The Water Horse is a beautiful flowing film with many small stories woven into one full tale. Set primarily during World War II, the central storyline centers around a melancholy young boy, Angus MacMarrow. The film opens with Angus sitting on the banks of the a loch near his village, lamenting the fact that his father has left to fight the war. Early in the film an artillery unit of the Royal Army takes over his home and a new handyman moves into his father's workshop. These events turn young Angus' world upside down.
Angus is much too young to be so sad and serious. Slowly his sadness lifts as he cares for the mysterious animal that he finds on the shores of the Loch. Throughout the story, the Water Horse creates many a problem for Angus, his sister, and their new friend. Through these problems happiness creeps into Angus' life.
There are beautiful panoramic scenes showing the amazing countryside of Scotland, (which I think is actually New Zealand - where the film was shot), this is what makes this a must see on the big screen. I simply do not think a home television will do this cinematography justice.
The only criticism that I have of this film is of the people whom were cast as the twenty something American tourists. Fortunately, they are rarely seen in the film. Their acting appears to be very forced and incredibly unnatural - they will make you you wonder who's mother/father got them their jobs.
Anyone who has ever had a friend or pet who loved them unconditionally, will thoroughly enjoy this movie.
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