When the words Steven Spielberg and war film are mentioned, most people will probably think of 1998’s Saving Private Ryan. That alone nerve-wracking D-Day sequencein which the Allies land in Normandy and storm Omaha Beach, has become an integral part of film history.
The influence of Saving Private Ryan can still be seen in war films today. However, it is not the only contribution to the genre that Spielberg has made throughout his career. This is often forgotten First World War based novel adaptation Companions (original: War Horse), which tells a very special story.
Tonight you can watch Spielberg’s Companions on TV.
Forgotten war film by Steven Spielberg on TV: Companions tells a very touching story
Based on the book of the same name by Michael Morpurgo, Companions takes you to England in 1912. Here we get to know young Albert (Jeremy Irvine), who builds up a friendship with a horse who – just like him – is an outsider. He lovingly names the animal Joey and spends a lot of time with him.
You can watch the trailer for Companions here:
Companions – Trailer (German) HD
Two years later, the First World War dominated England. Albert and Joey will roughly separated from each other. The young boy then goes in search of the horse that means the world to him. What follows is an odyssey through apocalyptic trenches and devastated areas on the European continent.
In Companions, Spielberg strikes a completely different tone than in Saving Private Ryan. There is also some masterfully staged warfare here too. But Spielberg is even more interested in him melodramatic substructure the story and illustrates Albert’s journey with emotionally charged images that are completely captivating.
At the end of the two and a half hour epic through mud and dirt, Spielberg bows to one of his great directing role models. When he bathes the sky in glowing colors, it feels as if we are in one of John Ford’s screen epics. What remains most memorable, however, is the crossing of no man’s land with Joey, at Spielberg all registers of his abilities pulls.
When will Steven Spielberg’s war film Companions be on TV?
Companions is on tonight on May 18, 2024 at 11:25 p.m. on RTL ZWEI. With advertising, the broadcast lasts until 2:10 a.m. However, the station does not show a repeat. Alternatively, you can stream the film on Amazon and Co. with various purchase and rental options.
*. If you purchase through this link, we will receive a commission.