Impossibly Brilliant

Rating: 10/10 (13 May 2015)

The Impossible is an incredibly moving film that had me in tears for most of it. I don't think I'll be able to write a review that could convey the emotion that this film stirs up, so I'll just keep it simple and try my best to describe the brilliance in filmmaking and acting that feature in this film.
The Impossible follows the Bennett family as they deal with the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami that hit Thailand on Boxing Day. The family is separated and their dream Christmas holiday has quickly turned into a nightmare as the Thailand coastline is now a graveyard and a violated landscape. Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts and Tom Holland were simply exceptional and immaculately convincing and believable in their respective roles. The Bennett family are split up and they frantically search for each other in tear-jerking fashion as each of them face shocking scenes of devastation that survivors called "beautifully accurate". Tsunami survivors also felt compelled to respond to some cynical critics who complained about the "whitewashing" of this horrific event. They argued that these critics have missed the point of the film and the true story completely, which was the touching and profound sense of community and unity that was shown by visiting survivors and the local Thais.
This film is exceptional with every cast member delivering unbelievably authentic performances as they waded their way through the landscape blighted by the horrors that the tsunami brought. Every moment was perfectly framed that made me as a viewer invest into their story and the agony that they experienced in this tragic, emotional and incredible film.
There are umpteen moments where the viewer is brought to tears by the devastation that has decimated the local landscape and the horrific injuries that have affected people's lives, for some indefinitely. Not to mention the scenes depicting the thousands of body bags that people had to look through just to make sure they didn't see a face that they recognised. By not seeing them, they can keep holding onto the hope of seeing them again. An exceptional portrayal of the excruciating tragedy that happened almost a decade ago, but it will always seem fresh in the mind after watching this special film.
If you liked this review please check out my website where I have reviewed other films too. https://rwh92.wordpress.com/2015/05/12/some-more-short-film-ratings/