Water (2005) Reviews
- Starring:
- Seema Biswas, Lisa Ray, (more)
- Director(s):
- Deepa Mehta
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG13
- Category:
- Independent Films
Member Rating
My RatingAverage Ratings
7 out of 9 people found this review helpful Stately, lovely to look at, obvious and bordering-on-boring, WATER come heralded with praise but strikes me as the least of Deepa Mehta's accomplishments thus far. Yes, India's widows have a ... Read More Stately, lovely to look at, obvious and bordering-on-boring, WATER come heralded with praise but strikes me as the least of Deepa Mehta's accomplishments thus far. Yes, India's widows have a terrible cross to bear--one that ought to have been removed from them many decades ago. But I would have profited more from a fifteen minute intelligent lecture on the subject by a woman armed with the facts and an interesting story or two. This two-hour movie, which goes by oh-so-slowly and is full of coincidence at all the wrong times, even features a cute little puppy. The script never rises above the prosaic, the use of Gandhi as some kind of touchstone is clumsy indeed, and while most of the performances are OK, the beautiful leading lady is played by Lisa Ray more like a model than anyone living a moment-to-moment life. Good intentions and skilled moviemaking do not join forces in this, one of those films of which I can't for the life of me figure out what all the shouting is about. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful Water is a cultural gem. This glimpse into a child's nightmarish life simply because she, unknowingly, became a bride and widow send chills down your spine mostly because you learn, just before the ... Read More Water is a cultural gem. This glimpse into a child's nightmarish life simply because she, unknowingly, became a bride and widow send chills down your spine mostly because you learn, just before the credits, that this man-made tradition, for budgetary reasons (apparently no link to religious laws), still exists and 35 million women in India today are still living as outcasts for no good or humanitary reason. A serial killer in North America is better treated in our jails. It combines both the cruetly and the solidarity of women unvoluntarily thrust together under the worst of circumstances who find salvation through water for purifying, for meditating and as a last resting place. I was totaly absorbed in this movie from the first second to the last. Every cast member was memorable especially the little girl and the actress who nurturned and saved her in the end. Thank you. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful Everything about this film is magnificent from the script to the set to the acting and most importantly, to the idea. This is not for mindless entertainment while you do your taxes. This is the type ... Read More Everything about this film is magnificent from the script to the set to the acting and most importantly, to the idea. This is not for mindless entertainment while you do your taxes. This is the type of thing that can compel change and stimulate grey matter. This is an example of why and how film can be such a powerful form of art. Thank you Deepa Mehta for not quitting even when the powers that be were dead set against you making this film - thank you for not even blinking and heading straight for the jugular with this searing endightment of religious fundamentalism, class, and the subjugation of women. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful This movie was poignant, educational, and entertaining. Rarely do I watch a movie without pausing and doing something else. This was one of the few movies that actually held my attention long ... Read More This movie was poignant, educational, and entertaining. Rarely do I watch a movie without pausing and doing something else. This was one of the few movies that actually held my attention long enough to stay in one place. Cudos! Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful Excellent acting, Fine script. Excellent direction. Multi-layerd story. A bitter sweet love story, in the context of the oppression by Hindu practices/beliefs---evidently still continuing at some ... Read More Excellent acting, Fine script. Excellent direction. Multi-layerd story. A bitter sweet love story, in the context of the oppression by Hindu practices/beliefs---evidently still continuing at some level in Indian society, though hard to believe in this day and age. In the name of "faith"and GOD, many sins abound, often in the extreme fundmentalist like forms of ANY religion. Very sad and almost sickening abuses of women abound in the context of GODS (Hindu) AND RELIGION. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
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