Water Lilies of Monet - The Magic of Water and Light (2018) User Reviews

An appreciable documentary about Claude Monet

[chiaragiacobelli · 7/10 · 27 November 2018]

The documentary is thought to explain Monet's life and works, especially the period of the water lilies, and also to tempt people to visit Giverny, the Musée Marmottan Monet, the Orangerie and the Musée d'Orsay. It is a nice way to know something more about his life (for example the friendship with Georges Clemenceau or the love for his two wives, both dead), his job (a maniacal way of painting for hours in any weather conditions) and his passions (water, nature, light, flowers). However, my opinion is that too much time is spent following the main actors and not enought paintings are shown. The majority of them is missed. Also, although the storytelling is based on real letters and documents, sometimes there is an interpretation of Claude Monet and his thoughts not realistic, with the final result to make him appear more romantic, deep and philosophical than how he really was. In any case I suggest to watch the documentary, especially for the wonderful images of France and the curious stories about Monet's life.

Not very informative

[hernegren-15941 · 3/10 · 17 February 2019]

On the whole, much too much time is spent following our "guide" walking around, sitting and thinking or just looking at the views. She reads her lines as if she was presenting the weather report. A couple of other voices can be heard, briefly. Looking at and discussing the paintings would have been much nicer.

Disappointing

[maggie-75556 · 7 November 2020]

Tried to watch it on Sky Arts this evening. Lots if sound: music, rain, water, birds etc. But no voices, no commentary, even though people were obviously speaking to camera. Very frustrating.