The Impossible (2012) Summary: A true story based on the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami

Everyone loves Christmas, and there's nothing more romantic than spending these holidays in Thailand.

Rating: 7.5/10 IMDb

Run Time: 1h 54m
Release Date: 4 January 2013
Cast: Tom Holland, Naomi Watts, Harry Holland, Ewan McGregor, Samuel Joslin, Oaklee Pendergast, Sam Holland, Johan Sundberg, Geraldine Chaplin, Sönke Möhring, Marta Etura, Poly Jindachot, Peter Tuinstra, Frank Gun, Dominic Power, Douglas Johansson, Nicola Harrison, Sergey Burunov, Lyudmila Gnilova, Wipawee Charoenpura, Gitte Witt, Kowit Wattanakul, Lev Akselrod, Sarinrat Thomas, John Albasiny, Bruce Blain, Natalie Lorence, Lean-Loup Pilblad, Oak Keerati, Bonnie Z. Hutchinson, Emilio Riccardi, Georgia Winters
Director: J. A. Bayona
Writer: Sergio G. Sánchez, María Belón
Genres: Thriller, Adventure, Drama
Maturity Rating: PG-13
disturbing injury images, brief nudity, intense realistic disaster sequences
Languages Available: Hindi dubbed
Original Language: English
Available On: YouTube

I Main Cast

I Plot Line

Based on a true story, the movie depicts the devastating 2004 tsunami that hit the Indian Ocean. The narrative centers on Maria (Naomi Watts), Henry (Ewan McGregor), and their three sons, Lucas (Tom Holland), Thomas, and Simon, who are spending their Christmas vacation in Thailand, enjoying their time by the pool. The trip quickly took a tragic turn when an unanticipated tsunami struck the coast without warning, causing widespread devastation and severing the family with powerful waves. 

Henry, Thomas, and Simon are split off from Maria and Lucas, yet they can remain together. Lucas saves Maria's life despite her serious injuries. Even after suffering from injuries, Henry keeps looking for his wife and oldest son while attempting to protect his younger sons. 
The family embarks on a desperate search for one another as they struggle to survive amidst the chaos and destruction. They are so devoted to one another that they don't give up hope of finding each other, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles during the hunt.
Throughout the horrific journey, the film emphasizes resilience, familial relationships, and the human spirit's fortitude in the face of adversity.

I Positive points

The ensemble, particularly Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts, give excellent performances. The film portrays the terror and destruction caused by the tsunami and the struggle for survival, making it incredibly powerful and poignant. The film receives accolades for portraying the tsunami and its aftermath in a realistic manner. The human spirit, resiliency, optimism, and drive of the survivors are highlighted in the movie.

I Negative points

Despite the overall good pacing, a few scenes in the movie could seem long or dragged out, especially in the tsunami's aftermath. For individuals sensitive to such a subject, it may be difficult to watch due to the graphic representation of injuries and the disaster, which may be too intense for some viewers. Based on a true tale, the movie's premise may seem relatively obvious to those familiar with the events that happened, making some viewers less tense.

 

How did the movie make you feel? Were there any scenes that particularly made you emotional or intense?

What are the main themes of the movie? Have you learned any lessons about the importance of family, hope, or resilience?