Weinstein Company, The | Release Date: April 24, 2015
6.8
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Generally favorable reviews based on 77 Ratings
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8
Jess_HillJul 12, 2015
Gallipoli two was better than I expected. The battlefield sequences are exceptionally well done, and the story is compelling if ultimately unbelievable, occasionally wallowing in sentiment. The cinematography was excellent and the leadGallipoli two was better than I expected. The battlefield sequences are exceptionally well done, and the story is compelling if ultimately unbelievable, occasionally wallowing in sentiment. The cinematography was excellent and the lead performances were great, though a few secondary characters were very clunky. This is a good film for the hundredth anniversary of the conflict and will be enjoyed by a broad audience. 8.03/10 Expand
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6
ahnehnoisApr 26, 2015
It is a beautiful and intriguing film, but narratively muddled and with a few missteps.

The locations are excellent, as is most of the cast, especially the Turkish actors. It stands out though, that while most of the Aussies and Turks are
It is a beautiful and intriguing film, but narratively muddled and with a few missteps.

The locations are excellent, as is most of the cast, especially the Turkish actors. It stands out though, that while most of the Aussies and Turks are played by native actors, the female lead is clearly not. It sabotages the film, because the script is trying to tell you that she's part of the Turkish culture and is fighting tradition, but it doesn't feel right at all when she's the only outsider in the dance party. The romantic aspect of the film feels really unnatural and forced as a consequence.

It's also odd that the film is titled The Water Diviner, as the titular character's habit of dowsing is both unscientific and irrelevant to the narrative. The film opens with a suicide, which is confusingly presented. A lot of the film is confusing, really, if you don't understand the history.

But the battle scenes are compelling, and the post-battle scenes where bodies are being buried are equally so. The relations between the Turks and their former foes are nuanced and entertaining, and those performances are excellent. Also, the Aussies' hats are so absurdly ostentatious they just have to be real.

At the end, there's a bit of an unsatisfying "eh", but the picture of post-war Turkey leading up to it is worth seeing.
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6
NightReviewsJun 1, 2015
In June of 2015 one of my favourite HBO shows of all time will make its debut on the silver screen. While Entourage may not be the greatest television show ever created, it sure does succeed in allowing its main demographic to fantasize aboutIn June of 2015 one of my favourite HBO shows of all time will make its debut on the silver screen. While Entourage may not be the greatest television show ever created, it sure does succeed in allowing its main demographic to fantasize about fame and fortune. It is true that the Entourage film has very little to almost zero relevance to The Water Diviner, but its subject matter (a very eager Hollywood star, in this case, the fictional Vincent Chase making his directorial film debut) does. Now you may be asking, what is the point here?

What many won’t know is that The Water Diviner marks the directorial debut of famed New Zealand born, Australian loving actor Russell Crowe. Sharing in his immense adoration for the land down under with fellow famed Hollywood actors Hugh Jackman and Hugo Weaving, Crowe directs this film centred around the Gallipoli Campaign, also known as The Battle of Gallipoli, and Australian farmer/water diviner, Joshua Connor (Russell Crowe).

Years after the initial battles, Joshua and his wife Eliza (Jacqueline McKenzie) have done the best they can grieving with the reality of losing all three sons to the war. Essentially, The Water Diviner becomes a great cinematic tale about hope, survival, and determination, soaked with an immense amount of inexperience by its very trying but lacking director.

Hope is a big theme within the film, and going back to the analogy mentioned in the first paragraph, the same could be said for many upcoming actors turned directors. While the trend of acting-to-directing is nothing new (Clint Eastwood, Ron Howard, and of course, Ben Affleck), it is something that many actors try, gaining knowledge and great aspiration from their confident directing leaders, but fail miserably. Just ask Ryan Gosling and his 2014 Cannes flop Lost River.

While The Water Diviner may be considered anything but a flop, the film does seem quite familiar very quickly. Taking cues from very popular and hailed contemporary war dramas in the last few decades, Saving Private Ryan and Flags of Our Fathers most notably, Crowe’s directorial debut is a beautifully shot, but poorly guided historical picture.

