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From Amazon.co.uk
Sara Gruen's bestselling novel comes to glossy life in this period romance. A sparkle-free Robert Pattinson plays Jacob Jankowski, who studies veterinary medicine during the Great Depression. After a family tragedy, he loses everything, including the chance to graduate from prestigious Cornell, so he hops a train, where he finds himself part of the struggling Benzini Brothers Circus. Ringleader August (Christoph Waltz, echoing his Oscar®-winning Inglourious Basterds performance) has doubts about the softhearted lad, but a fellow Pole smoothes the way, and Jacob becomes the company vet, which leads him to platinum-blonde equestrian Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), August's wife. The two make eyes at each other, but an affair would surely end badly, so they concentrate on their work. When Marlena's prize steed falls ill, August purchases an elephant, hoping Rosie will turn their fortunes around, and enlists Jacob to train her. Unfortunately, she's slow to respond to commands until Jankowski unlocks her secret--and after August has beaten the poor thing into submission. After that, things start to look up until Jacob steals a kiss from his dream girl. As in The Notebook, the film it most closely resembles, an elderly version of the central character (Hal Holbrook, touching) narrates in the present day (screenwriter Richard LaGravenese also adapted The Bridges of Madison County). He tells an interesting tale, so it's too bad the leads strike so few sparks. For those who find big-top classics like Nightmare Alley too dark, however, Francis Lawrence's feel-better variant may be just the ticket. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Product Description
Academy Award® winner Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson give mesmerising performances in this visually stunning and epic romantic drama, which tells the powerfully emotional story of two people who pursue their love against all odds, rules and conventions, set in the alluring and enigmatic world of a travelling circus.
"A slice of pure Hollywood escapism"--The Sun
"Glorious piece of romantic drama"--Sunday Mirror
"A sensational romance"--Star
"A slice of pure Hollywood escapism"--The Sun
"Glorious piece of romantic drama"--Sunday Mirror
"A sensational romance"--Star
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By G. Froud
Format:DVD
I watched this film last night in the cinema and I thought it was a beautiful story and a very visually impressive watch. As an animal lover, some of the scenes are hard to stomach, but that makes the film all the better. The trailers and advertisements make it seems to be all romance and longing looks between the two leading actors, but that element of the film is (plesently) surprising small. There's some great scenes of circus performances. There's great scenes involving the animals. There's also many interesting relationships apart from the romantic one e.g. between Jacob and August. There is obviously a degree of romance and it's obvious from Jacob first sees Marlene that there will be a romantic involvement between them, but the setting and circumstances make the story interesting and not just another run of the mill 'love affair against the odds' tale.
40 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I read the book Water for Elephants about 4 years ago and loved it so when I found out about the film (which would be starring Robert Pattinson - double whammy!!) I couldn't wait to go and see it.
The film stays very faithful to the book, I was pleased to see. To summarise, this is an off-beat love story about a young man called Jacob who (having been suddenly orphaned at the age of 22 while at university and in the age of the depression in America) finds himself, quite unexpectidley, working for a circus where he earns a bed and food by working as the circus vet. Jacob finds himself falling in love with the enigmatic star of the show, Marlena, who happens to be married to the circus boss. Not able to do anything about it he must be content to admire her from afar.
When money becomes tight, Augustus (the boss) buys an elephant named Rosie whom he makes Jacob train, and here begins another love affair (between Jacob and Marlena and the elephant they begin to love).
The film is wonderfully atmospheric, and beautifully shot in places, with a very authentic 1930's feel. Pattinson and Wetherspoon both play their parts really well and Christoph Waltz (Augustus) is a wonderful baddie.
I really enjoyed this film but if you haven't read the book then do so - it's even better!
The film stays very faithful to the book, I was pleased to see. To summarise, this is an off-beat love story about a young man called Jacob who (having been suddenly orphaned at the age of 22 while at university and in the age of the depression in America) finds himself, quite unexpectidley, working for a circus where he earns a bed and food by working as the circus vet. Jacob finds himself falling in love with the enigmatic star of the show, Marlena, who happens to be married to the circus boss. Not able to do anything about it he must be content to admire her from afar.
When money becomes tight, Augustus (the boss) buys an elephant named Rosie whom he makes Jacob train, and here begins another love affair (between Jacob and Marlena and the elephant they begin to love).
The film is wonderfully atmospheric, and beautifully shot in places, with a very authentic 1930's feel. Pattinson and Wetherspoon both play their parts really well and Christoph Waltz (Augustus) is a wonderful baddie.
