Review of The Water Diviner (2014) by Phil P — 19 Apr 2015

"Its been 4 years, you have to let it go".

Another actor delves into the direction well. This time 'Russell Crowe' is throwing his hat into the ring with 'The Water Diviner'. No one can be judged too harshly on their first film no matter who experienced they are in teh film industry. If it's their first directional attempt there's bound to be things to iron out or stylistic choices as they come to grips with how they shoot.

That's not to say they are free from criticism nor should they be graded on a different plane to a seasoned veteran. It's more about future films, outright dismissing someone from one film is moronic to say the least. With 'Russell Crowe' I squarely put him in the 'Can't wait to see what he does next camp' with some caution. Much like 'Angelina Jolie' (albeit with 'Crowe' a more welcome critical reception) I feel they've made a good start, a solid first entry. Crowe's 'The Water Diviner' is set around World War II specifically in Turkey where 'Josh' (Russell Crowe) goes on a quest to fulfil his wife's wish of finding their missing boys in Turkey.

To be honest I had no idea how far 'World War I' stretched , admittedly I should know more given my country's involvement. Don't let that fool you it isn't a war film in the pure sense. As the end credits reveal this is a film dedicated to all those who are still unnamed casualties of the war. This is about the aftermath and a father relentless quests to search of answers and at least closure on his sons whereabouts. At times the emotional aspect hits home particularly in the telling of Joshua's sons time in the war and an early scene that shows how important closure is.

But at times I feel that aspect is also a little out of it's reach. With an early scene in particular lacking the punch possibly because of how soon it comes. Equally Ayshe's (Olga Kurylenko) thawing of 'Joshua' seemed a bit rushed too with her seeming dislike disappearing quickly. Speaking of there were definitely moments where it seemed like 'Ayshe' was merely there as a love interest - the once hated but slowly loved type. But that was never given into, there's also a surprise in regards to the sons which I didn't expect - another film would have taken a different approach with a more forceful look and tried for a knock out blow. Instead we are smartly given a rather happy ending (well somewhat).

At times the story shifts are a little jarring and teh camera work is far from perfect. But it's still a resounding (Yes I'm saying that) success for 'Crowe' as a first time director. Casting himself gave an assured performance (as to be expected from the man) and the rest of the cast give it their all too. At times it really does hit you right in the feels (quite well too) but it tries that too many times and occasionally at the wrong time. I can't wait to see what 'Crowe' conjures up next, his first attempt kept me interested throughout. It may well be an important film not just for the acknowledgement of the unnamed dead but also 'The Battle of Gallipoli' and this part of the war I had no idea about.