I saw this film in 1990s on a cable movie channel. I loved the narration. Jeremy Irons has the voice and handsome nature to pull you in to a drab, dark cloudy Pittsburg Pennsylvania in 1974. I was very interested in girls when I was young. I had no interest in history until I was in my mid 20's. It's difficult being a student and having so many questions, so teaching can turn you inside out. Mr. Irons acting is so rich, and the stories seem out of touch since he is a history teacher that teaches from the heart of his youth. Some scenes are shocking and brilliant one of his students in the classroom was unclothed, a flashback or fascination? Waterland takes the entire classroom on a British motorcoach from back in the war? So awesome. A good storyteller can make you feel like you're really there. His love for Mary, his love for students who will listen, even Ethan Hawk enters his mind to clearly understand the Brewery. I hope someday another movie is made with this fusion of brilliance when telling the story, and transporting the viewer, keeping us enthralled, wrapped up in his world. Lena Headey is so true and brave. The end is so difficult for me when Mary is running away, and he chases after her. I could not understand if they were back in Britan or was that him in his world thinking he's "losing her" as Mary goes off into the Fens. So sad, raw, losing someone who is still there. I love this film.
Review of Waterland
