Aquarela

Saw it at Sundance 2019. There is no plot, and it's all about water in different aspects. I don't have anything against plotless films, as long as they are engaging and interesting. This film definitely has beautiful cinematography and some interesting scenes, but there is too many similar frames with water, so that after some point it becomes boring. Some narration or story would help. It started with scenes on Lake Baikal that involved humans and some stories. That part was great. But then it dies out and transforms into pure water scenes.

It can sometimes be unfair and difficult to criticize this kind of film. Yes, it´s pretty but nowadays most filmmakers can make such films. We should demand more of the best. Aquarela is a poetic documentary that focuses on the power and beauty of water around the world. The cinematography is impressive, and some of the shots are truly breathtaking. However, the film doesn't follow a traditional story or offer much context, which made it feel slow and a bit hard to stay engaged at times. It's more of an experience than a story driven documentary-great if you're into visuals and atmosphere, but it might not be for everyone looking for a clear narrative or deeper knowledge.

I really didn't like this movie. It starts off with some kind of rescue operation, with some very impressive imagery, but the lack of context and information render this section a bit pointless and hard to invest emotionally. The rest of the movie is just images of water around the world in various shapes and forms, again with no context or information. Movies like Koyaanisqatsi and Baraka come to mind while watching a movie like this, but the imagery in this movie, while good, pales in comparison with the before mentioned masterpieces, and if you're not invested emotionally the cinematography should be jaw dropping. But if you like to watch a movie while contemplating about your life and what groceries you need to shop for tomorrow's dinner, this is the movie for you.

I watched this at home, curious as to what was happening at the beginning. As the film progressed and showed the enormity and awesome beauty of water, in all its forms, was amazing. The score was non intrusive and well suited to what was being portrayed. Camera angles and cinematography was excellent in showing how water is an indomitable force of nature. Ideal slow detailed film with awesome scenes that stays with you long afterwards.

Exquisitely filmed and orchestrated, highly absorbing and, on occasion, providing an overwhelming feeling of 'Mal de Mer' - that is until the floods and winds arrive that turns it into a saturated 'Mal de Fossil Fuels'. Let's leave them in the ground and avoid a wet and watery apocalyptic drowning - while hoping its not too late to avoid the deluge that's imminently upon us.