Simple as Water

2021

1h 39m

Documentary

List

100%

Tomatometer

7 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Epic in scope but intimate and elegant in feel, SIMPLE AS WATER is a meditation on the elemental bonds between parent and child. A masterful look at the impact of war, separation and displacement, the film takes audiences into Syrian families' quests for normalcy and through the whirlwind of obstacles -- to building life anew. Filmed over the course of five years in five countries including Turkey, Greece, Germany, Syria and the US, Mylan's sensitive camera reifies the universal importance of family.

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Dennis Harvey

Variety

A graceful, touching sampler of dilemmas few viewers are likely to have experienced, even as they become ever-more-common reality for the less fortunate in many nations.

Nov 12, 2021

Full Review

Michael Rechtshaffen

Los Angeles Times

An achingly poignant testament to the unwavering strength of parental and filial bonds.

Nov 12, 2021

Full Review

Claire Shaffer

New York Times

"Simple as Water" is anything but simple when it comes to its technical achievements, weaving together familiar immigrant narratives in ways that still manage to surprise and stun.

Nov 5, 2021

Full Review

Daniel Howat

Next Best Picture

"Simple as Water" is deeply intimate as it invests the time to show these five stories as-is. It's as truthful as documentary filmmaking can get making it a quietly subversive experience.

Rated: 7/10

May 20, 2022

Full Review

Ezequiel Boetti

Otroscines.com

Succeeds in conveying the feeling of unease from those who live imprisoned by constant doubt. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 3/5

Jan 3, 2022

Full Review

Pat Mullen

POV Magazine

These brief windows into the lives of refugees create a bleak portrait, yet the film's hopeful finale offers a message of cautious optimism for their families as they forge new lives.

Nov 25, 2021

Full Review

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Jane W

I stumbled upon this. So glad I did. A look at corruption, power, conflict, war, displacement and the impact they have on families. It was very well told and very moving. I wished I'd been able to house all of them so they could be reunited with their loved ones. I do not know what we are doing to the planet and the people - in fact all the beings - that inhabit it, but I fear for the future. The families portrayed here were people caught in the middle. Their lives didn't matter. None of them will ever be the same. To see children trying to cope with loss, homelessness, separation, grief. I don't know how you come out of that whole. But their resolve and tenacity was at once perplexing and inspirational. I don't know how they found the will to keep going. We must find a way to put an end to senseless violence and unbridled power. A small group of people - in countries all over the planet - seem able to hold the vast majority of us hostage. Heartbreaking.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

Full Review

amir s

A movie about refugees is always interesting for me because it offers a totally different view of life compared to mine. Simple as Water delivered just that, but the level of intimacy was better than what I expected. It was heart-breaking to follow the lives of the characters, but a glimmer of hope remains, or is there?

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Alexandra H

This is a beautiful movie. Each segment is the story of a refugee family from Syria. Of course, it is heartrending. But also, it is inspiring. Family members are so caring and kind to each other, so grown-up emotionally--even the kids. My son (American) is married to a Syrian refugee, and she is so impressive. I see that she comes from a culture in which many people are impressive. I highly recommend the movie--it's a fascinating look at one of today's major social movements--that of the Syrian refugees.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/19/21

Full Review

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Megan Mylan

Director

Robin Hessman

Producer

Megan Mylan

Producer

Michael Chin

Cinematographer

Rafia Salameh

Cinematographer

Lars Skree

Cinematographer

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Synopsis

Epic in scope but intimate and elegant in feel, SIMPLE AS WATER is a meditation on the elemental bonds between parent and child. A masterful look at the impact of war, separation and displacement, the film takes audiences into Syrian families' quests for normalcy and through the whirlwind of obstacles -- to building life anew. Filmed over the course of five years in five countries including Turkey, Greece, Germany, Syria and the US, Mylan's sensitive camera reifies the universal importance of family.

Director: Megan Mylan
Producer: Robin Hessman, Megan Mylan
Production Co: Principe Productions, Ford Foundation - Just Films, Inmaat Productions, Good Gravy Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: Arabic
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 16, 2021
Runtime: 1h 39m

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