his horse, only for them to be torn apart as the call of duty beckons in a moving tale of bonds, betrayal and death that still harrows readers even today. Steven Spielberg is going to have to work hard to convey that same emotional tone the book (and the recent West End production) is known for, but if he manages to do so then War Horse could close 2011 with a massive bang on December 28th. BBC's Sherlock Holmes Benedict Cumberbatch has signed on for the role of Major Stewart, and fresh off her time at Ricky Gervais' version of Cemetery Junction Emily Watson will play Albert's mum, Albert himself portrayed by newcomer Jeremy Irvine. It'll be a time before the first trailer for War Horse arrives, but that's a video you should look out for as the year goes on!