The “Water Diviner” chronicles the pain of a father as he searches for his missing three sons. Set initially in the Australian Outback, a family of five lives a typical rural family life, only to be upset by the trials of World War 11. The father Joshua Connor, played by Russel Crowe, would start the impossible task of searching for his three sons after another tragedy stuck at home. As typical in life, when it rains, it pours and Russel Crowe was left with no option but to attempt the impossible.

His three sons were sent to fight in the Battle of Gallipolli, which was the West’s attempt to control the sea route from Europe to Russia in 1915-1916. In the wastelands of graves that follows, lay a vast arrangement of unmarked, unknown gravesides, from British, French , Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought and died there. It was in this quagmire that Russel Crowe attempted to find the remains of his sons, or even the remote possibility of them being alive.

From Australia, the journey continued in the mesmerizing city of Istanbul. Its here that Russel Crowe would experience the intrigue of the Blue Mosque. Interesting enough, its the widowed inn-keeper that suggested it. Played by the beautiful Ukrainian/French actor Olga Kurylenko, who’s son seems to have taken a liking to Joshua Connor. The Turkish family of Olga Kurylenko would be a starting point of his journey. She would prove very helpful when the British attempted to forcefully send him back to Australia. Famed Turkish Kurdish actor Yilmaz Erdoğan is the best supporting actor and played the Turkish General who would guide Joshua Connor on his journey.

With the soothing sounds of the azan, the Muslim call to prayer, the Hagia Sophia always in the background, and the dervishes with their enchanting swirling dances always present, Johsua Connor would receive inspiration as to where to look for his sons.

Would Joshua Connors ever find his sons? or are they even alive? Johsua had made a promise to his wife to find them. In the present era where fathers are portrayed as unimportant, and are often deliberately sidelined in family courts, this father’s search for his sons shows the usually hidden fatherly emotions as a distraught person trying to find his family members.

This is not just a movie. Its also Russel Crowe’s debut as a director. Not only as a director and star, but he would also co-write one of the main songs to the credits of the movie. The moving love song titled “Love Was My Alibi” is an all time favorite for those who have heard it. Its impossible to just listen to just once. Sung by Kristoffer Fogelmark, the lyrics were written by Russel Crowe, Carl Falk and Kristoffer Fogelmark.

The Water Diviner would receive the Best Film award for 2014, and Yilmaz Erdoğan would receive best Supporting Actor and many other nominations.

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