Impossibly good

Rating: 10/10 (17 January 2013)

The impact of this movie is truly devastating. Even though you know the outcome that the family lived, it is still no less tense throughout and I felt stricken after watching it. See it on the big screen if you can. Much more compelling than those large scale over the top CGI disaster movies of recent years because it's a true story.
The tsunami scenes are so well done it makes the viewer feel like they are immersed in the disaster. Felt every sweeping wave, every gasp for air, impact with objects, footstep on debris etc. The Spanish director Bayona did an excellent job. The on location shooting in Thailand gives an authentic feel even though some filming was done in Spain.
The story is good with a balance of the disaster itself and the aftermath including the search and overwhelmed hospital. The screenwriters avoided sentimentality yet achieved an emotionally powerful reunion. I didn't get a Hollywood feeling from the film. The emotional scenes are done quite matter of factly and the movie is better of for that. Those who criticise the scope (just one European family) can watch the miniseries 'Tsunami the Aftermath' instead.
Naomi does a terrific job looking anguished, caring and injured in a totally convincing way. The young actor who plays her son Tom Holland is equally good not overdoing it but conveying the right amount of confusion, bravery and terror.
A must watch.