Simple as Water

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Simple as Water

2021

1h 39m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

100%

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7 Reviews

67%

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

11/12/2021

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.

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Michael Rechtshaffen

Los Angeles Times

11/12/2021

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

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Claire Shaffer

New York Times

11/05/2021

"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.

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Daniel Howat

Next Best Picture

05/20/2022

7/10

"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.

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Ezequiel Boetti

Otroscines.com

01/03/2022

3/5

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

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Pat Mullen

POV Magazine

11/25/2021

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.

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Alexandra H

11/19/2021

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.

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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: Inmaat Productions, Principe Productions, Good Gravy Films, Ford Foundation - Just Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: Arabic
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 16, 2021
Runtime: 1h 39m

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