A fantastic film experience

Rating: 10/10 (16 January 2013)

The starring actors, Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor performed brilliantly. However, the young talent Tom Holland, seemed to guide this film with his superb acting. For someone who is only slightly older than myself, I was in complete awe of how well he acted, with his inexperience due to his age. The two VERY young 'brother's' did brilliantly also, and I was crying when they were finally reunited with Lucas.
In contrast to many people's feelings about the timing of the tsunami etc... I believe it was executed perfectly. Already, at fourteen minutes in, the action was already taking place. I've heard a lot of people wish that the family were introduced better, for longer, but I disagree. The brief, but golden introduction to the family let us see how happy they were, and so when the destruction came, it made it all the more heartbreaking; but I feel that the lack of complete immersion into their family life strengthened the idea that this utter horror was happening to so many families when the tsunami of 2004 hit, not just this family in particular. Besides, the storyline of the film built up the 'family bond' even more. As well as this, the tsunami hitting early on in the film regurgitated the idea that this was a sudden occurrence.
The special fx in the film were also astounding. My adrenaline was pumping when the tsunami hit, because the crashing waves just looked so real and terrifying. The extent of the injuries and pain the family went through, Maria in particular, left me in awe. This film was completely full of the brutal honesty and facts that took place. The scene in which Maria is coughing blood left me feeling sick to the bottom of my stomach, but it just added to the experience of being a part of the tsunami aftermath.
All in all, this film is a must see, and the young actor, Tom Holland is one to watch out for! Being my 15 year old self, I think I can quite happily say that's he's not half bad looking as a teenager, and I'll be expecting (*wishing*) to see more of him in the future!