Review of The Water Diviner (2014) by Elana D — 17 Jan 2016

I'm a big fan of Crow, and he did a good job here, as usual, but nothing that really jumped off the screen. The story itself is a bit challenging for the average viewer to gain a footing on, for it is removed and with most of the story in retrospect it is rather difficult to connect to. Bottom line, there is not a lot of emotional attachment for the viewer. Even the relationship between Ayshe and Connor is not one that could be consummated for the great cultural restrictions put on Muslims by their religion as well as the disdain by many for foreigners or infidels. The entire set up leaves the viewer removed and cold.

That being said, the story itself does not have a lot of dynamic and seems rather implausible considering the cultural differences as well as the danger of war being two great obstacles that would be far more difficult to traverse outside of the fictional story that must get to its destination. The acting is well done all around and not an inhibitor to the story's forward movement.

Overall an enjoyable film but not memorable or worth revisiting.