The Water Diviner Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Aussie dad uses magic stick to find water, then uses same magic stick to find dead kids in Turkey, then finds a live one, and maybe gets a girlfriend, all while vaguely gesturing at the Gallipoli disaster.

🍿 The Water Diviner: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Father’s Grief and Determination

In 1919, Joshua Connor, an Australian farmer and water diviner, grapples with the presumed loss of his three sons in the Battle of Gallipoli. His wife Eliza, unable to cope with the grief, commits suicide. Haunted by her death and driven by a promise, Connor resolves to travel to Turkey to find his sons’ remains and bring them home for burial alongside their mother.

Journey to Turkey and Initial Obstacles

Connor arrives in Istanbul and stays at a hotel owned by Ayshe, a recently widowed Turkish woman, and her son Orhan. Despite initial hostility due to the recent war, Ayshe warms up to Connor after learning about his quest. He seeks help from British authorities to travel to Gallipoli but faces bureaucratic hurdles and is warned about the dangers due to ongoing conflicts. The British consul explains that his sons are likely buried in a mass grave.

Gallipoli and Discoveries on the Battlefield

Connor finally reaches Gallipoli, where he encounters Major Hasan, a Turkish officer assisting with the identification and burial of the fallen soldiers. With Hasan’s help and his own divining skills, Connor locates the remains of his two younger sons, Edward and Henry. However, the discovery of a bullet hole in one of the skulls raises disturbing questions about their final moments.

Hope for a Surviving Son and New Dangers

Major Hasan recognizes Connor’s surname and suggests that his eldest son, Arthur (Art), might have been taken prisoner. Connor, fueled by renewed hope, embarks on a perilous journey through war-torn Anatolia to find Art. He becomes entangled in the ongoing conflict between Turkish nationalists and Greek forces, navigating treacherous landscapes and alliances.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Connor (Russell Crowe): An Australian farmer and water diviner who travels to Turkey to find his three missing sons after the Battle of Gallipoli.
• Ayshe (Olga Kurylenko): A widowed Turkish hotel owner who develops a bond with Connor and aids him in his search.
• Major Hasan (Yilmaz Erdogan): A Turkish officer who fought at Gallipoli and helps Connor locate his sons, understanding his paternal grief.
• Art (Ryan Corr): Connor’s oldest son, presumed dead after Gallipoli, but later discovered to be alive and traumatized.
• Lt Colonel Hughes (Jai Courtney): A British officer overseeing the Gallipoli burial efforts who is initially resistant to Connor’s presence.
• Sgt. Jemal (Cem Yilmaz): A loyal subordinate to Major Hasan, assisting and eventually sacrificing his life to protect Connor and Hasan.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Major Hasan: “Because he is the only father who came looking.” – Major Hasan explains to Lt-Col Cyril Hughes why they should change everything for one father (Connor) determined to find his sons.
• Connor: “I made her a promise.” – Connor says this, expressing his unwavering commitment to his deceased wife to find their sons.
• Connor: “I came to find my sons.” – Connor says this as a resolute statement of purpose when facing obstacles in Turkey.
• Lt-Col Cyril Hughes: “War is a dirty business.” – Said by Lt-Col Cyril Hughes as a stark reminder of the brutality and moral compromises of war.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $22,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,196,641
• Worldwide Gross: $35,396,641

💥 The Water Diviner Reviews

Personal Review

I was really moved by The Water Diviner. It’s not just a war movie; it’s a story about a father’s unwavering love and hope. The scenes in Gallipoli were haunting and really conveyed the scale of the tragedy. I especially liked the relationship between Connor and Ayshe – it felt genuine and added a layer of humanity to the story. Some parts felt a bit rushed, but overall, it’s a powerful and emotional film that stuck with me long after the credits rolled.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about war and its aftermath”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances and scenic cinematography”
  • “People interested in Australian and Turkish history and culture”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “War violence and disturbing images”
  • “Suicide”
  • “Grief and emotional distress”
  • “Some scenes of cultural insensitivity (debated in reviews)”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Crowe’s directorial debut is a well-intentioned but uneven war drama. The film tackles themes of loss and reconciliation but suffers from a somewhat predictable plot and occasionally clichéd characters.
• Empire: “A sincere and visually striking film, The Water Diviner, sometimes struggles under the weight of its own ambition, resulting in a slightly disjointed narrative. However, Crowe’s passion for the story shines through, making it a worthwhile watch.
• Variety: “Russell Crowe’s directorial debut is an old-fashioned war drama with a solid performance from Crowe and beautiful cinematography. However, the film’s conventional storytelling and sentimental tone may not appeal to all audiences.

