Lightning over Water (1980): cast, story & where to watch
1980 · Film · ★ 6.8
Released in 1980, Lightning over Water is a documentary film directed by Wim Wenders, running about 91 minutes.
What it’s about. Director 'Nicholas Ray' is eager to complete a final film before his imminent death from cancer. Wim Wenders is working on his own film Hammett (1983) in Hollywood, but flies to New York to help Ray realize his final wish. Ray's original intent is to make a fiction film about a dying painter who sails to China to find a cure for his disease. He and Wenders discuss this idea, but it is obviously unrealistic given Ray's state of health.
Who’s in it. Lightning over Water stars Wim Wenders as Self, Nicholas Ray as Self, Susan Ray as Self and Tom Farrell as Self, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.8/10, Lightning over Water has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Criterion Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Lightning over Water page.
If you liked it. Fans of Lightning over Water tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Lightning over Water (1980)?
- In US, Lightning over Water is available to stream on Criterion Channel. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Lightning over Water worth watching?
- Lightning over Water holds an audience score of 6.8 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Lightning over Water?
- Lightning over Water stars Wim Wenders, Nicholas Ray, Susan Ray, Tom Farrell and Ronee Blakley.
- When was Lightning over Water released?
- Lightning over Water was released in 1980, with a runtime of about 91 minutes.