Water for Elephants (2011)
Mature themes and violence
| Director: | Francis Lawrence |
| Actors: | Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, Paul Schneider, Hal Holbrook |
During the Great Depression, Jacob, a penniless 23-year-old veterinary school student, parlays his expertise with animals into a job with a second-rate travelling circus. He falls in love with Marlena, one of the show's star performers, but their romance is complicated by Marlena's husband, the charismatic but unbalanced circus boss.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 120mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (164)
164 Member
Reviews
Lynnieb
says
Yeah good. Worth a look. Beautifully made. Enjoyed it more than I thought. Christoph Waltz is very good m
Katie
says
Great story. Nice to watch a love story with a different setting.
Cass
says
My husband and I both enjoyed this movie....great acting and story. Excellent
says
amazing movie... perfectly casted and worth a watch
Pam
says
Fantastic and moving movie and very true to the book. Wasn't a fan of Robert Pattinson before but am now......A
says
OK movie, well acted and photographed. Set in Depression era. Something missing - I found it difficult to feel very strongly about the characters.
says
Diappointing after the rave reviews we read about it.
says
We both really liked this movie, which is unusual in itself. Good story that kept you engaged, and the violence wasn't too explicit, which I appreciate.
jaxbak2
says
The book was better. I couldn't help but be irritated by the main characters; all except the elephant. Read the book instead.
Heather
says
Was surprise that I enjoyed this movie
says
Looked like a good movie but disc keep stopping and was alternately running fast and eventually became unwatchable.
soap
says
A really beautifully made movie. Just love it.
GB
says
I didn't enjoy the dark side - animals and human - but the plot moved quite well.
Densie
says
Really enjoyed this
HeatherQ
says
Once I got into this, I found it quite easy to not see Pattinson as 'Edward Cullen' but as his character.
Nice movie.
D.M.
says
I think that sometimes it doesn't always pay to take too much notice of film critics and this film was one that I remember got its share of criticism when it was released for cinema. I honestly couldn't find anything wrong with this film at all - everything about it was excellently done and Robert Pattinson put his heart and soul into his acting performance. It's a very 'adult' film and is able to describe with poignancy a terrible period of the last century. It is excellent - well worth seeing.
says
A nice little movie - we found it interesting and evocative of the period. However it was not not what I was expecting after the 'build up' in the press when it was first released - certainly not a great movie.
Quinat
says
Good movie, nicely ade
kjn2010
says
Excellent.
says
Really enjoyed this movie,
tc
says
Intense, didn't let the kids watch it 11 & 13 - my 13 yo would be fine but it's an excellent movie.
John
says
Very Good Film!!
30somethinggirl
says
As someone who dislikes the circus, has never seen Twilight, and finds Ms Witherspoon cringeworthy in comedy roles, I was delighted by this beautiful movie. A lovely storyline where Reese Witherspoon lights up the screen with her stunning costumes, Robert Pattinson delights with his boyish charm & Christoph Waltz portrays a disturbingly good ringleader.
says
A film not to be missed
robertk
says
I found this to have a weak, predictable story. It was interesting to see Robert Pattinson in a movie as I have avoided the "Twilight" series and I have not missed much. Animal cruelty scenes were obviously staged and the elephant acted better than the humans.
Brooke
says
This was a beautiful movie. Rosie the elephant felt like she was a character and not just an animal in an animal movie. Highly recommend.
Sarah
says
Good movie, solid storyline, kept us all glued.... watch it, its worth the time - something a little different.
Glenys
says
Beautiful movie
Lissa
says
Turned it off when the first animal began to suffer and the cruel circus owner didn't give-a. Should never have hired an animal movie :(
Maria
says
Good story, based on the book, about a young man who runs away to the circus after his parents die. He gets a job as the vet, despite not finishing his studies, and decides not only to look after the animals, but the boss's wife as well. A nice romance with some moral issues.
Sue F.
says
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The actors were good, the story was great and it was different to the normal run of the mill movies that I enjoy.
Geordie
says
Was better than i thought it would be. Though the beginning of him as an old man were superfluous, would have been better without...
