User Reviews

Michael Caine is a notoriously prolific actor, the downside of that being that for all his acclaim he has a reputation for being in as many bad films as good. One that many critics are quick to cite as one of the worst is "Water". That's not entirely fair, for while it is certainly not one of the high points of Caine's career or a resounding success it has an odd sort of charm which makes it somewhat endearing. The concept alone is a large part of the film's appeal; rarely have we seen a big screen satire with the bravado to take on colonialism. The script is by legendary Britcom writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, and while it is not up to the standard of the best of their television work, it contains many amusing moments. The main problem with the film is that it has no real momentum. The plot often moves at a sluggish pace, and some scenes feel like they add nothing to the film and could have easily been dropped. What ultimately saves the film is the performance of Leonard Rossiter, in his last film role before his untimely death. Whilst the character of Sir Malcolm Leveridge offers little challenge to Rigsby or Reginald Perrin, Rossiter still provides a great number of laughs and is the best reason to see the film.

The film's soundtrack is also very enjoyable, in particular a great title track from Eddy Grant.

As Michael Caine competes for another Best Actor Oscar, Water has been included by some commentators in the list of the "bombs" he has taken on "to pay the bills." Ill-advised choices such as The Swarm and Jaws III certainly belong on the list, but I have always considered Water to have brought out Caine's comic ability rather well. The satire is sometimes heavy-handed (especially the Texas oil man caricature by Fred Gwynn) but I find that there is some pretty close to target satire of life, culture, and politics on the many tiny isles of the Eastern Caribbean. I lived on a couple of them myself, and I'm always finding some familiar old friends among Water's characters.

This is the kind of movie where the criminals get arrested and have to be put on probation because the jail is being redecorated. It reminded me of Woody Allen's "Bananas" and Peter Sellers' "The Mouse That Roared."

I would imagine that many people would find this movie racist. It feels like something from 1960's, with an English governor (Michael Caine) and a half-Scottish rebel (Billy Connolly) working to save the colonial subjects from oppression, since they obviously can't take care of themselves.

Despite that, it is quite funny, and the music is good.

This is one of the most entertaining "lost movies" ever made. The wit, humor, sarcasm, dialogue are what entertainment is all about. The plot lines in the film are well interrelated ... there is the Politics within the United Kingdom, the "then" threat of communism and Cuba, the motivated French mercenaries ... there is the greedy business theme with the evil Spenco (headed by none other than Herman Munster (Fred Gwyne) ... and the religious theme with the questionable behavior of the spiritual leader of the island.

My favorite line is the description of how England must view Cascara as the dot above the "i" in the word "sh*t". With the exception to some very direct references to smoking marijuana and some sexual inuendo ... this is a great movie for almost everyone. It is a little history lesson for everyone who can't remember the Falklands - and its a reminder of the early/mid 1980's for the rest of us.

With a cast like that the only film made by George Harrison's company Handmade Films in which he actually appeared should have been a whole lot funnier. But this semi-remake of 'Carleton-Brown of the F. O.' is moderately diverting, handsomely shot on location in St. Lucia by veteran cameraman Douglas Slocombe and mildly satirical; at it's most dangerous with Maureen Lipman's completely deranged Maggie Thatcher, easily the sharpest way she's ever been portrayed, dismissing Gandhi as an "anorexic loony in a loin cloth".

It's worth your time for one final look at the late Leonard Rossiter; while in addition to Lipman's toxic Mrs T. A strong female contingent includes Valerie Perrine, Ruby Wax and Brenda Vaccaro as Michael Caine's tippling First Lady who people are inclined to mistake for a hooker and according to Caine still pines for "the bright lights of Guatemala City".

"Water" is an extremely broad comedy that pokes fun at British colonialism, American corporatism and American foreign policy in the 1980.

The story is set in Cascara, a fictional Caribbean island that is among the worst and most neglected parts of the British Empire. Electricity and running water are not widely available and the governor (Michael Caine) presides over what is essentially a hot dump. However, this awful place soon draws the attention of the mother country as well as a corporation that first thinks there might be oil on the island but are soon thrilled to find a great source for bottled water.

Aside from Caine (who during this era would act in pretty much anything), the rest of the cast consists of B and C-list actors. A few of them were particularly bad, but I'll be nice (for once) and not get too specific here! And, the writing, too, seems of about the same quality...being very broadly written and occasionally (but not often) funny. Because the writing and acting are so broad, I think it's a film best watched without high expectations. Now it isn't a bad film so much as a very uneven one that doesn't quite deliver when it comes to laughs and parody.

