Warhorse One

I won't give this a number. It's true that it's unreal that Mirko never runs out of ammunition. I noticed and I didn't care. I think it strange that he seemed to move faster and yet, somehow the "insurgents " always seemed to be right behind him. I'm sure that SEALS are better marksmen. He certainly was mistaken to have trusted the obvious enemy and more so to leave the child behind with him, but the rescue effort had to be set up. No one can cover so much challenging terrain and do it with no food and almost no water. There are many faults in the plot and the reflections when looking skyward were annoying to me. So what! I was entertained and amazed at everything that was conveyed in Zoe's expressions. I don't think that can be coached. It has to be natural talent. True, as 1 professional reviewer pointed out, one who acts with children or animals is sure to be upstaged, and Athena Duren did it without having to have a single word of dialogue. That smile...

I enjoyed Warhorse One. Is it Lone Survivor? No it's an independent film made by Johnny Strong. The child actress was very endearing. I believe it's her first role. She does a great job if you consider her age and the fact she's running around the woods with Johnny. His last shootout with the bad guys was done very well I thought. I had memories of Rambo when he was in Afghanistan. The weapons handling and cinematography was done well. Again it's not a big budget film so you can find things to criticize if you want. Geez how many big budget films are complete garbage?? I respect what he's doing and the message he's putting out. Give it a chance.

Ok, it's not a movie classic, and I sat down to watch it with low expectations, but this movie turned out to be quite good. I had expected a low budget botch job. Instead, what I got was a pretty well made movie, if a bit corny and by-the-numbers.

It was quite well acted by the cast, with Johnny Strong doing a good job in the title role. And you young actress who played the orphaned girl was very good, too.

The locations were good and even the Talis were quite well played and they did all speak Pushto, surprisingly.

The only annoying thing was that the cinematography got carried away with unnecessary anamorphic blue streaks that looked rather out of place, but that's a minor quibble.

If you're at a loose end, worth a look.

Everyone's a critic these days!

DON'T pay attention to the bad reviews from people wrongly trying to compare this movie to the "Covenant", "Kandahar" or even "Extraction"... it's not trying to be that kind of movie!

In the first place, "Warhorse One" is NOT a big- budget film, so to try and compare it on that level is ridiculous. What does work is the premise of saving a little girl from Afghanistan after her missionary family has been killed. It uniquely works. Especially after the real-life Israeli children kidnappings. The movie has typical low budget flaws but the unique storyline and strong performances from Johnny Strong and Athena Durner, keep the story interesting and emotionally compelling.

I enjoyed the happy ending, beautiful scenery and interesting locations like the village where seasons 1 & 3 of the show "The Chosen", was filmed (Capernaum Studios, in Texas).

This movie is well worth your time. There's always people out there who believe they're the next Siskel and Ebert who believe they have some great insight on cinematography or lighting or plot development. Don't listen to them. This is a fine movie, well done with plenty of action. Does the terrain look like the Colorado Rockies? Sure. Does the Taliban look like an office fantasy football league dressed in blankets? You betcha. But suspend disbelief for two hours and enjoy a low budget indie war movie. Remember, its not a documentary and never claims to be. Just enhance your calm and enjoy this film.