The Waterdance

One of the first great indy films of the 90's
Yes, Helen Hunt is nude in this, but that's not the only reason to rent it. There are stellar performances from Stoltz, Forsythe, and Wesley Snipes in what probably was his last serious acting role. This film addresses many difficult topics with wit and bite and humor and pathos, but isn't mawkish or pretentious. Very well made, the camera work and music add subtly to the film- the music at one point becomes almost ragtime, a wild choice for a film about people dealing with hospitals. Overall, one of the best unsung films of the last decade. This film won the Best Film Award at the 1992 Sundance Film Festival, and there's a reason for it. Rent it! You won't be sorry.

Realistic story and tremendous ensemble acting
This film never received the attention it deserved, although this is one of the finest pieces of ensemble acting, and one of the most realistic stories I have seen on screen. Clearly filmed on a small budget in a real V.A. Hospital, the center of the story is Joel, very well-played by Eric Stoltz. Joel has been paralyzed in a motorcycle accident, and comes to the hospital to a ward with other men who have spinal injuries. Joel is in love with Anna, his married lover, played by Helen Hunt, who shows early signs of her later Academy-Award winning work.

Although the Joel-Anna relationship is the basic focus, there are many other well-developed characters in the ward. Wesley Snipes does a tremendous job as the angry Raymond. Even more impressive is William Forsythe as the bitter and racist Bloss. I think Forsythe's two best scenes are when he becomes frustrated and angry at the square dancers, and, later, when he feels empathy for a young Korean man who has been shot in a liquor store...

Tells it like it is!
As a person with severe mobility impairment, I viewed this picture with interest. I give it my fullest recommendation. It is definitely the best motion picture I have seen on the subject of serious disability and the adaptations required by those who deal with it. Some succeed, some don't, but the movie tells its story with accuracy and compassion.

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