Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- wistful
- romantic
- tense
- romantic movie night
- period drama evening
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film handsomely made and engaging as safe, old-fashioned entertainment, while viewing its central romance as weakened by limited chemistry.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
August's control over Marlena and his violent instability shape Jacob and Marlena's relationship.
Jacob joins a Depression-era circus as its veterinarian, making the big top and its performers central to the story.
Rosie the elephant is both a major circus attraction and a focal point of Jacob and Marlena's compassion.
Critics identified the film's old-fashioned vibe, heightened romance, and broad dramatic presentation.
Films like Water for Elephants, and why
The Notebook
Shared historical romance, melodramatic conflict, and lavish period production design.
The Great Gatsby
Shared Depression-era setting, forbidden romance, social vulnerability, and emotionally direct storytelling.
Moulin Rouge!
Shared old-fashioned romantic drama, traveling performers, possessive men, and spectacle-driven atmosphere.
Movie Details
- Director
- Francis Lawrence
- Release Date
- 2011-04-15
- Runtime
- 122 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (2666)
Cast
- Robert Pattinson
- Reese Witherspoon
- Christoph Waltz
- Paul Schneider
- Jim Norton
- Hal Holbrook
- Donna W. Scott
- Richard Brake
- Stephen Monroe Taylor
- Mark Povinelli
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Water for Elephants about?
- A penniless veterinary student finds precarious work in a Depression-era circus and falls for its star performer, whose marriage to the volatile ringmaster makes love and survival inseparable.
- What is Water for Elephants like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Water for Elephants as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Water for Elephants violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Water for Elephants as moderate.
- What did critics think of Water for Elephants?
- Critics broadly found the film handsomely made and engaging as safe, old-fashioned entertainment, while viewing its central romance as weakened by limited chemistry.
- Which films are like Water for Elephants?
- Films with a similar feel include The Notebook, The Great Gatsby, and Moulin Rouge!.
- How long is Water for Elephants?
- Water for Elephants runs 122 minutes.
- Where can I watch Water for Elephants?
- In United States, Water for Elephants is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
