Here we are again and this week we're sampling the delights of a drama based on a true story, whatever happens it will be better than last week's film! So sit down on the beach, relax and watch the waves, as we watch;
The Impossible
Now that is what we call a film! If you do nothing else put The impossible on your list of films to watch and see what you think.
Based on the true story of a family on holiday in Thailand and caught in the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts head up the cast as Henry and Maria who are spending Christmas in Thailand with their three boys; Lucas, Thomas and Simon, played superbly by Tom Holland, Samuel Joslin and Oaklee Pendergast respectively and it must be said that the children were superb especially the eldest Tom Holland who was just fantastic, almost stealing the limelight away from the older actors.
After the requisite scene setting we soon hit the tragedy of the story as the tsunami strikes and decimates the coastal resort of Khao Lak, sweeping away everything in it's path, including Henry, Maria and the three boys. Obviously with such a force of nature the family get divided and the rest of the film follows the story of how they get back together.
Firstly that is all there is to it storywise, but you don't need any more than it, it is a simple story, but a breathtakingly tragic one. Secondly how you get from the start of the film to the end is just a fantastic, emotional, dramatic journey. The special effects draw the viewer right into the action and the ten minute segment of the film where we see the tsunami hit took a year to film. You are totally gripped from start to finish, caught up in the maelstrom of this natural disaster.
It is beautifully shot on location in Thailand and Spain, with a haunting juxtaposition between the opening scenes of sun, blue sky and azure seas, followed closely by the devastating effect of of the tsunami charging inland. Throughout the story you have the poignant moments of jeopardy where at first you think things are going to be alright, then some twist appears that changes the course of the story, this is no more evident than in the hospital scenes with Maria and her son Lucas, these will definitely tug on the old heart strings.
One can surmise that there is no greater admiration for a film than to sit in the dark as the very long credits roll and to be still stuck in your seat awestruck by the story you have just witnessed, but that is what happened tonight. No one made a move until the final credit had rolled. Whether this was due in part to the haunting music that accompanied the credits, or the fact that we didn't want the film to end, or maybe it was the certitude that we had just witnessed a marvelous story, but the TNiFN panel were in no doubt that this week's film was a good one.
We cannot say anymore about the film, the story is simple, but gripping. The film is a roller-coaster of emotion from start to finish. If you haven't seen it, then we urge to take a look.
TNiFN Rating 93%
IMDB Link
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