High handed melodrama, non-conspicuous zooms during very pivotal narrative scenes and monologues, as well as the oh-so painful use of unnecessary slow-motion, The Water Diviner is ever so slightly taken away from a compelling story of patriarch and redemption. Against all odds Joshua makes his way to Gallipoli, a land labelled as a stretch of Earth saturated with “blood and ghosts”, where he is greeted by Major Hasan (Yilmaz Erdogan), a military official who is tasked with helping Lt./Col Cyril Hughes (Jai Courtney in his second straight historical war epic following Unbroken) adequately bury fellow countrymen. While most of the film is driven by blind and unexplainable intuition, Joshua finds two of his sons, Henry and Edward Connor (Ben O’Toole and James Fraser), who remain together. Not knowing the whereabouts of the remains of his eldestArthur (Ryan Corr), who had been tasked with guarding his two youngest brothers, Joshua never loses faith in the chance of seeing his first-born.

While much of the film narrative is driven by prospect, Major Hasan informs Joshua that he remembers his son in a chance encounter and gives him hope that he may still be alive, leading Joshua to Istanbul where divinely, he finds himself in the care of a recently widowed Ayshe’s (Olga Kurylenko) hotel. It is there that Joshua slowly sheds his Commonwealth patriotism of Queen and Country beginning to open his eyes to the customs and lifestyle of the Turkish people, including that of Ayshe and her son Orhan (Dylan Georgides).

While romance never plays a strong influence on the film between Joshua and Ayshe, some of the best scenes are undoubtedly between Crowe and Kurylenko as well as Crowe and Turkish acting gem Erdogan. Many won’t be astonished by Crowe’s direction but he can rest assured, after the atrocities that were Noah, Winter’s Tale and Broken City, that his acting is in top form in The Water Diviner, proving scene and scene again that his talents as an actor are far from finished. Luckily, the casting and acting of the film is undoubtedly its strong point, including former Bond girl Kurylenko who is almost unrecognizable as Ayshe.

Russell Crowe may not be the next Orson Welles, Rob Reiner, or Kenneth Branagh – men whose directorial debuts and first feature films Citizen Kane, This is Spinal Tap! and Henry V respectfully established their talents behind the lens as well as in front of the camera – but there is definitely hope for a very talented and ambitious man who is willing to shed light to some very obscure historical events. Crowe will surely be given a slew of elements in the fight to get his film seen and appreciated. While I won’t be one to truly drown The Water Diviner, here’s hoping that Crowe’s first feature will have greater hope of keeping afloat than sinking quickly.
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7
BHBarryApr 26, 2015
"The Water Diviner" stars Russell Crowe and also represents his directorial debut.
Those very familiar with the events that occurred in World War I and, in particular, Gallipoli, Turkey,
will appreciate more than most who was fighting who
"The Water Diviner" stars Russell Crowe and also represents his directorial debut.
Those very familiar with the events that occurred in World War I and, in particular, Gallipoli, Turkey,
will appreciate more than most who was fighting who and what the battle meant to
the nation of Australia and its soldiers who died there. If not familiar with these events, the viewer will be unable to easily follow the issues at stake and the identity of the combatants on the field.

Although the film attempts to portray the horrors of war and the needless losses of life,
it fails as a good theatrical experience.
The film in many ways is concocted and its story confusing and difficult to believe, (even though it
is supposedly based on a true story). The editing room and splicing machine deserved a more
experienced hand and eye than the ones possessed by Mr. Crowe. Also, Mr. Crowe seems to hold back and be unnaturally restrained in scenes that warrant a more emotional commitment. My guess is that, as the director, he held back in deference to the actor/director role he was playing..

A better written story would have also been a tremendous asset and perhaps mitigated many of the film's shortcomings. Regrettably, in its present form, it is a long and difficult movie to sit through and watch. I counted 3X that I looked at my watch. One must acknowledge the wonderful photography and, with that in mind, I give the film a 7.0 with a suggestion that the director not turn down any future acting jobs and continue to do that which he does best.. If you'll forgive the obvious pun, this movie is nothing for him to "Crowe" about.
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6
TVJerryApr 30, 2015
Russell Crowe (who also makes his directing debut) plays an Australian farmer who travels to Turkey to find his 3 sons, who go missing after the Battle of Gallipoli. While his search is the driving force in the film, his encounters with theRussell Crowe (who also makes his directing debut) plays an Australian farmer who travels to Turkey to find his 3 sons, who go missing after the Battle of Gallipoli. While his search is the driving force in the film, his encounters with the country's culture add a interesting second layer. This event in the early 1900s isn't well known to most of us, so the conflicts with the occupying countries add yet another level. The challenges that this complexity presents have been met with Crowe's heavy directorial hand. The drama is compelling, but occasionally over the top and other times tasteful. The sometimes abrupt editing and forceful soundtrack are more a distraction than an asset. A bit too ambitious for a first effort, but not bad. Expand
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6
duncan1964Jun 29, 2015
The true story of an Australian man who travels to Galipolli to find the bodies of his three sons who he has told died in the war is beautifully filmed by first time director Crowe. A moving first third and emotionally affecting last thirdThe true story of an Australian man who travels to Galipolli to find the bodies of his three sons who he has told died in the war is beautifully filmed by first time director Crowe. A moving first third and emotionally affecting last third are unfortunately separated by a mid section that grinds the whole film to a halt as a completely surperflous love story is shoe horned in to the narrative. Crowe has obviously learnt a lot from the great directors he has worked with in the past, and the scope and ambition of his debut bodes well for future efforts Expand
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5
TyranianAug 23, 2019
Starts well and Crowe is good but the story loses momentum fairly early and struggles to regain it.
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7
Compi24May 7, 2015
Though it's clearly for more patient-minded cinephiles, "The Water Diviner" delivers in terms of story and character, and knocks it out of the park with its breathtaking cinematographic landscape from the late, great Andrew Lesnie.
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7
LeZeeSep 14, 2015
A father with a hope to find his missing sons.