Shep
says
The supporting characters where way more interesting than the three majors. No chemistry between Reese and Robert. The Elephant was the star.
Deb
says
I had high expectations for this movie, having read the book first, which is one I'd definitely recommend. The movie wasn't bad but the 2 leads didn't have chemistry and weren't very good characters. Shame they didn't put a little more focus on any of the other more interesting characters.
Jill
says
My husband and I both enjoyed this one. Good story but sad in parts. Good acting. Recommend.
ongie
says
girl film
peter M
says
supriseing good chick type flic great for a sunday afternoon
juliekym
says
Excellent movie and worth watching. My husband didn't realise it was the guy from Twilight until I told him at the end because he hates the Twilight movies and his sullen acting. He was shocked.
Jojo
says
I found this movie to be quite powerful and enjoyable. I didn't like some of the scenes with the elephant because I am such an admirer of the elephant - beautiful, majestic creature - those scenes actually made me bawl - but rest of it really good. Glad I watched it.
Gail Moore
says
A beautiful movie, Very sad but well acted.
Lisa
says
Great movie dont be put off by the title
dreamon
says
Our first dispatch was a great movie to get started with - Water for Elephants was enjoyable to watch and very well cast . Was totally engaged in the story from start to finish.
Alex
says
The film is better than the book. It tells the story of boy during the depression who finds himself on a circus train. He goes through unbelievable hardship as does the circus, falls in love with the circus masters young and beautifull wife and finally lives hapily ever after. Full of believable action.
Bev M
says
Enjoyed Movie, Great Story and Acting .
Lisa
says
Loved this movie. Not your conventional love story. Better then I could have expected.
Otto
says
Lovely story, well presented. Not a classic, but still enjoyable.
Ken Saint
says
Great movie. I loved every moment of it. Good story and good acting
Jeff
says
Was very pleasantly surprised by this movie. Really enjoyed it.
Good to see that Patterson is not just a vampire. He can act.
Mikey D
says
Really powerful and intense drama. Robert Pattinson really shines and matures as an actor here, it's great to see and Reece Witherspoon does a good job playing the love interest. Highly recommend :)
kaushal
says
Good movie
Belinda
says
Enjoyed this very much....not too challenging, but a good sroy
Cheeryville Chick
says
I loved this movie. I thought the story was very good and the way it was introduced was brilliant. The acting was great. I fell in love with the elephant also.
madmaxy83
says
this was a great film, it had a very slow start but then sped up. I loved the elephant and Robert Pattison is always spellbinding.
Jonathan Watcham
says
Great story of triumph and tragedy, but where good prevails eventually and the characters achieve happiness.
Kim
says
There was no chemistry with Reece Witherspoon and Robert Patterson so considering it was a love story, it fell flat. She seemed like his older sister.
Michele
says
A great story, I enjoyed this film very much.
Carolyn
says
Good characters,original story and having read the book I still enjoyed seeing the film
Maz
says
Nothing epic about this movie but it was a very enjoyable love story. Nice to see Pattinson with some colour in his face.
MichelleB
says
loved it, a beautiful love story....
Sonja
says
This is a great story with good casting and costumes. The story flowed well and drew the viewer in. Recommended.
km
says
nice to see robert without fangs
Geoff Kelso
says
This is such dreck. Robert Pattinson is so awful it would have been a kindness to have him put down. Shallow transparent plot, soap opera acting and even the CGI looked fake.
Kristina
says
What a wonderful movie. I would highly recommend this for the more adult members of the family as I think some of the scenes might be a bit worrying for the younger ones but it is funny, exciting, gritty in places and a lovely ending.
Andrea
says
Water for Elephants was much better than I was expecting.
Amansda
says
This was nice film, easy to watch and a cute story.
Purplesue
says
After reading the other reviews I was expecting a lot from this movie, but sadly was disappointed. Felt characters were quite "light on", but good to see Pattinson in something different for a change. Ok but wouldn't rave about it.
kath
says
Good movie; interesting --maybe predictable.