Saw this recently on the Talking Pictures channel (UK - old films and TV shows) over 30 years after it was made.

It's long had a reputation as one of Caine's worst films, and I've a feeling he joked about it in an old i'view? So I was surprised that it wasn't as bad as feared, as other reviewers have said, it had a good cast, and Clement & Frenais writing and directing (look up their sitcom credentials?!).

One reviewer suggests Caine isn't comfortable with comedy, presumably didn't see California Suite (he and Maggie Smith) or perhaps the Woody Allen film, Hannah and her Sisters?

Reviewers seem unsure just what the film was sending up, colonialism perhaps, with some jibes at Thatcher (a very easy target?!), or maybe just Capitalism, and pretentiousness in general, with several American stereotypes in evidence, and the much missed Leonard Rossiter giving us perhaps the ultimate Civil Service stuffed shirt.

It looked a bit unsure at times if it was trying for a Carry-on type audience (without the smutty jokes) or pushing a pin into the British stiff upper lip attitudes, but if it pops up on a TV screen near you, do give it a try.

I didn't hate it, but I'd rather have seen Caine, Rossiter, Billy Connolly and the rest in something else, maybe a film that didn't look like a plane-load of actors and crew had wangled a 2 week holiday on St Lucia, on the proviso they knocked out a film in the time? And maybe the title didn't help? 'Water' sounds a bit bland?

Starring Michael Caine, Billy Connolly, Brenda Vaccaro, and Valerie Perrine, Water is a very silly satirical movie about greed's destruction of the simple ways of life. Michael Caine is the governor of a Britain-owned Caribbean island, and while he and everyone else on the island is peaceful and happy, when a natural resource is discovered, bigwigs visit the island to try and exploit it.

I'm sure there are lots of people who will get a good chuckle out of Water, the types of people who like films like Bananas or Dr. Strangelove. I'm the not the best audience member for this genre, so I didn't really like this movie. Also, it's a little silly, and very obviously a movie that was made in the 1980s. But if those qualities appeal to you, you might like it better than I did. I was never a fan of the Monty Python films, and the same producer worked on Water, so that might have had something to do with my lack of enjoyment. For those with similar taste as I do, I'd recommend Without a Clue for a funnier flick.

I was surprised by how badly this did at the cinema and at it's low score here as I find it hard to fault.

It seems to be a rule of thumb that the more stars you have in a film the worse their performances. Here at last is an exception with all the main characters rising to the challenge. Even Paul Heiney, a unknown non-actor who only played the part of the French commando leader as part of a TV series "In at the deep end", is flawless.

This is the British doing what they do best - making fun of themselves. The characters are stereotypes, which annoys me in an action film but is just what a comedy needs. Perhaps one or two of the bit parts suffered because they had only time to parody them without fleshing them out, but the main characters are all believable despite their ludicrous over-the-top personas. You can't help feeling (hoping even) there really are forgotten, unloved corners of the world where people like this can still be found.

Essentially it is an parody on Colonialism, so I was amused by another reviewer's comment that it bordered on "offensive" because foreigners argue over the fate of the locals. That's what colonialism is.

I recommend this film to you as a little known gem. And after 20 years isn't it about time for the DVD version to make an appearance?

Currently an offering on Criterion Channel 3/2023 this very silly 80's style feel good screwball comedy is worth a watching. From Harrison's Hand Made Films it get a good cast and some musical moments tossed in for a bit of fun. Choppy editing, silly plot, over-the-top Brenda Vaccaro acting like Charro, it has everything that makes for a bit of fun. Some subtle digs at world politics of the time, a bit of weed and a few laugh out loud moments. If you see it roll by when adding things to your library go ahead and add it then when you are in the mood give it a go. I almost shut it off about 15 minutes in but so glad I stuck it out to the end.

I am quite disappointed with the average for this film. I found it to be one of the funniest films I have ever seen. The cast is superb and the script, although not one of the best written, is filled with humor that was was made even better by the acting. It was filmed on the island of St. Lucia. It's a story of a company drilling for oil and accidently discovers mineral water, a substance that is even more valuable than oil. But it is important to keep it a secret. Jimmie Walker, who I don't particularly like, plays the part of a radio dj and does it wonderfully. Michael Caine and Brenda Vaccaro are fabulous as is everyone else. Please give this film a chance. I think it might be one of those little surprises that come along every once in a while.

