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Watermarks

Play trailer Poster for Watermarks 2004 1h 20m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 23 Reviews 94% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
Taking its name from the Hebrew word for strength, the Hakoah Vienna sports club produced a host of talented female swimmers, who thrived in opposition to anti-Semitic trends that began to color Austrian society in the early 20th century. The club was a casualty of Hitler's rise to power in the 1930s, but several of the women who were team members went on to live long, colorful lives. Now senior citizens, they're reunited in this documentary about sports, survival and bravery.
Watermarks

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Critics Consensus

Watermarks is a moving and fascinating look at how the Nazi-fication of Germany in the 1930s affect a group of Jewish women swimmers.

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Critics Reviews

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Susan Walker Toronto Star Zilberman's storytelling is a little jumpy, but his documentary is a fitting tribute to seven women whose strength of mind and character, as much as their physical prowess, was developed by the organization that ensured their survival. Rated: 2.5/4 Jun 3, 2005 Full Review Liam Lacey Globe and Mail Modest, moving and intelligently assembled. Rated: 3/4 Jun 3, 2005 Full Review Moira MacDonald Seattle Times His film, both reverent and affectionate, has at its heart a story that richly deserves the telling. Rated: 3/4 Apr 29, 2005 Full Review Urban Cinefile Critics Urban Cinefile Surprisingly complex and moving, Yaron Silberman's vibrantly nostalgic documentary succeeds because it is about more than its surface subjects, young Jewish women who were champion swimmers in the 1930s whose lives were interrupted by the war. Nov 18, 2005 Full Review Robert W. Butler Kansas City Star The film's real power comes from the women's personalities. Jun 17, 2005 Full Review Jeff Vice Deseret News (Salt Lake City) That the film is watchable is largely due to the women, any of whom could have been the subject of a better, considerably more focused film. Rated: 2.5/4 Jun 17, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Audience Member This is one of the most moving Holocaust documentaries we have seen. There is no "death camp" footage.... but the story is one of strength, defiance, resiliance and ultimate triumph. It must be told! This is a story which is on a "back burner"... but once called to our attention, it's impact is indelible. Bravo to all! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Audience Member A great story ... but left me wanting to heart more details ... Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/15/23 Full Review Audience Member ehemalige hakoah schwimmerinnen kommen noch einmal nach wien - sehr feinfühliges porträt der frauen Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/19/23 Full Review Audience Member Historical documentary about the Hakoah Vienna Jewish womens swimming team of the 1930s. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review Audience Member A great documentary because of its subject. The women were intriguing, I loved hearing their stories, and each of them was unique. This film conveyed their great pride in being Hakaoh members. Their reunion was climactic and stirring. The last scene of the film really touched me. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Watermarks

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Cast & Crew

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Yaron Zilberman

Director

Yaron Zilberman

Producer

Yonatan Israel

Producer

Yaron Zilberman

Writer

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Watermarks

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Movie Info

Synopsis Taking its name from the Hebrew word for strength, the Hakoah Vienna sports club produced a host of talented female swimmers, who thrived in opposition to anti-Semitic trends that began to color Austrian society in the early 20th century. The club was a casualty of Hitler's rise to power in the 1930s, but several of the women who were team members went on to live long, colorful lives. Now senior citizens, they're reunited in this documentary about sports, survival and bravery.
Director
Yaron Zilberman
Producer
Yaron Zilberman, Yonatan Israel
Screenwriter
Yaron Zilberman
Distributor
Kino Pictures
Production Co
Cinephil
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 10, 2004, Original
Release Date (DVD)
Dec 6, 2005
Box Office (Gross USA)
$245.8K
Runtime
1h 20m