Waterdance [VHS]

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 hold up. My favorite scene with Snipes is the in the roundtable discussion of post-injury sexual options.

The chemistry between Stoltz and Hunt is very strong, and they have two very intimate, but not gratuitous, sex scenes. The orgasm in the ward is both sexy and amusing. There is also another memorable scene where Joel and Bloss and the Korean boy take the specially-equipped van to the strip bar. It's truly a comedy of errors as they make their feeble attempts to get the van going to see the "naked ladies."

The story is made even more poignant by the fact that the director, Neal Jimenez, is paralyzed in real life. This is basically his story. This film is real, not glossy or flashy. To have the amount of talent in a film of such a small budget is amazing. I recommend this film to everyone I see, because it is one of those films that even improves on a second look. It's a shame that such a great piece of work gets overlooked, but through video, perhaps it can get the attention it so richly deserves.


Tells it like it is!   January 21, 2002
Dr. Karen Mann (Mt. Shasta, Ca.)
15 out of 16 found this review helpful

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.


Exceptional   November 7, 2001
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

What a great film! Helen Hunt nude? Forget about that. This is great film-making. Stoltz and Snipes are wonderful in their portrayal of men tragically paralyzed in the prime of their lives. This has romance, drama, comedy, and is truly believable. Great unpredictable ending. I somehow missed this one at the theater. Definatley worth the 14 something they want.