Audience Reactions

The stunning visuals and heartfelt performances moved me to tears.: Viewers loved the emotional depth and the balanced portrayal of both sides of the conflict.

Crowe’s direction brought a fresh perspective to the Gallipoli story.: Many appreciated the film’s respectful treatment of Turkish culture and its anti-war message.

Overall Consensus: The Water Diviner is an emotionally resonant war drama with strong performances and beautiful visuals, though some found the plot somewhat predictable and occasionally sentimental.

Awards

1. AACTA Awards (Best Film)- 2015
2. AACTA Awards (Best Supporting Actor)- 2015
3. AACTA Awards (Best Original Screenplay)- 2015

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film marked Russell Crowe’s directorial debut.”
• “The horse that Russell Crowe rides in the scenes shot in Australia is actually his own horse Honey.”
• “Andrew Lesnie, the cinematographer, is known for his work on ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy; this was one of his final films.”
• “The film explores the Gallipoli campaign from both the Australian and Turkish perspectives, offering a balanced view of the conflict.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Water Diviner?

The Water Diviner is currently available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, where you may need to rent or purchase it. Check local listings as availability varies by region. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be found at major retailers like Walmart and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Water Diviner, you might like these similar films:

• Gallipoli (1981): A classic Australian film focusing directly on the experiences of young Australian soldiers during the Gallipoli campaign.
• Unbroken (2014): A biographical war drama about resilience and survival against the odds, sharing similar themes of hope and determination during wartime.
• Beneath Hill 60 (2010): Another Australian war film that explores the lesser-known aspects of World War I, focusing on the tunneling operations on the Western Front.
• Flags of Our Fathers (2006): A war film that examines the complexities and aftermath of war from multiple perspectives, challenging traditional heroic narratives.
• Paths of Glory (1957): A powerful anti-war film that exposes the absurdity and human cost of war, told with raw emotion and a critical eye.

🛒 The Water Diviner Related Products

• The Water Diviner (Blu-ray): Own ‘The Water Diviner’ on Blu-ray and experience the stunning visuals and emotional story in high definition. Perfect for collectors and fans of historical dramas. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Gallipoli: The Definitive History: Les Carlyon’s ‘Gallipoli’ provides a comprehensive and gripping account of the Gallipoli campaign, offering historical context and insights into the events depicted in the film. A must-read for history buffs.
• Anzac Biscuits: Enjoy these traditional biscuits. Perfect addition to any morning tea and a tasty treat to remind you of home.
• Turkish Coffee Set: Embrace Turkish culture with a traditional Turkish coffee set. Brew and serve authentic Turkish coffee, just like Ayshe in ‘The Water Diviner.’ Perfect for cultural enthusiasts and coffee lovers.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Water Diviner features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Water Diviner Theme” – performed by David Hirschfelder
• “Gallipoli” – performed by David Hirschfelder
• “I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles” – performed by Olga Kurylenko

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Water Diviner Movie | A First Look (Official)

Ever wonder how Russell Crowe directed ‘The Water Diviner’? This ‘First Look’ video gives you an exclusive peek behind the scenes, with footage and insights that’ll make you appreciate the film even more. Trust me, the making-of is almost as epic as the movie itself!

Australian Farmer Who Travels to Turkey to Find His Three Missing Sons

Need a quick recap of ‘The Water Diviner’ before diving in? This video breaks down the emotional journey of Joshua Connor in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a spoiler-filled summary or just want to refresh your memory. The recap really helps clarify the emotional heart of the movie!

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