Directed by:
Russell CroweCinematography:
Andrew LesnieCast:
Russell Crowe, Ольга Куриленко, Yilmaz Erdogan, Cem Yılmaz, Jai Courtney, Steve Bastoni, Isabel Lucas, Salih Kalyon, Megan Gale, Ryan Corr, James Fraser (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
THE WATER DIVINER, is an epic adventure set four years after the devastating battle of Gallipoli during World War I. Australian farmer Joshua Connor (Russell Crowe) travels to Turkey in 1919 to discover the fate of his three sons, reported missing in action. Initially blocked by military bureaucracy, his determination unwavering, he is helped first by the beautiful Ayshe (Olga Kurylenko) who owns the hotel he takes in Istanbul, and then by a Turkish Officer who had fought against Connor's sons. Holding on to hope, Connor and Major Hasan must travel across the war-torn landscape to find the truth, and for Joshua to find his own peace. (Entertainment One)
(more)Reviews (2)
This is a very mixed film for me. Considering it’s a directorial debut, Russell Crowe’s first attempt, it’s quite impressive (other rookie directors would envy this, right?). However, the almost fairy-tale quality with a forced emotional ending (which, undeniably, worked perfectly, my emotions were touched) slightly brings the film down in my eyes. In terms of visual presentation, I have no complaints. The perfect exteriors complemented by flawless camera work were a success. Crowe acted well, though he overacted a bit at times, but it was bearable. The character of the Turkish major was particularly striking, bringing a refreshing element to the film. The idea of searching for lost sons might sound great on paper, but the execution was lacking. The ending, where Crowe, as a father, dreams of the place where his last son is now, then sets out and simply finds him, all seems a bit too fantastical. But I’ll overlook this and still give it four stars, though I might lower it over time. 70%.
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Russell Crowe delves into making his own film, which revolves around Australian wartime history and the battle in Turkey, which ended tragically for the Australian side. Crowe is a good actor and manages to carry the whole film quite well, but here he's not trying to stand out, even though he succeeds. The film is sometimes overly sentimental and plays it safe too much, but I got through it without much trouble.
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