Review of The Water Diviner (2014) by Alice R — 09 Jan 2015

You know, I was kind of secretly hoping I wouldn't like this movie, but damn it, I did. I thought it was really great. Is it an award winner? I don't really think so, but does every movie have to be? Rusty Crowe put in a great performance and the cinematography was beautiful. The brief battle scenes at Gallipoli were well done - stylised but not romanticised.

I think the film pulls off the balancing act between addressing a topic that was real and very significant to many people, and that element of fantasy that makes a great film story.

For those who are wanting a historically accurate and realistic account of the after effects of the battle at Gallipoli and its lasting impact on both Australians and Turks, this movie is not for you. But if you want to see a really great movie, with a solid storyline, set in post WWI Turkey, with an Australian touch, then go and see the Water Diviner.