Russell Crowe has turned down many opportunities in his film career. He was offered the role of Wolverine in 'X-Men', Aragon in the 'The Lord of the Rings' Trilogy and the male lead in 'About A Boy' all for a variety of reasons. When it came to The Water Diviner, Crowe knew he had an opportunity to showcase his talent for directing for the first time and to tell a story that was unique about Gallipoli.
The Water Diviner tells the story of the only Australian father who returned to Gallipoli to search for his three sons missing, presumed dead.His journey will see him discover the horrors of war as well as the humanity of the Turkish people it effected. Unlike Peter Weir's landmark film Gallipoli, The Water Diviner's focus is on the relationship between the Turkish and Australian people.
This relationship is Illustrated well with stand out performances by Crowe and Yilmaz Erdogan who plays the Turkish Officer who fought Australians in the war but now wants to help a father recover his sons. Is there a notion of guilt perhaps or just a touch of humanity returning now that the war is over? On the flip side is Erodogan's officer 'Jemal' played by Cem Yilmaz who has not forgotten the death toll Australians inflicted on his people. We were after all invading their country and they suffered more casualties than us.He is not so willing to help in the quest to find the missing sons. This trilogy of performances in the early part of the film is the basis of the conflict that was Gallipoli.
Film reviewing is not always easy as you have your own personal favourites that you do compare others with.Being a fan of Peter Weir's 'Gallipoli', any film set in this period is always going to have an up hill battle to meet the benchmark Weir set. However in saying that, this first time effort in directing by Crowe is to be admired. The cinematography is excellent with spectacular shots of the Australian and Turkish landscapes by cinematographer Andrew Lesnie (Lord Of The Rings Trilogy & The Hobbit Trilogy). In typical Crowe style, he does not shy away from doing many of his own stunts including some great horseback riding scenes on his own horse in real life called 'Honey'.(spoiler below)
This film reviewer found the love interest plot in the movie hard to believe as his long time wife dies early in the movie. In reality are you really going to develop a relationship after such a loving and long term commitment? Well it is Hollywood and anything goes. With a variety of chase and battle scenes as well as a few comic moments 'The Water Diviner' will entertain you and encourage you to see the next directorial effort of Russell Crowe.
