It’s been awhile since we hit the movie theatres with our busy schedules, work, and sickness. But today, we did. It was a movie that I’ve wanted to see for a while now: “The Impossible.” It’s a true story about a British (though in the credits of the actual family members, we think they are Spanish) family of 5 (parents and 3 boys) on a resort in Thailand when the 2004 Tsunami hit the Southeast Asian area. It was very gripping and intense.
There is an underlying tension from the beginning, seeing as the audience knows what’s going to happen as they show the date and time continually. The family is happy travelling to Thailand and having a blast on a beautiful resort, lots of love and joy. But we know what’s going to happen. We just don’t know how it specifically is going to happen to these people. So right from the start, there’s that gripping tension of waiting.
Once it does happen, the movie becomes very intense and consequently emotional, family members trying to find their others. And in the midst of the tsunami actually passing through, a feeling of panic and terror rose up even in me as I was sitting safely in my cushioned movie theatre chair. The thing that made this harder to watch and comprehend was that it happened in real life, all of this occurred to real people and I kept remembering back to the catastrophic death toll of this event.
The family, split up, travels to different locations, sustaining horrific injuries and struggling to survive through it all. I won’t spoil it by telling you if they do or not. Despite the terrible event that triggered the horrors, there was something incredibly heartwarming about many parts. People, when they were significantly injured, stopping to help others in need when it could cause their own death. A village of Thai helping out two rich anglos, going completely out of their way just to save someone’s life. During these scenes, I felt an incredible warm feeling of hope and the beauty that still thrives in humanity, despite scenes of horror.
The acting of this movie was splendid–I mean, how could you go wrong with Naomi Watts and Ewan McGreggor. Also, the oldest son was an incredible actor and took up a big role of the movie. It really felt as if you were thrown into the situation with them. The only downside to this movie for me was that, at some parts, it was a little bit too dramatic. Sometimes you didn’t need the drama of Hollywood because you had the drama of nature–a real-life event.
Overall, I really enjoyed this movie. It was tough to watch in some parts, but highlights what’s good in humanity in the worst of times. Take the time to go see it, or catch it on DVD when it comes out.
Cheers!
This movie is visceral – I found it a very uncomfortable watch but I thought it was brilliant, nonetheless. The real family was Spanish, from Catalunya in the North and they really lived through the experience.
Yeah, that makes much more sense
That’s interesting to know. Yeah, the movie was awesome. I cried and cried…
This was a very upsetting and emotional watch. A fantastic movie though and is one you should definitely see. Check out my related post on natural disaster movies here: http://asoulfluorescent.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/the-impossible-top-5-natural-disaster-movies/
Will do!
Can’t wait to see this! Thanks for the review!
Think you’re going to be able to find a theatre? =)
Ooooo. I’d love to see this. I wonder if it’s out in the US yet.
I just read your “About Me” and realized you live in the US! Haha. Duh. Sorry it’s very early on a Monday morning. Thanks for the review, I’ll have to check it out ASAP.
Hahaha cheers!
great review,not seen this film advertised, just looked it up on YouTube thanks…. Need to get out more …..:)