Friday Matinee: The Impossible
by Jenners • 01/11/2013 • Movie Review • 49 Comments
As you might remember, one of my New Year’s Resolutions was to go to a matinée on Friday when there is a movie I want to see. Today was the first one. Since it is taking me FOREVER to finish my first book of the year, I thought I’d start doing short movie reviews for all the movies I go to see or this blog will go dark by February. (Perhaps it wasn’t the best idea to review all the books for 2012 as I’m running out of stuff to write about.) So here goes!
The Impossible (starring Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor) tells the amazing true story about one family’s harrowing experiences during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that hit Southeast Asia (including Thailand where the movie takes place). The Bennett family (mom, dad and three boys) is at a gorgeous beach resort to celebrate the Christmas holidays when the tsunami hits, and the rest of the film shows their survival experience and their search to reunite their family in the face of impossible odds.
The tsunami footage was heart-stopping and terrifying, and the scenes of Maria and her oldest boy Lucas in the immediate aftermath as they struggle to get to each other were so full of tension and terror that I think I stopped breathing while watching. I don’t know how the filmmakers recreated the tsunami but it looks like actual footage. If it is special effects (which I guess it has to be), it was superbly done.
Naomi Watts is amazing. She conveys Maria’s strength, fear and incredible pain so realistically that it felt almost uncomfortable to watch. (There are some graphic scenes so beware). The actor who plays her son (Tom Holland) is brilliant too. I was moved to tears by their experience and cannot imagine myself in the same position. Ewan McGregor is given less to do (his survival experience isn’t shown), and I had some real serious problems with some of the decisions he makes during the film. SPOILER ALERT: HIGHLIGHT TO READ: Seriously, would you let your two surviving kids go up to the mountains without you to go search for your wife and son who are most likely dead? I couldn’t imagine leaving my surviving kids (ages 7 and 5 no less!!) in a foreign country, by themselves, in a land that is in chaos. Keep them with you! I really struggled to understand his thinking here … I guess he was in shock but still. END SPOILER
I’m also curious exactly how the end scenes played out in real-life. It felt too “movie coincidental” for me to swallow, but perhaps the filmmakers needed to compress things for timing’s sake. Still, it took me out of the movie as I struggled with my disbelief. Also keep in mind that the movie is focused on this family’s struggle so it doesn’t really provide (except in brief glimpses) the full scope and nature of the devastation and the number of people affected. I’ve also read that the “Bennett” family was Westernized. (In real life, the family was named Alvarez and were from Spain. Given that the film was made by Spanish filmmakers and not Hollywood, I’m not sure why the decision to Westernize the family was made … perhaps to get a bigger audience?) Still, don’t let these things stop you from seeing an amazing true story of survival and resilience in the face of incomprehensible disaster. 4 out of 5 stars
I’ve debated on whether or not I could handle watching this one. I lost a friend to a drowning over 20 years ago but ever since then have been very funny about water scenes in movies…I can’t even barely stand to read about things like this. Still, the film is one I’d like to see so maybe I will wait until it comes on DVD and I will watch at home so I can stop and start.
Ooohhh…maybe don’t see it. It is pretty upsetting and if water scenes and drowning get to you, this wouldn’t be a good choice.
I probably won’t watch this one as I don’t do movies related to real-life tragedies. I’m curious though if that decision you didn’t like was part of the real story or if it was just in the movie for drama. I kind of hate things like that.
I’m curious about it too and keep forgetting to try and Google it to find out. I can’t imagine why the filmmakers would add it — it was a bizarre decision so I’m guessing it was a real life detail.
I think this is the second or third time this week that I heard someone talk about this film. I’ve never even heard about this movie before this week since I don’t think it’s been released in Japan (or if it will be…need to go check).
This does sound like a really intense film though and now I’m curious about it. Maybe I should wait until it shows up on iTunes and rent it from there…
I’m not sure how big a release it is getting. It isn’t even that big here in the U.s.
I haven’t seen any of the nominated films but I’ve had this one in my Netflix queue since it was first mentioned. I think it would be a very hard film to watch but I still want to see it.
It is hard to watch but it is inspiring too.
I have read about 10 books so far this year..reviewed one or two…and seen zero movies. The movie part I must work on …Le Miz!!
You really must make time for Les Miz!
I haven’t heard of that movie– so I stopped reading at the spoiler alert part, will add it to my list to rent as the movies I actually see in the theater are so far and few between.
I was like you — I barely saw any movies in the theater and then I almost never make time to see them on DVD. So this year, I’m going to be on top of all the movies!!! Thank goodness for $5 matinees at 10 in the morning on school days!
I want to see this movie sooooooooooo badly! Maybe I should go by myself.
I always go to movies by myself. In fact, I almost prefer it. I can cry in peace if I need to.
I had not even heard of this movie. Remember how sheltered I am in my little bubble of being in the thick of parenting little kids.