Kazbug
says
This is a totally engrossing movie which I wish to own. The story had me rapt from start to finish. The acting by the cast is superb especially the elephant.
I would thoroughly give it a whopping 10 out of 10.
tess
says
I had a hard time watching this one. Although the story was convincing and the acting was good, particularly the three human leads (Patteson surprises!), the elephant had me rivetted. I recently became more familiar with stories of elephants in captivity, how they are normally orphaned, female and traumatised . . . and unfortunately how they are trained with brutality. My son challenged me on my squeamishness saying, "Don't be silly, it's only a film". My responses were 'Is it?' and "Maybe that's why it ends happily".
ENello
says
A wonderful movie, highly reccommended
Goldie78
says
I'd heard so much hype about this movie it sort of put me off watching for ages. I'm glad I've watched it now as I really enjoyed it. Beautiful costumes and well done sets, good story line and well acted.
Soosan
says
A great love story, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice to see Robert Pattinson proving he can more than Edward Cullen. Two thumbs up!
Abbyzen
says
quite enjoyable to watch but the characters are not very complex, which makes the story not very touching
Jan
says
Quite entertaining, enjoyable.
Kerren McGill
says
Great movie, really enjoyed it
Ilana
says
I wasn't sure about this movie as I don't generally enjoy love stories (except classic ones). But this was a well scripted movie and the 3 main actors did a really great job. I
Nat
says
Great Story, holds to the book as much as a movie can in a short space of time.
Woz
says
Enjoyed the Love Story,similiar Plot to Titanic
rob
says
A nice story line well worth watchin g
Doris
says
A very enjoyable movie. Worth a watch.
Tru Glory
says
Good story line
rob
says
Worth watching
JW
says
fabulous movie
Tanya
says
A nice film with good acting.
nikkijo
says
This movie was much better than I expected. Robert Pattinson was fantastic in this movie. I loved how we were taken back in time to hear the old man's story of when he was younger. Seeing what the circus was like so many years ago to today was great! I did shut my eyes in the scenes where the animals were mistreated but I guess that was just part of the story line!
This is not a chicks flick - my bf loved this movie and so did my father in law!
Kerry
says
A good story and I enjoyed watching it, but for some reason I didn't fully buy into the characters (especially Reese Witherspoon, which is odd because I normally love watching her).
john
says
Great movie the storey line was good for all the family
J. S. Russell
says
A dramatic love story, great to see Pattinson outside of vampire movies and Reece Witherspoon is lovely, as always.
Dianne
says
Brilliant
Marcus
says
Christoph Waltz alone is making this movie worth seeing! Great actor, nice plot.
sharon
says
A nice little movie with enough action to keep most happy. The vet references were a little disturbing as I have had experience with the condition for which the horse was put down....with a far better outcome, and my boy was severely lame.
Good story, attractive people, and right won out in the end.
Knoath
says
Circus life during the Great Depression! Not a subject I've given much thought to before but it's a really interesting world represented in Water For Elephants. Beautifully shot, well acted (especially the intense, menacing ringmaster), creates a believable world. Sure it's a fairly conventional tale but I enjoyed it and my husband didn't complain so I'd recommend it.
Renee
says
Not bad. Love the period and animal aspects of the plot. Storyline is ok.
Em
says
I saw this in the cinemas, but didn't expect to think much of it (went with another person). But i was pleasently surprised! I really enjoyed it!
Sad in some parts, but that it how it makes an impacting and emotive movie.
Worth watching.
Adam F
says
It was a good film, a little confronting with abuse of animals and drawn out, but a good look into 1930's great depression. Sad to say that that kind of thing did actually happen...
Cat
says
LOVED this movie.
Lizzie
says
made the fatal mistake of reading the book first ...
stanarosa
says
Did not enjoy the animal abuse. Did not ejoy the movie.
angie
says
couldn't feel the chemistry between Reese and Robert... and story was somewhat ok, I liked the animal aspect and hate seeing animals in circus or seaworld etc, overall, wouldn't watch again..was kind of boring
Gil
says
DVD froze half way through so for half the movie good
Janine
says
Like so many other I absolutely loved this movie - wonderful story, great cast and looke amazing. This is the movie you can watch again every year.
