"The Railway Man"

Eric Lomax loves the railways. From a young age he has had a passion for locomotives. His autobiography is appropriately enough called "The Railway Man". He met his wife whilst on a train, the woman who would be by side always. But Eric is troubled by his past.
During the SecondWorld War, some 40 years previous, he was held captive along with many of his friends in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp. So traumatic are the events that took place in the Camp, that he is still haunted, and he keeps his pain deeply locked inside, his wife feeling so useless in being unable to help free him from his pain.
She seeks help from his closest friend, Finlay, but even says it would be hard for her to understand what her husband has been through, but he begins to recount the events that happened.

Through flashback we witness what happened to Eric and Finlay in that camp. Upon arrival in the camp, the men combine their skills, and are able to assemble a small radio, through which they are able to hear news of what is happening within the War. With this news they are able to boost morale, but in time, the Japanese become aware of what is happening, and those responsible are severely punished, Lomax especially.I doubt even we are privvy to the full extent of what happened. But you do get some idea of the horrors that were inflicted on these brave men during this time of War.
It is a remarkable story of survival under remarkable conditions. How these men survived the conditions they were in, Lord only knows.
But even knowing what she knows, the information does not help her have her husband back, as he slips further away, further from reality as he lets debts rise, and causes more anxiety for his beloved wife. Then Finlay presents a possible solution, but it will be one that sees a resolution for both husband and wife?
It seems that Finlay has discovered the whereabouts of Nagase, the man responsible for much of ther suffering at the Camp, and Finlay believes that Eric will want revenge, and thus closure for what he and his friends have suffered.
The two men do indeed meet, and Eric is keen to illustrate the indignity and suffering they had to endure. But through this process he comes to understand the suffering also endured by his Captor, almost like a meeting of minds. And in a remarkable turn of events, the most amazing act of forgiveness takes place. And it is this that calms Eric's tortured soul.

The story is so compelling, featuring these two men on a journey that will change their lives forever. The whole cast give exemplary performances, from Colin Firth who excels as Eric Lomax, to Nicole Kidman as his wife. Great support too from Stellan Skarsgard as the best friend Finlay, and Jeremy Irvine as the young Eric, and who bares an uncanny resemblence.

For me the most moving part was finding out what happened to the two men after the events depicted in the film end, and you also see the real life individuals.
A journey you will not forget in a hurry...........8 out of 10

"War Horse"

A family fallen on hard times, a look at the futility of War, and a majestic animal wanting to return to his owner / trainer. What safer pair of hands could you have as the Director than Steve Spielberg's?

Ted Narracott attends the local market to buy a work horse for the family farm. Instead he buys what seems to be a totally inappropriate thoroughbred, and at a rather inflated price too. Needless to say this does not go down very well with his wife, or indeed the land-owner who is due rent money. They come to a mutual agreement, but the likelihood is that he will fall short with the rent money and will have to forfeit the family home. Despite wanting to sell the horse to recoup some of his lost money, his son Albert wants to keep the horse, as they seem to have a connection. He promises to train the horse, and Albert believes that he can get Joey, the name Albert has given him, to work the land.
This he does, much to the delight of the whole village.
But then there is the outbreak of War, and sadly for Albert, Joey is sold to the British Army, and the two have to part company.

We have the second half of the film, looking at what happens to Joey through the various people he meets along his journey. Whether it be the British Officer who is his new owner, or a young French girl who acquires him or a German officer looking out for the horse, all want to have Joey by their side, but for the horse, there is only one true soulmate - Albert Narracott. Will the two ever be joined together again?

The horse is truly remarkable in the adversity that it overcomes, the film could almost have been titled "Superhorse". Maybe it is me being  little cynical, but the horse did seem to have a lot to contend with, and to have survived so much does seem somewhat far-fetched. It may also answer the question as to why the film has failed to pick up as many nominations at various Awards ceremonies as one would expect for a Spielberg film.

The cast are all very good, and a rising star to look out for is Jeremy Irvine as Albert Narracott. The visual effects for the horse are really amazing, and a credit to the team responsible.
All in all, it is a good film, but not a great film.........7 out of 10