Diagonaldi
Very well executed
Kailansorac
Clever, believable, and super fun to watch. It totally has replay value.
Lachlan Coulson
This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.
krocheav
I doubt that any movie made today could look much better than "Water for Elephants'" Cinematography, direction, sets, performances, editing - all combine to tell a surprisingly powerful and ultimately humane tale of hardship, loss and of finding oneself - amid the wreckage of humanity at its worst and best. While not so sure I'm comfortable with the Elephants crucial contribution toward the finale (no dispersions towards Rosie she was superb!) just the timing of it all. (that's personal of course) The idea of the old man telling his compelling life story to the young Circus manager is inspired and well worthy of several viewings. An excellent drama with an accent on human adventure and endeavour - easily recommended to a wide ranging audience, covering all ages.
saletehnolog
A great movie. A very touching scene, especially the last one in which Rose Rose rescues the life of Marlene. In these two hours you will have the opportunity to see suffering, anger, love. You will have the opportunity to see the pure madness of the owner of Circus Augustus, his inhuman behavior towards both humans and animals. In certain situations, tension will permeate the head of your being, and in other moments you will be relaxed.8,2/10
Lee Eisenberg
First, I should note that I've never read the novel on which Francis Lawrence's "Water for Elephants" is based. I had never heard of it until the movie got released. Now that I've seen it, I'm impressed. I interpreted it as a look at how a person tries to find his place after his initial goal fails, but also gets forced to do the right thing in desperate situations. Although Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson are the main characters, Christoph Waltz is the one who sticks out in my mind. His August is one vile person, the type who would draw the ire of any animal welfare organization. But I suspect that these things happen a lot in circuses. Barnum and Bailey recently closed after 146 years in business. Probably best, knowing how animals get treated; after all, they aren't meant to be our entertainment.It's not a masterpiece, but still a good look at how the characters seek to find a healthy relationship in a cruel setting. I'd like to read the book.
Python Hyena
Water for Elephants (2011): Dir: Francis Lawrence / Cast: Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, Hal Holbrook, James Frain: The title is a reference to the calm after the storm. Taking us back to 1931 with narration by the aged hero with regards the the tragedy that unfolds. Hal Holbrook appears at the end of a circus performance. He left a home and tells of his life at the circus that brought romance, adventure and ultimately tragedy. His younger self is played by Robert Pattinson, whose parents die in a car accident while he was in college. With the bank seizing his home, he ends up aboard a train which is the circus travelling to another location. The ringmaster is a foul tempered man who abuses the animals and people alike. His wife is Marlena, the star attraction with a white horse is cut short when it suffers a bad hoof. Pattinson puts it down and nearly gets thrown from the train until the ringmaster brings in a new star attraction, an elephant. Directed by Francis Lawrence who previously made Constantine and I Am Legend. Pattinson holds strong in his willingness to protect others from the abuse of the ringmaster. Reese Witherspoon as Marlena is the star attraction whose act with a horse is replaced with Rosie the elephant. Christoph Waltz plays off the rage of the ringmaster who desires riches at any extent, but can see, as can we, Marlena's interest in Pattinson. Holbrook is the narrator who puts it in perspective. James Frain plays the elephant's caretaker, which is a step down for him in terms of career goals. Stunning production of the illusion and wonderment of the circus life. Score: 8 ½ / 10