I really enjoyed this film but if you haven't read the book then do so - it's even better!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By London Girl
Format:DVD
I watched this film in the cinema, being both a Robert Pattinson and Reece Witherspoon fan, and it didn't disappoint. I wasn't sure what to expect at all, the storyline wasn't something that particularly interested me (unlike Mr P!), but I was absolutely blown away!
The cinematography was fantastic, the acting by everyone was believable and memorable. As an animal lover, some parts are particularly hard to watch (my friend actually cried in places), but necessary for the film to work.
The ending for me was what made me cry. A beautiful film that should prove to all Robert Pattinson doubters, that he is worthy of an oscar! The chemistry between Rob and Reece was believable, and if you could give an oscar to an elephant, that elephant deserved one!
The cinematography was fantastic, the acting by everyone was believable and memorable. As an animal lover, some parts are particularly hard to watch (my friend actually cried in places), but necessary for the film to work.
The ending for me was what made me cry. A beautiful film that should prove to all Robert Pattinson doubters, that he is worthy of an oscar! The chemistry between Rob and Reece was believable, and if you could give an oscar to an elephant, that elephant deserved one!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
What an absolutely beautiful film. This film is amazing, and keeps you gripped from start to finish. What I like about it the most is the fact that it is such a unique story, I haven't come across another film like this before. It is definitely one of the best films I have seen in a long, long time. Definitely worth watching! I love it!
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By chessy
Format:DVD
i went to see this today with two of my mates we're just 12 and i thought it was great its really sad and we cried but i loved it and a definte to get on dvd when its out!! the plot is simple but keeps you guessing so anyone can watch it and understand it. it made me realise what a cruel place a circus actually was and the pain animals suffered was heartbreaking. i would recomed this to anyone who loves animals and a romantic story with problems.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By smilliec
Format:DVD
Saw this just yesterday, I had no knowledge of the book or plot previously. Just went for the leading man! It was amazing! A definite must watch, a beautiful to look at captivating movie. The circus shows alone were worth watching, I've never seen elephants do what this one did, wow! I came straight home and ordered the book and put the dvd in my wish list, excellent :D
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Ilona Bell
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
My mum had read the book and said the book was good but I was expecting another cheesy chick flick but it's much more than that. Definitely recommended for women but a lovely change from the everyday chick flick.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Wow what can I say that will justify just how brilliant this film is usually when i see a film, for the past couple of years when ive seen it once i dont really want 2 see it again unless its very good and needless to say i havent found that for a long time until I seen this.wow its dazzling i didnt want it to end as a previous reviewer said its like the glamorous and highly entertaining old hollywood films that you dont get now it has everything.theres a proper romance,an interesting story characters you really root for and one who you'll really dislike lol. as well as being a beautiful film,beautifully acted its also visually beautiful the circus the animals etc n the way its shot.Go and watch it now ou will love it!!!
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4.2 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Special
As I am a real fan of elephants this was a dvd that I just had to have. It will be watched over and over again. Good value and great service
Published 16 hours ago by Ms. Sybil Walton
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'M COMING HOME
The heart warming tale opens with an old cagy Hal Holbrook wanting to see the circus. He is befriended by the current staff and tells them his story. Read more
Published 14 days ago by Michael
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great!
The story was original and classy. The acting was brilliant. Dvd was in excellent condition. A very good movie to recomend.
Published 17 days ago by Shab
4.0 out of 5 stars
great film
This film is so lovely although there is some very upsetting scenes it was good, me and my friend really enjoyed watching this film.
Published 20 days ago by katie nicholson
5.0 out of 5 stars
beautiful
such a happy and sad film, one to really kick your emotions into overdrive! the casting is well done, there's real chemistry between reese and rob and chistopher waltz smoulders as... Read more
Published 22 days ago by M Clarke
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Film , good watch
I really enjoyd this film it was a good watch and i got it a avery good price so very happy with my purcause
Published 24 days ago by chris
4.0 out of 5 stars
A passable film
A film based on the book - which follows along the same vein but there are details that have been changed or missed out altogether for the screen to make it more visual for the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Ms. C. Martin
5.0 out of 5 stars
great film
this was in good condition, turned out to be a great film, thoroughly enjoyed by all, it was a good price
Published 1 month ago by lynsey marie goss
4.0 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly good
I've avoided this film for some time, for various reasons. I don't particularly like either of the main actors and I especially don't like that the elephant was provided by a... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Elizabeth66
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gift
I bought this for my daughter for christmas, and she was delighted with it. She said it was a very beautiful film.
Published 1 month ago by Anne Smith
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