Impossible, The MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +4 Content: +2

Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor. Warner Bros. Adventure/drama. Written by Sergio G. Sanchez. Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona.

FILM SYNOPSIS: The Impossible tells the true story of a Spanish couple, played by Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor, and their three children. The movie starts as the family begins their Christmas vacation in Thailand, with the intention of spending a few days at a tropical paradise resort. However, their idyllic vacation is interrupted on the morning of December 26, 2004, when a devastating tsunami destroys the coastal zone, separating the family and triggering a frantic search.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Wow, what a movie. Hollywood’s CGI at its best, along with a riveting script and powerful performances from Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and young Tom Holland, make this one of the most exciting films of the year. On top of that, it contains uplifting examples of people aiding others in time of need. It shows the compassion of the human spirit that unfortunately often needs a catastrophe to befall before it is awakened.

Though this was an actual occurrence, the filmmaker also uses the events as a symbolic message, reminding viewers that in this era of “What have you done for me lately?” mankind will only survive the paths dictated by politicians and the conglomerate business world if we the people start looking out for the other guy. This compassion cannot be mandated by law. It has to come from man’s conscience and sense of what’s right and wrong. It is that spiritual element in man that rises above his own welfare and considers the needs of others. This is evidenced in The Impossible.

In one scene, a mother awaiting dire medical attention tells her son to go help others. When he does, you see a look of elation on his face when he reunites family members. In another scene, a man asks to use a stranger’s cell phone, but the owner of the phone is afraid to give it over, its battery being low. Another man, however, not only allows the man to use his phone, despite the same problem, he makes sure the man uses it a second time to reach worried relatives. The compassion in this scene is palpable. There are other examples of selflessness that will inspire.

While the film is at times difficult to view due to the torment our protagonists must endure and the sight of dead bodies and wounded and broken hospital victims, as well as the ravaged territory, nonetheless, it is a film that reveals that hope can be found even in times of moral and physical devastation.

Truly, one of the best films of the year.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Warner Bros.