Lost Rivers

'Lost Rivers' is an interesting documentary about the surprisingly common occurrence of forgotten rivers and streams running under the streets of cities around the world. These waterways were mostly covered over after they were converted into sewage waterways, to deal with the attendant smells and health risks. Others were covered to make room for highways, or for various other now questionable reasons. But now a number of cities are re-opening these treasures, cleaning them up, creating natural space for animals and people. It also examines those who get obsessed with exploring the covered water/sewer systems (calling themselves 'drainers'), often in violation of the law, and how they become passionate advocates for the waterways, along with the sometimes striking and ancient architecture buried with them.

Never dull, but in the end, there's not a lot of emotion to the film. It's like an informative illustrated lecture. It's an interesting, even eclectic overview, but it's not a film I'd feel the need to see again.