In five visual stanzas, Leo Hurwitz deftly encapsulates water’s significance to humanity, and links the effects of how water sustains and serves all creatures on this earth. He begins with the ocean lapping foamy waves on a sandy shore and carries the viewer, as if in a dream, deeper into the interior of the land, where rivers flow to meet the sea and where humans have sculpted marshes and wetlands to contain and harness the water’s power. Hurwitz practically captures the clear ocean air and the smell of the salt water, so immediate are his images. There is a simple purity here that diminishes with each new segment. The progression seems inexorable and tragic. Shot along the New York City shore and on the banks of the Hudson and East Rivers, Here at the Water’s Edge is filled with the sights and sounds of one of the busiest ports in the world. Tug boats, ferries, and great ocean liners mingle in the glittering-and increasingly polluted-water. The massive skyscrapers and concrete of the city halt at the waterline in a congestion of piers, some old and rotting, some under construction. The images of industry are neatly juxtaposed with those of children in playgrounds, rimmed by high metal fences and set against the human-made vistas that now edge the rivers. Technology has forever altered the once pure waters and salt marshes that were first seen by Europeans when Henry Hudson’s Half Moon sailed up to what the Lenape (Delaware Indians) called mannahata or “hilly island.” Ever the clear-eyed documentarian, Hurwitz created a powerful and moving document that grows more relevant in the context of climate change and the struggle to control water rights around the world. Hurwitz and Pratt later released a record with the edited version of the soundtrack that can be heard on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.
Documentary

If you're looking to stream Here at the Water's Edge through trusted and legitimate sources, there are several legal options available depending on your location and preferences. For those with subscriptions, major platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and HBO Max (availability may vary by region) often include superhero classics like Here at the Water's Edge in their rotating libraries. Regional services such as Viu may also offer access depending on licensing agreements.
Prefer to stream without a subscription? You can check out ad-supported platforms like Tubi, Pluto TV, Crackle, or Peacock, where available. These services allow free viewing with occasional ads and are fully licensed.
If you’d rather own or rent a copy, digital storefronts such as Google Play Movies, Apple iTunes, and Amazon Video offer Here at the Water's Edge for individual purchase or rental, often in HD or 4K quality.
Additionally, don’t overlook library-based services like Kanopy and Hoopla, which allow free streaming for users with participating library cards or university accounts. Lastly, some film studios and official distributors occasionally upload full movies to their YouTube channels, giving you a legal way to enjoy classic titles directly from the source.
Dive into the world of heroes and epic adventure by watching Here at the Water's Edge online completely free at Movies123—your trusted source for high-quality, hassle-free streaming. This fan-favorite action-packed sci-fi classic is available to stream in crisp HD and includes English subtitles to enhance your viewing experience. Whether you're eager to watch immediately or prefer to download and enjoy it later offline, Movies123 gives you total flexibility with its intuitive, user-friendly platform.
There are no accounts to create, no subscriptions to manage, and absolutely no hidden charges. Just click and start watching—fast, easy, and secure. From smooth playback to excellent video clarity, Here at the Water's Edge is just a few taps away from being part of your movie night. Skip the wait and join millions of viewers already enjoying their favorite films without limits. Start watching Here at the Water's Edge today—completely free and on your own terms.