The story is about a young boy called Angus who lives with his mother and sister on the shores of Loch Ness in Scotland. It's the height of World War 2 and Angus's father is away fighting in the navy, or so we are led to believe. The boy is a bit of a loner, afraid of the water, but drawn to it nevertheless, and it's while he's rock-pooling one day that he finds an egg. He takes it home and hides it in his father's old work shed but that night the egg hatches and a small dragon-like creature is revealed. The next day a platoon of soldiers unexpectedly arrives and nothing is certain any more, least of all the creature that comes to be known as Crusoe, a magical water horse, whose behaviour is chaotic and unpredictable but who is the only friend Angus has.
The film stars thirteen year old Alex Etel.
It nearly drove me mad all through the movie trying to remember where I had seen him before. Tonight I checked the imdb and felt so stupid - he played the boy 'Harry' in the BBC's wonderful adaptation of Cranford. Believe you me he is every bit as impressive in this film as he was in Cranford.
Anyway, the film itself was pure delight. Yes, it is for children but there is plenty there for adults as well and my husband and myself both loved it. The cast were all excellent, the story was beautifully told, and the Scottish scenery was out of this world. If you don't see it for any other reason, see it for that!
The movie is actually based on the book of the same name by Dick King-Smith.
I've already ordered it for my grandaughter, from The Book Depository, and am hoping she'll lend it to her grandma when she's read it!
14 comments:
This little boy was also in a wonderful movie called "Millions", which I think you might enjoy! It's absolutely charming.
I wasn't sure about "The Water Horse" but your description of it has won me over...
I don't think I can wait for my 4 week old granddaughter to be old enough to go to the cinema, Cath. This sounds so delightful that I'm going to see if unaccompanied adults are allowed in to see it.
I am sure that we will be seeing a great deal of Alex Etel in the future, he was a scene stealer in 'Cranford', wasn't he?
this movie went on sale here in the US.. I wanted to see it when it was in the theater but as usual I can rarely get to a movie.. sounds like I will wind up buying the dvd to see it! glad you enjoyed it Cath!
Hi Erin. I saw mention of 'Millions' on imdb but it's not a film I'm familiar with. I'll look into it. This is a young man with a lot of talent. The Water Horse is so worth catching if you can. I wouldn't show it to a very young child though as there is a scene where a large gun is fired into the loch and it's quite scary. Our grandaughter is almost eight and I would say she's at the bottom edge of the viewing age - although of course each parent has to decide for themselves.
Yes, you'd be facing quite a wait, Maureen! I'd go on my own if I were you. Though... it is reaching the end of its run I fancy. It disappeared for several weeks but then reappeared for the school holidays.
I think young Alex has a very bright future ahead of him. Based on this film I would say so anyway. And yes, in Cranford. I won't forget that look he gave Lady Whatsherface in the village pageant, after she put a stop to his education, in a hurry.
I really think you would love this movie, Pat. Seeing the wonderful Scottish scenery alone is worth the money for the dvd. One day I really must get to Scotland. My grandfather was from there, so it's about time!
Oh, he was great in Cranford; glad to hear he's gone on to other things!
My daughter is sleeping over at a friends and they are watching this movie tonight. Looks cute.
Charming! I am happy to hear that you had such a wonderful experience! I will definitely be looking forward to the DVD release. :]
Simon, I don't know if this film was made before or after Cranford but either way I'd say the young man has a bright future ahead of him.
raidergirl3, I hope your daughter and her friend enjoyed the movie as much as I did!
orchidus, I'll certainly be buying the dvd. I've no idea when it comes out here in the UK but believe it's already out in the USA. (Not sure where you are.)
I see others have mentioned Millions and I HIGHLY recommend it. It is wonderful. You can see my review here:
http://www.stainlesssteeldroppings.com/?p=166
I think you'd enjoy it. I'm glad you enjoyed The Water Horse, it is one I want to see.
Excellent review of 'Millions', Carl. Now that I know something about it I'll try to get hold of it as it does sound very good. Thanks for the rec.
I want to see this movie. I really liked Millions, too.
The Water Horse is well worth seeing, Jeane. I'm hoping the dvd is out soon so I can get that too. :-)
I just added it to my Netflix queue. The boy was also in the movie, Millions, which I didn't watch all the way through. Thanks for the rec.
I hope you enjoy it when you eventually get it, Nan. I think you will.
Post a Comment