Water for Elephants - DVD Review and Giveaway

DVD Synopsis:

Devastated by the sudden death of his parents at the height of The Depression, a young dreamer from the wrong side of the tracks, Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson), abandons his veterinary studies at Cornell University.  With no other family, no house, and no money, Jacob stows away on a train carrying the circus performers of The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth.  Hired as a veterinarian to care for the troupe's animals, Jacob is temporarily filled with the promise of an exciting life that comes with a traveling circus troupe.  However, as he builds a rapport and falls in love with the star of the show, Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), they become prey to the circus's owner, Marlena's violent and abusive husband, August (Christoph Waltz).  As the circus begins to crumble from within and against all odds, Jacob and Marlena come together and fall in love through their compassion for a special elephant.  With their love on the line, Jacob and Marlena come to a crossroads that will forever change their destiny.

Directed by critically-acclaimed filmmaker Francis Lawrence, Water for Elephants will be available on Blu-ray and DVD November 1st.

My Review:

I'll admit the title, Water for Elephants, didn't draw me in and neither did the fact that the story revolves around forbidden love.  I am so glad that I watched this movie anyway.  It's one of the best films I've seen all year. 

Water for Elephants embraced me from beginning to end.   The story revolves around Jacob, who joins the circus and becomes their vet.  He falls in love with Marlena, who is married to a cruel ringmaster and circus owner, August.  The three characters involved in the love triangle play their roles very well.  The supporting cast is just as delighting to watch.  There's also Rosie, an elephant who becomes the show's main attraction, that you can't help but love.  With scenes set from the Depression era, Water for Elephants is rated PG-13 for sexual situations and some scenes of violence.  There is one scene involving the elephant that made me cringe a little, but it showed just how cruel and egotistical August is.

I haven't read the romantic tale based on the same name penned by Sara Gruen so I don't know how the movies compares or how closely related it is to the book.  What I do know is that my husband and I both really liked the movie and would definitely watch it again.  Now that I have watched the movie, I'm going to purchase and read the book.

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One person will win Water for Elephants on DVD and a book copy of Water for Elephants.

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I received DVD for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products.  Your opinions and results may differ.