A fictional narration with the backdrop of the World War I. Precisely the story begins after the end of the war, about a father who goes after look for his sons who were last seen on the
A father with a hope to find his missing sons.

A fictional narration with the backdrop of the World War I. Precisely the story begins after the end of the war, about a father who goes after look for his sons who were last seen on the battlefield of Gallipoli, Turkey. The rest is the mix of drama, war, romance, flashbacks, and whether his mission is accomplished or not is the climax that decide.

Frankly, I was a little disappointed. The story was not based on the real, but looked like one. The point is it was a wonderful and inspiring theme, but direction was not convincing along with bad editing. If you look at who's that, it was a direction debut for Russell Crowe, who played the main character in the film as well. Some of the historical facts were wrong, especially showing the Greeks in the bad light was the negativity of the film. Visually the films do not give the impression of the pre 1920s where the story set in. Instead, it looks more of the late 40s or the early 50s.

Since it was set after the war, most of the characters were in a guilt attitude. Can't say whole film was predictable, but the scenes were. The performances were the only things that tried to lift the movie, as well as the music and screenplay in some parts. This, book based movie should have been directed by any top director, not for the freshers to try-out their skills in direction field, because of the powerful stuffs like anti-war elements. One time watchable, but disappointment is ahead of you if you expect greatness from it. Anyway, it was Australia's top gross movie last year in Australia.

6.5/10
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7
ThegodfathersonApr 24, 2015
What I love about The Water Divner is that it's not a war related PG-13 slog drama like Unbroken. It's brutal, fresh and suspenseful in it's own right. Russell Crowe gives a splendid performance as a man who goes on a search to find hisWhat I love about The Water Divner is that it's not a war related PG-13 slog drama like Unbroken. It's brutal, fresh and suspenseful in it's own right. Russell Crowe gives a splendid performance as a man who goes on a search to find his children in the midst of a brutal war. It had it's flaws, it was too long and Jai Courtney's performance never clicked with the premise. But it is a directorial debut that is bloody great, despite flaws it's amazing. Expand
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7
Brent_MarchantMay 2, 2015
An uneven but earnest effort by first-time director Russell Crowe that delivers the heartfelt anguish a parent suffers in the loss of his children to war. A little polish around the edges and in certain aspects of the film easily could haveAn uneven but earnest effort by first-time director Russell Crowe that delivers the heartfelt anguish a parent suffers in the loss of his children to war. A little polish around the edges and in certain aspects of the film easily could have made this a much better picture. But, given that this is Crowe's first stab at directorial work, it passes muster in many ways that even more experienced filmmakers fail to attain in their offerings. Expand
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10
slayde11Aug 8, 2015
This is a stellar gem of a film. Deeply moving and just brimming with heart and soul, The Water Diviner is a film about gut-wrenching loss, perseverance, hope and fractured, imperfect redemption. Its themes are universal; its cinematographyThis is a stellar gem of a film. Deeply moving and just brimming with heart and soul, The Water Diviner is a film about gut-wrenching loss, perseverance, hope and fractured, imperfect redemption. Its themes are universal; its cinematography is striking; its score is both subtle and breathtaking; and its lead performances are poignant and spot-on. Whatever may be said about the accuracy and/or omission of certain details and events, the story at its heart is about a quest driven by the purest and most powerful form of love. It also serves as a cautionary commentary about the horrors and futility of war; and an uplifting testament to the fire and resilience of the human spirit. Exquisitely stirring and thought-provoking from beginning to end. Expand
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10
behzadhoseini77Apr 24, 2015
The story has an amazing soul, a mesmerizing spiritual power, and a refreshing perspective on History. As a scholar of History, I'd say it treats a noble Turkish nation victim of absolutely unprovoked aggression from all sides during WorldThe story has an amazing soul, a mesmerizing spiritual power, and a refreshing perspective on History. As a scholar of History, I'd say it treats a noble Turkish nation victim of absolutely unprovoked aggression from all sides during World War I with long-overdue justice after a 100 years, while retaining the dignity of ANZAC soldiers who fought with great bravery and loyalty for a dubious British cause.

