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Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'The Railway Man' & 'Watermark'

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews "The Railway Man" and says this one is one of those films we get every once in a while that's a combination of deep, powerful and beautifully made.

There are a few moments of violence where you might need to look away if you're squeamish, but it's always worth sitting through for what comes before and especially after.

This film has one of the most satisfying endings since "The Shawshank Redemption." We meet a former British Army Officer who lived a nightmare during World War II in a Japanese POW camp. Decades later he tries to confront his past, certain to drive him mad if he doesn't find a way to peace.

Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'The Railway Man' & 'Watermark'

Everything works here; the direction, the acting, writing and do not leave at the end until you see the real life people who lived this remarkable story. Like his performance in "The King's Speech", Colin Firth plays the truth of his character. Nicole Kidman give us simplicity and anchors the story as we are hoping her husband finds a way out. It's an excellent movie about the war after the war.

WATERMARK (not rated)

This documentary asks: How does water shape humanity and the world? From Iceland to India to Los Angeles, the movie examines dams, rivers, and oceans whether they are pristine or polluted. Beautiful cinematography views and color shows us aquaculture, begging for the big screen.

It's not as emotionally based as one would like; sometimes a bit dry, but for the most part worth seeing and illuminating the role of water in our lives and on our planet.

Movies To See Right Now: Draft Day, The Galapagos Affair: Satan Comes To Eden, Cesar Chavez, Anita

Home Viewing/ DVD: The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty, The Robe, Easter Parade, Philomena, At Middleton

You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.

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