A solid directing debut from Russell Crowe, and an effective antiwar statement

Rating: 7/10 (7 January 2015)

Often I'm skeptical when a prominent actor tries to transition into the director's chair, but luckily Russell Crowe does a decent job in his first motion picture behind the camera (as well as in front of).
What I liked about 'The Water Diviner' was its mostly successful balancing of both the perspectives of the citizens of Australia and Turkey. As opposed to merely painting the Turks as the anonymous "enemies-in-the- distance" that appear frequently in many Gallipoli-centered war films, the Turks are portrayed predominantly in a positive light, with Crowe's character forming many close relationships with them. Many vital Turkish cities and landmarks such as the Gallipoli peninsula and Istanbul are utilised well in order to both highlight and give respect to Turkish culture and history.
Russell Crowe plays basically the same role he does in every other film he's in, a stoic, blokish man's man who relentlessly searches for his sons who went missing in combat in this foreign land. The film is also helped by an impressive supporting cast, with Cem Yilmaz being a highlight as a compassionate Turkish sergeant. However, you can't help but be surprised at certain points why certain Australian and international actors were cast as Turkish characters, though these roles were still executed quite well.
Like many war/postwar/anti-war films, 'The Water Diviner' can occasionally dip into some overly sentimental, melodramatic territory, however these are overshadowed by some truly hard-hitting, harrowing scenes. One in particular, during the last act of the film, really packs a punch (you'll know it when you see it).
Now nearly at the 100-year anniversary of the failed Gallipoli campaign, it seems fitting that 'The Water Diviner' contains a much more retrospective, melancholy depiction of the conflict. There aren't really any winners in war. On either side fathers and sons disappear off the face of the earth, leaving gaping holes in the lives of those that remain. With careful, considerate storytelling and directing, 'The Water Diviner' is able to convey this message.