This sounds really interesting and something I would really enjoy. Although, I am sad about the questionable judgement. However, the tsunami footage sounds like that alone is worth watching. Maybe when it’s out on video I will put it on my must see. For now, we are still wanting to get in another viewing of The Hobbit and then see Les Mis. Have you seen either of those?
By the way, I think the movie reviews are a great addition.
I saw Les Mis (awesome!) but haven’t made it to The Hobbit yet. I’m sure you’re waiting for the new Star Wars movies they will make now that Disney bought it … or maybe you think that is atrocious!
Sounds like a film with lots of good acting. I rarely get to the cinema though due to work and kids and the fact that it’s so expensive.
I’m lucky to have a $5 matinee that starts at 10:00 am so I can sneak out and go while my son is at school.
I have seen the trailers but really didn’t pay that much attention to deciphering the plot. I’m not certain if I would see it in the theaters, but I will definitely want to watch it at home when it is released. Thanks for a great review!
It is pretty brutal to watch in the theater … might be easier to handle as an at home movie.
Yeah for you. See, you rock at resolutions! This movie really intrigues me and has since I saw the first trailer. I have a friend that went and did service after the tsunami so I am really interested in how they portrayed it. Thanks for the spoiler alert…I skimmed to the end and saw your 4 stars. Now I feel the urge for popcorn! Report cards don’t really need to be ready right NOW, do they???
Thanks for sharing. I like the movie review as a change. Happy Saturday.
So now we know why report cards are late … the teachers are at the movies!! HAHA! I imagine it might be upsetting for your friend but I’d be curious to know if they got the details right. It seemed like such a horrible horrible situation.
To be honest, I didn’t know what this movie was about until I read your post! I had heard of it before, knew it was getting awards buzz, and that Ewan starred (love him!). I’m a bit miffed with the Westernization of the family – I get why they do it, but still irks me. Still, sounds like a lovely, well-made film.
Ewan is gorgeous, isn’t he? He doesn’t have much to do though. It is definitely Naomi’s movie.
I really want to see this one. I’m betting that the tsunami footage on the big screen is something to see.
It is really stunning and intense. And seemed very realistic.
Sounds like an emotional movie – I remember when it happened so how could it not be – but I may wait for Netflix. I think the tsunami scenes might be overwhelming on the big screen (for me). Thanks for telling us about it. Good for you making the matinée!!
It is intense on the big screen — for sure. And I really soldiered through to make that movie. HAHA!
hey jenners!
i’ve seen the previews a couple of times and
burst into tears each time. don’t think any
other trailer has ever done that to me.
I can see that. The first time I saw the trailer I was just stunned.
i think this one sounds good
It is … but really intense. The fact that the story is based on one family’s experiences makes it even more amazing.
I haven’t even heard of this but it sounds great! I’m definitely adding it to my Netflix queue.
It isn’t a big movie for sure … and the title kind of doesn’t stick with you. I kept forgetting what it was when I saw the movie title.
Sounds like a good one Jenners, I have seen the previews. Yea, they probably Westernized the family to gear towards a bigger audience.
I would expect that of Hollywood but the filmmakers are Spanish so it was even weirder for them to Westernize the family.
Skipping the spoilers for ow, because I’m interested in seeing this movie. It sounds quite compelling.
For *now* — LOL
Of course I’m dying for you to see it because you write kick-ass movie reviews. Would love your opinion on this one!
I’m with Kathy on this one. That is, we are together but NOT at the movie! Not even together in real life, actually….
You crack me up.
This is not one I’d go to the movie theatre to see, but I’d be willing to watch at home. So….I skipped your end spoiler, just in case.
You haven’t finished a book yet this year??? I’m shocked! I’m on my fourth! (hoping to finish The Devil in the White City tonight) Of course you’ll pick up steam as the year goes on and my reading will fizzle, I’m sure.
I finally finished two books. A horrible horrible start for me. Not sure what happened. Though, in my defense, it was a long book.
This is a movie that I would definitely see, and hadn’t even heard of before your review. It does seem like the father had a puzzling reaction to the event, and I am sure that it would have made me mad as well. It sounds like the movie was excellent, though I do agree that the attempt to Westernize the family probably had a lot to do with ratings and viewers. I liked what you had to say about this movie and it’s intensity, so I will be looking for it. Thanks for the wonderful review, and have a great weekend!!
It is kind of flying under the radar, but Naomi Watts got a Best Actress nomination for her role so I imagine you’ll be hearing more about it.
Not sure if this movie’s for me, but I enjoyed reading your thoughts about it. I’m glad you were able to get to a matinée!
It was awesome to go to the movies on a Friday morning. I felt like I was playing hooky!
I’ve seen the trailers for this movie and thought it might be too gut wrenching to see.
Gut-wrenching is the right word for it.