Cass
says
I absolutely loved the book. The movie was a big disappointment. It was not Reece's best work and there was no chemistry between her and Robert. Go read the book and put some other movie in your Quickflix queue!
Stuart
says
Whilst I would recommend it but thought a bit corny - could have been better
susie
says
Loved this movie. Even the boyfriend willingly sat and watched it. Definately recommend it
Susanne
says
Very good movie, ending is different to book.
Shellyd
says
I really enjoyed this movie, good storyline, some sad moments.. Great acting by the leads, especially Robert and Reece.
Lesley
says
NIce movie to watch. Yes ending was extremely predictable... even from the start!
Robyn
says
The ending may have been predictable, but I thought it was an enjoyable movie.and worth watching.
Marilyn
says
Excellent viewing.
sam and chris
says
enjoyable movie
Glenn
says
Excellent!
hayls
says
loved it!
Rita
says
Good story line. Kept me interested right up to the final scene. A few adult themes however not overly offensive
Sarah
says
Quite entertaining, I liked the setting and costumes but found the plot a bit... blah. Nothing much really happened despite all that buildup. The ending was a bit convenient with everything turning out just peachy, but still. Sometimes I do enjoy a story that's nice and happy-ending-ish rather than realistic and grim.
Lesley
says
Very disappointing movie. After having read the book first I found this did little to live up to the reputation of the wonderful book which was a great read. I felt it would probably be the worst case of acting and especially the female lead, I think this was her worst role ever.
Bri
says
Loved Loved Loved this movie. Shows Robert Pattinson in a totally different light and made me actually like him. Fantastic story.
Di
says
Enjoyable movie.
Malika
says
Loved this movie, I believe it lived up to the hype.
Susie
says
really liked the movie, but thought the storyline was a bit slow
Mia Liu
says
Great! Kind of a new topic, love the scenes all around the circus and train.
carol jones
says
enjoyed this one , great movie
KE
says
This was a beautiful movie. I loved it.
Tom
says
Very slow, bordering on the most boring.
Jane
says
Very good
Richie
says
wonderfully visual, a great drama, beautiful sets, too much physical violence
Skye
says
Amazing cinematography & a beautiful romantic story.
Elizabeth E
says
Absolutely loved this movie - - it was very sad in places but so pleased we got to see it. Thanks Quickflix!
Lois
says
Enjoyed the movie, vilent at times, scary when the animals were let out. Crulity to elephants was upsetting. Overall a great movie with a happy ending. Worth seeing
nakink
says
Really enjoyed this movie.
CES
says
This was an amazing movie, one of those greats you will remember for a long time
PRR
says
As a bloke, I feel I shouldn't have liked this but, you know what, it was pretty good. You feel as though you know where it's going every inch of the way but as a good old-fashioned movie, it works really well, The three leads give it eveything (well, Pattinson gives as much as he ever does - a couple of facial expressions and some mumbling) and it rattles along at a good pace without much really happening. Surprisingly engaging.
T Fulker
says
Really enjoyed this movie, and with Robert Pattinson in it makes it even better!
Kate
says
Good entertainment that told an interesting story without special effects, high action or gratuitous sex. A movie I would watch again and recommend
moggie65
says
I loved this movie - it had all the right ingredients without all the gratuitous sex & violence which seems to be the norm in movies these days. Excellent show, I would highly recommend it.
Lynette
says
great movie - really enjoyed it.
sue
says
It was a very enjoyable film. Not a chick flick like some people thought
Daisy
says
Reece Witherspoon in a totally different role. I loved her in Legally Blonde and Sweet Home Alabama but this movie didn't quite hit the mark. I can only guess it's the absence of a chemistry between Reece and Robert Patinson that made it a bit hu-hum...
