Watch Across the Waters

In the movie Across the Waters, director Nicolo Donato brings to life a touching drama set in 1943, in Denmark, a time when the country was falling prey to the Nazi occupation. The film's central character, a well-known jazz musician Arne Itkin (David Dencik), and his family, along with many other Jews, are desperately trying to escape the country, but their way out comes with the risk of being caught and sent to concentration camps.

Arne, along with his wife Miriam (Danica Curcic) and son Jacob (Anton Dalgård Guleryüz), is forced to flee from his home and seek refuge with a small group of resistance fighters who have rented out a ship to take Jews to neutral Sweden. The movie revolves around the journey of this group of people, as they face a range of difficulties, both physical and emotional, in their bid for freedom.

Throughout the journey, Arne and his family confront various forms of danger, including betrayal, as the Nazis repeatedly raid their hideouts. Along with the constant fear of being discovered by the authorities, the group also has to contend with the cold, harsh elements of nature, treacherous waters and other hurdles that challenge their spirits and determination.

Amidst this turmoil, the show-stealer of the movie is Jacob, whose innocence, inquisitiveness, and boundless curiosity serve as a stark contrast to the brutality surrounding them, and whose dreams of a life without fear, pain and uncertainty give them the strength to keep going.

David Dencik's performance as Arne is both poignant and heart-wrenching, as he masterfully essays the role of an artist who is forced to fight for his very survival. Similarly, Danica Curcic's portrayal of Miriam is sensitive, and layered with emotional depth, as she faces the physical and mental challenges of the journey.

The cinematography and the background score of the movie add to its overall appeal, highlighting the beauty of Denmark as well as the vast, cold waters that engulf it. The stark landscapes of the Danish countryside are vividly captured in the film, underscoring the group's solitary journey towards Sweden. The music composition and the use of jazz throughout the movie is evocative, at times melancholic, and skillfully complements the narrative, heightening the emotional intensity of the story.

The movie, however, could have done with more depth in terms of character development, especially among the supporting characters. The story's focus is largely on Arne and his family, leaving us wanting to know more about the other members of the group, their motivations, and their personal struggles. Nonetheless, this doesn't take away from the movie's emotional impact, which is hard-hitting and poignant, and ultimately leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.

In conclusion, Across the Waters is a touching, inspirational movie that brings to life the horrors and uncertainties of one of history's darkest hours, as well as the strength and resilience of the human spirit that defies all odds. It is a story that emphasizes the power of hope in the face of adversity, and reminds us of the importance of standing up for our beliefs and fighting for the lives we want to live. Whether you are a fan of historical dramas, or simply appreciate a powerful, moving story, Across the Waters is definitely worth watching.

Across the Waters is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.