I thought this movie actually had some very funny and memorable lines...The characters are so stereotyped that they have all become characatures...from the French Commandos on the beach who when they are breaking out their emergency rations are having the menu read to them by a Sergent who informs them that it will be "accompanied by an unpretentious St Emillion which will amuse even the most cynical palate"...the American Colonel who can't see the target for the Limbo dancers...when the guerilla mets the oil man he calls him a "Yankee capitalist imperialist...of Houston Texas", says the oil man extending his hand.

It was produced by George Harrison and has Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton and a lot of other name musicians involved in the soundtrack.

It has a nice way to spend an hour and a half. No it has no deep hidden meaning nor will it change your life or make a social statement...but then I watch movies as a bit of escapism...this is one I sought out to own and when it comes out on DVD will buy it in that format as well.

I have a feeling that there will be only a few who would recognise this line, but that's good. It means the rest of you are going to have to see it. I first saw this movie in my 10th grade World History class and have loved it ever since. The story is solid, and it realistically represents all the crazy things that can happen when outside interests become fanatic. Every character in the cast adds to this realism, despite the fact that on the outside they are broadly portrayed. You don't really realise any of this when you are falling over from laughing. You can't beat a two-man revolutionary army, and Baxter's sleazy wife. And when they get invaded? More joy! It is frankly impossible to explain it...so I won't. My question is, where in the hell did Baxter actually meet this woman?

Although it has been a while since I have seen "Water" I still remember it to be one of the funniest films I have ever seen. I have fond memories of this picture. And still remember some of the scenes. Like the scene when the French Army dudes first land on the beach and break out their "rations". I also remember the scene where the new guy is talking about the guys and the resistance guys appear (from the bushes) behind him while he is being filmed. The actors are all "The Best". It's quite over the top but I loved it. All this occurred over some squabble over an Island (somewhere in the Caribbean). The interaction between Mr Caine's character and Deloris (his wife) is priceless.

Water is one of those movies I'm grateful my Dad took me to see. Since it lasted, I believe, less than two weeks in theaters, I wasn't going to get another chance for a long time. Water does a wonderful job of skewering the Big Powers; the U.S.; Britain; Russia; and France. The colonial nature of these empires forms the basis for a hysterical skirmish over water rights on a barely survivable Caribbean island. The film's executive producer was none other than George Harrison. Not surprisingly, the music from the film is fantastic, although no soundtrack album is available that I am aware of. The luminaries drawn to the movie's witty script included musicians Ringo Starr, John Lord, Eric Clapton and others, and the cast includes Michael Caine, J.J. Walker, and Billy Connelly (the latter two in their best roles, I believe). Unfortunately, most of the humour requires knowledge of international and colonial politics, without which the film is (pardon the pun) dry.

The writers Clement / LaFrenais (The Commitments / Still Crazy) have made a funny satire of the end of the british colonialism in the Thatcher-Era (2 years after the Falkland Conflict) and about TV and commerce.

Michael Caine gives a great performance as the Gouvernor of the island.

The rest of the cast is extraordinary, especially the comedian Billy Connolly (Mrs. Brown / Still Crazy) as leader of the 2-Men- Guerilla-Group of the island.

The film contains some good reggae-songs of the 80´s Reggae-Pop-Grandmaster Eddy Grant and some others.

A tip for all, who wanna have sun & fun for 100 minutes !

(Translated by my sister Antonia)

A mildly amusing comedy from the double act of Clement/La Frenais, that has pretensions to some kind of political satire, but isn't nearly clever enough, despite allusions to the Falklands War, and plenty of topical material ripe for parody. It is, however, occasionally very funny, with a cast wringing every laugh from a script that doesn't deserve them, and all manner of stereotypes, including some hilarious observations of the Brits themselves. You can't really go wrong with a supporting cast like this, although Caine seems out of his depth, mugging his way through, ill at ease with his unnatural comic timing. It is certainly worth a look, if only because it's the only place you're likely to see Maureen Lipman's impersonation of Margaret Thatcher, and Billy Connolly singing, with George, Ringo, and Eric Clapton as the backing band.

"Water" is the tale of the decline of British colonialism in the West Indies, independence and freedom fighters, multinationals and environmentalist -

An excellent film that has me laughing from the opening scene with, Billy Connolly right through to the end. It typifies American Industry and their win at all costs attitude.

The dialogue is very much like that of the old screwball comedies and the music is perfect for the Carribbean setting. All the characters are excellently portrayed and the performances are a treat to watch. The plot is absurd enough to be a wonderful parody of reality.