HUNTER
says
NO STORY, NO BEGINNING, AND NO ENDING, THE WORST MOVIE I HAVE SEEN, ALTHOUGH I DID DREAM ABOUT ELEPHANTS AFTER SO IT OBVIOUSLY HAD SOME SUBCONSCIOUS IMPACT ON ME. IF THE MOVIE WAS CALLED, 'MY LIFE IN A CIRCUS' THEN MAYBE IT WOULD MAKE SENSE.
sodie
says
not bad its what you would think would happen in a circuse
Lyn
says
Too long to carry a tired story line. No chemistry between the leads. A star for the
elephant just gets it over the pass line.
kym
says
worth the watch
cb
says
Good old fashioned move enjoyed the highs and lows
CL-D
says
Thin, predictable and pathetic. The simpering "Days of our Lives" type soundtrack is annoying. Reece Witherspoon is wasted in this and the rest of the characters have no substance, like cartoon characters just reading their lines. Story?.....well, I guess there is an elephant in the room, who understands Polish. I'm with you Sybil.
scooby doo
says
Really slow movie - didn't quite get anywhere until the rushed ending. Even still - I found it a "nothing" move and the two lead characters were dull.
Mia
says
I enjoyed this. It was interesting to learn about circus life in te old days & the story was good.
Moosh
says
I reluctantly got this for my girlfriend expecting a soppy predictable story and adding insult to injury with Rob Pattenson. I must admit that I was wrong. This movie is a must see! I loved it! The story line was fantastic! And the acting was great. Also shows what circus conditions are like for animals, maybe not in today's society but back then. I have never been a fan of Robert, but he shines in this movie. Very Well done!
Meg
says
This was a powerful movie which I didn't expect to enjoy. My daughter wanted to watch it and I reluctantly got it out - but boy... this was a total surprise. Great story which kept you engaged until the end
jill
says
Great, Fantastic such a beautiful story
Jan
says
I enjoyed this - not what I expected - was better!!!
leanne
says
loved it
sybil
says
Whoever wrote this story has obviously never had anything to do with animals. A whole circus with not one single person who understand horses but some university 'qualified' VET - honestly. Although being a 'qualified' VET he discovers elephants speak Polish. As to the story line not even Reese Witherspoon could save this one.
Nikki
says
A beautiful movie that had me transfixed the whole way through.
LP
says
A bit slow and a dull story line
Frank
says
Great love story where the hero is forced to suffer for the one they love, until finally succeeding ! Excellent storyline
Lynney
says
Loved it. Nice to watch a movie set around a circus theme for a change. Loved Rosie the elephant.
kimbo
says
A veterinary student abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a traveling circus as their vet. Good viewing. Enjoyable
Lynne H
says
Enjoyable entertainment.
Emray
says
Story about survival and falling in love. Very entertaining, esp the elephant! Good actors.
gerd
says
Something didn't seem quite right with this movie; perhaps it was just that the relationships didn't gel or the events were too obviously staged. The beginning and ending worked well though, providing the bookends to the story.
Marg
says
Good movie with a gritty storyline. Definitely not a light cheery romance! Also a reminder of why wild animals should never have been submitted to the harsh and cruel circus life.
Ann E.
says
Much more than the romantic storyline that I was expecting. Robert Pattinson is brilliant (though being a 'Twilight' fan he will always be 'Edward' for me) and plays his part with compelling sincerity, Reese Witherspoon isn't 'Bella' but plays a great part in this movie. Animal lovers will find some scenes a little disturbing in the treatment of the animal in the circus but overall a very good believable story for the time and lifestyle in the 1930's with proabition & great depression.
VJ
says
Didn't hate it but didn't love it either. First movie I have seen where Robert Patterson wasn't a vampire, I actually prefered him in this role.
Stimpy
says
Acting that was totally disengaging set in a plot of fantasy.
TraceyC
says
I loved this book and was worried that this movie wouldn't live up to what I hoped it would be and unfortunately I have to say that it didn't quite get there. Overall it was a fairly good movie but I found the chemistry between Reese and Rob pretty unbelieveable.
Okay watch but definitely not the best movie out there at the moment.