"The Water Diviner" is not only a cinematographic masterpiece of rare beauty. It is a powerful statement of tolerance, a testimony of endless hope and love
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5
WJSDec 18, 2015
This film is beautiful shot and very well acted, but unfortunately it's not very well directed and the script wears its heart on its sleeve. It's very melodramatic at times and comes across as pedestrian at best. Russell Crowe has left hisThis film is beautiful shot and very well acted, but unfortunately it's not very well directed and the script wears its heart on its sleeve. It's very melodramatic at times and comes across as pedestrian at best. Russell Crowe has left his mark as one of the world’s great actors, but unfortunately this film will not allow him the same luxury as a director. Expand
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8
MonasarfatyApr 26, 2015
This movie works on many levels. Powerful relationships based on love and loyalty are the centerpiece. The movie is an adventure film that follows the journey of an Australian farmer to a part of the world he knows little about. The end ofThis movie works on many levels. Powerful relationships based on love and loyalty are the centerpiece. The movie is an adventure film that follows the journey of an Australian farmer to a part of the world he knows little about. The end of World War I in Turkey is the backdrop and provides a fascinating look at a distant land at the beginning of the 20th century as it is headed for a dramatic transformation. The historic defeat of the Ottoman Turkish Empire as the result of World War I--the root of the seemingly endless problems in the Middle East today--is depicted in such a way as to give insight into the cultural and political differences that continue to plague relations between East and West. The gruesome search for the individual bodies of the victims of the tragic Battle of Gallipoli (Winston Churchill's infamous and costly misjudgement) together with flashbacks of battle scenes makes this a powerful anti-war movie. Given that this is the 100th anniversary of that particular military disaster, the movie provides an opportunity for education about a place and a time that could be far more familiar to Americans than it is. (The dead were British, Australian, New Zealanders, and Turkish.) Russel Crowe is magnetic as always. The bond that develops between him and the Turkish General provides unexpected plot twists that keep the viewer thoroughly captivated. Yes, there are some cliches in the movie but they are minor distractions given the human and historic drama presented by the film. Expand
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6
Armin_AbbasiMay 2, 2015
The Water Diviner begins as a promising War Drama but Crowe wraps it up as a Heroic Melodrama. He shows enough courage to make a good debut but fails to keep up his descent story telling.
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8
DavidStHubbinsApr 26, 2015
This was a beautifully executed film that did a great job of communicating the profound loss and emptiness that flows from war. On both sides of the camera, Russell Crowe did a fine job, but in his first effort as director he was exceptional.
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6
PeterAlexanderJun 15, 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 powerfulBeautiful, 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. Expand
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9
alexa417Oct 8, 2015
The film has a great cinematography. It’s an old fashioned movie in a great sense.

http://www.watchfree.to/watch-2a1783-The-Water-Diviner-movie-online-free-putlocker.html
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10
Jonathan12345Jan 24, 2020
Masterpiece of Russell Crowe. Movie is very realistic to history. It is very well directed.
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4
JLuis_001Sep 7, 2017
As a filmmaking debut this film is respectable but I dislike the style and handling, because although the ambition of the work is applauded, the intense emotional manipulation comes to fruition and to tell the truth it does not leave aAs a filmmaking debut this film is respectable but I dislike the style and handling, because although the ambition of the work is applauded, the intense emotional manipulation comes to fruition and to tell the truth it does not leave a pleasant taste. Expand
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9
mjmurezMar 31, 2018
It's a solid film. I believe it would be better if the director had explored the military side deeply, instead of shoehorning a love relationship. Corr is superb.
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10
WorldCultureLabNov 8, 2019
Russell esta en su mejor momento. A pesar de las malas criticas le sienta la llenura. Es un actor excepcional y estar mas trozudo le sienta bien para ciertos papeles. Recomendada totalmente! supera sus ultimas producciones!
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