Director: Kevin McMahon
Studio: Mongrel Media
Running Time: 103 minutes
Release Date: July 17, 2009

Reviewed By Robert Waldman (Vancouver)

Going green seems to be the buzzword of the 90s. Not to be confused with the Hollywood movie Waterworld, Mongrel Media releases Waterlife, an important movie about what may be our very survival. Presented by the award winning National Film Board, this documentary explores the state of water in Canada. More specifically, it looks at the plight of the Great Lakes. Enjoy the sites and sounds of this important film.

Children around the world and especially in Canada know the story of those famous five lakes in Ontario. Director and writer Kevin McMahon examines the current state of these water ways. Shock is what audiences will learn as it appears this cradle of civilization has undergone constant stress with shocks felt among fish stocks that could well impact on human health - if it hasn't already.

Evidence is sketchy, yet it appears communities bordering some lakes have seen major shifts in genetics that could foretell dire consequences not just for fish species and the aquatic habitat, but for people as well. Our journey here explores sea life and the effects industrialization has had on the waterways. Progress can be good but anyone who has studied history knows it can come at considerable cost. Heads will be shaking as we see the effects industrial pollution from the petro chemical industry and others have had on wildlife which may well have a bearing on our own standard of living.

Through interviews with locals and industry players along with public works officials charged with "purifying" the dirty waters, we see the degree of the problem currently confronting officials and the potential for disaster. Not since the issue of acid rain have Canadians and Americans bordering the Great Lakes felt the need for a complete accounting of the state of those waters and the need to address scientific and environmental concerns.

Here cameras go deep inside sewage treatment plants and aquatic regions as the issues are smartly brought forth without really fear mongering. Instead, after 103 minutes folks are left with a pretty bleak portrait of the dangers of falling water levels and the potential for disaster unless some changes are made.

Honest discussions are needed when dealing with how the economy impacts on the environment. For starters a documentary like Waterlife calls for dialogue among all the players by revealing the current situation on the ground and the need to take action before things truly become problematic for future generations. Not too "preachy" and well researched, this movie wraps you up in the issues thanks to some very good candid interviews with a host of players on the scene.

Engaging without being preachy, Waterlife boasts great shots on the water, under the lakes and frank exchanges between just ordinary people who have become impacted by the frail state of Canada's once mighty aquatic wonderland. Let's hope it's not too late to fix the problem before irreversible damage sets in.

Read more reviews by Robert at www.moviereviewssite.com.

Written by :

Kindah

 

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