Review of The Water Diviner (2014) by Peteralexander — 14 Jun 2015

Beautiful, dramatic and visually impressive, The Water Diviner is on the most part, an engaging watch. Unfortunately the exploration of unimportant narrative arcs and a sense of unrealism serve to hold the film back.

The film has a powerful premise, and at times, it was able to live up to it's undoubted potential. Positively speaking, the use of native actors was a wonderful touch, an aspect often ignored by many big blockbusters nowadays.

The soundtrack helped to set the tone and setting, whilst several scenes in the form of flashbacks were truly terrifying and heart-wrenching. However, the film was somewhat unrealistic and in several ways unbelievable.

Russell Crowe's unexplained psychic ability to find the remains of his son serves as one of many examples. Although a lot of the film did not make sense, such scenes served to further develop Russell Crowe's character and the storyline in some way.

Given this, The Water Diviner serves for a predominantly good movie going experience.