Harrowing, uplifting and powerfully humane; Watts and McGregor give memorably heartbreaking turns

Rating: 9/10 (19 January 2013)

THE IMPOSSIBLE (2012) ***1/2 Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, Tom Holland, Samuel Joslin, Oaklee Pendergrast, Mara Etura, Sonke Mohring, Geraldine Chaplin, Ploy Jindachote, Johan Sundberg. Harrowing, uplifting and powerfully humane true-life dramatization of the devastation caused by the Taiwan tsunami focusing on the aftermath involving a separated family who survive by their wits and determination of reuniting in spite of tremendous odds. Watts and McGregor give memorably heartbreaking turns and career bests as the parents but it is young Holland as their eldest child who truly is the heart and soul of the film as he struggles to keep tabs with his ailing mother and helping his fellow man. Inspiring and remarkable with epic visual effects that have a truly visceral effect. Director Juan Antonio Bayona buoys the traumatic with the miraculous with a smart, lean script by Sergio G. Sanchez based on Maria Belon's story.