War Horse Synopsis

“The war has taken everything from everyone” A common saying from the war. The war took Joey, a splendid horse from the poor Narrracott family. Albert was reluctant when his father, Ted sold Joey in the auction for war. His mother, Rosie could not do much since they desperately need money to pay the rent for Lyonns. Albert begged to Captain Nicholls to let him join the army but it was impossible since he was too young. Captain Nicholls promised him to take a good care of Joey as he took the horse away. Albert tied his father’s regimental pendant on Joey as a promise to him that they will meet again.

Joey was a beast, his performance as a thorough horse exceeds the standards. Joey can run faster and stronger than Major Jamie Stewart’s prideful horse, Topthorn. Major Jamie Stewart with Captain Nicholls and Charlie charged the Germans with all their might. They expect an absolute victory but instead the Germans were one step ahead which cost many lives, including Captain Nicholls’.

Joey and Topthonr were captured by the German troops and were treated by two brothers, Michael and Gunther. Gunther as the older brother solemnly promised to their mother that he will take care his fourteen years old younger brother, Michael. Gunther gave him the regimental pendant to Michael for good luck but also to mark him for escaping. Michael was enraged when Guther abducted him from the troops by Joey and Topthorn. Gunther wished that they will escape the war and start a new life. The German army was not delighted from their decision and decided to end their lives.

Joey and Topthorn were waiting for the brothers in the windmill but instead, a young beautiful girl named Emilie came instead. She lived with her grandfather in the countryside in France with a small farm for jam making. Emilie claimed both of the horses hers and her grandfather agreed to let her keep them. Her grandfather was concerned about Emilie’s health but as an apology of hiding the fact of Emilie’s parent's death, he let her ride. Unfortunately, the German troops were there and took everything from them. Emilie pleaded for the troops to give Joey and Topthorn back but her grandfather was more concern of his sickly granddaughter’s safety.

Arrive at the German based camp in England, Joey and Topthorn was assigned to move heavy artilleries. Heiglaman, in charged with the horses was frustrated to let the magnificent yet wounded Topthorn work. Joey noticing his fellow comrade hurt was willing to take his place. With no other choice, Joey and other horses move the artilleries to the top. The missiles were launched and the scenery of Albert’s hometown was illuminated by light and terror.

The attack was a success and the troops were ordered to go back. Joey and Tothorn were led by Heiglaman but with an injured leg, Topthorn could not be saved. In the meantime, the British tanks arrived and Heiglaman ordered Joey to run, run for his life. With his life on the edge, Joey overcomes his fear of jumping by leaping across the tank. He ran aimlessly, no obstacle could stop him but the no man’s land had proven him wrong. Joey was trapped by the wires and wood but moving further will only hurt him. Joey just lay there, waiting for his fate.

The British troops were confused by a moving figure, thinking they might be crazy since nothing survived in no man’s land. One of the troops concluded that it was horse and tried to call it by making ckckck sound. The German troops also tried to call it by whistling and later were followed by the British. By collecting all his courage, a British man named Collins wave out a white flag to rescue the poor beast. The Germans were doubtful and shoot out a warning. Collins yelled at the Germans, confirming his rescue goal. When Collins arrived he was welcomed by a German man named Peter. Peter suggested to use wire cutters to free the horse. Collins said he they need more wire cutters and the German troops threw out more cutters to them. A weird atmosphere between enemies they both thought but the main goal now is to aid the horse. One by one, the wires were cut and Joey was free. Both of them wanted to take Joey but through a coin toss, Collins won the bet. After rescuing Joey they both said goodbye with an open heart.

In the British camp, the wounded were treated, including Albert. Albert was blinded by gas poison on previous confrontation with the Germans which also took his friend, Andrew. The camp boss ordered a sergeant to end Joey’s suffering from his pain. As the sergeant prepared to shoot, a strange owl sound echoed through the camp. Albert walked through the crowd with his bandage covering his vision. Albert claimed the miraculous horse his and describe Joey’s characteristics correctly – 4 white socks and a diamond shape mark on his head. The sergeant pulled in his gun and the boss agreed to treat Joey.

Albert and Joey were once again united but the sergeant told Albert that all non-military horses will go to the auction after the war ended. As Albert’s heart sank, his fellow friends from the army collected money around 30 pounds to buy Joey back. David, Lyonns’ son and also a fellow army companion, was willing to lie about Joey as his horse to repay the Albert’s help on previous war. Albert was confident to buy Joey back but a French grandfather bid the highest price and bought Joey for 1000 pounds. Albert begged for Joey but the grandfather was stubborn. Albert knew he would never get Joey back and said goodbye to his horse. The grandfather handed out a regimental pendant to Albert and asks his opinions. Albert answered it was his father’s and knowing so, the grandfather gave Joey to him. The grandfather said that his granddaughter will also do the same if she was here. Albert asked the grandfather what was his granddaughter’s name and he answered “Emilie, her name is Emilie.”

Albert went home by riding Joey. Rosie stopped her work as she saw her son and his horse in front of their house. Ted hugged Albert, to show his joy of his son’s arrival. The war has ended and now Albert and Joey can live together happily.