You can imagine that the British Government really work the way they are portrayed on the screen and waste thousands of pounds worth of tax payers money ensuring that their will is adhered to.

The one liners in the film are excellent "you can't close down an island as if it was a factory" states Michael Caine to Leonard Rossiter who plays the London Minister.

Loved it & rate it 10/10

This film stands out in my memory of films on this subject or from that time period. Set on a fictional Caribbean island owned by Britain but largely left to its own devices, it centres around the discovery of a lucrative resource - the Water of the title - and the reaction to this of various people on the island and other countries. Colonialism, revolution, big business, reggae, cannabis, lovely weather, principles vs. greed and marital infidelity all feature. It is unusually honest and even-handed about the politics in such situations, yet never loses sight of the comedy, which ranges through satire, character comedy and slapstick.

Scripted by the well-known British comedy writing team of Clement and La Frenais, and directed by Clement, it was made by Handmade Films, overseen by George Harrison, and it's therefore not a coincidence that George turns up at one point in the film with a load of his rock mates to support the islanders' cause. Several big British acting names feature, notably Caine and Rossiter, with the addition of Fulton Mackay, Eddie Grant, Maureen Lipman as a scarily accurate Thatcher, plus Americans Fred Gwynne (Munsters) as the Texan oil tycoon and Ruby Wax as one of his staff. Interestingly Paul Heiney as the mercenary Kessler was performing the role as part of his involvement in BBC series "In at the Deep End", in which he had to take on a different job each episode.

Water has its fair share of silliness, weak acting, discontinuity etc. but it doesn't really matter as it keeps you entertained throughout while still referencing the serious issues. It has a fun tone and looked like it was fun to make, evident in the street dancing at the end. I do recommend this film if you haven't seen it already, it's unlikely to disappoint.

This is a really fun movie. It has great actors and the plot, political references, and music make it worth a look. Sometimes movies just need to be fun.

Michael Caine looks like he is having a good time making this movie and the other actors meld in with his actions. Brenda Vaccaro and Leonard Rossiter created characters that were almost embarrassing to watch. They were great.

Whoever cast Billy Connoly and Jimmie Walker was a genius. Fred Gwynne will be remembered as a Munster, but I think this was one of his great roles.

actually i wanted to give this movie 9/10 but after seeing how bad it rates i had to give it one more star because it really shouldn't be that much of an underdog. sometimes i don't know why i adore this movie, it's just so much pleasure to watch, great music, great cast cane as governor, connolly as a rebel, both giving brilliant roles, valerie perrine as a rich heir going environmentalist, brenda vaccaro as a hot-blooded guatemalan, what more do you need for a great movie :) it's the essence of life without all the drama, money and rush. so, wear your favorite hawaiian t-shirt, grab the bottle of water and watch this beauty :)

This film is a very funny political satire, with many well-aimed (even though, at times, rather too obvious) digs at the politics (and politicians) of the 80's. Although it is not in the league of Dr.Strangelove in terms of satiric black humour, it doesn't really try to be. The jokes are at times hilarious, and in most cases delightful in an old-fashioned comedy way. It is a lot looser in its structure and has a very easygoing pace that helps the satire along. Most of the political satire works even today (which makes one think if things have changed all that much in the past 15 years). Both Michael Caine and Billy Connolly are very funny, while being supported by a cast of relatively unknown but excellent comic actors. All in all, it was a very satisfying comedy that had me laughing out loud in almost every scene.

I found this movie a RIOT!!! A few glasses of wine, or another preferred 'adult beverage' and you can't help but laugh! Don't try to find any profound meanings in the movie...there aren't any. This is just a FUN and FUNNY movie just for purely entertainment purposes. If there is ANY meaning to be taken from this movie it is the portraying of the Western cultures' desire for designer items, not just in our clothing but right down to the water that we drink. Micheal Caine played his role perfectly, in my opinion, as the governor trying to infuse wealth into the economy (as well as his pockets) of the small island and Jimmy Walker as the DJ on the island...who wouldn't listen to his radio show? I have made this a movie a part of my DVD collection and others should too.

My name is Michael Caine .... Baxter Thwaites gave his standard performance but his innate snideness came out well as the British looking down on its colonies. Fulton Mackay .... Eric excellent performance as a wayward holyman. Billy Connolly .... Delgado on this early film role, showing his talent & timing.

These three performances make this an inspired work