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Two initial impressions piqued my interest in this one upon hearing of it’s impending release.
Firstly, I was still somewhat baffled as to why, after almost a decade, the world of major film had not really addressed one of the worst natural disasters the world itself has ever faced in any relevant detail or scope? Granted, there have been a few independent works that merit mention and indeed high praise for their limitless courage in the face of limited resources and backing – yet most of these were in documentary format. Then there was Clint Eastwood’s HEREAFTER, another brave but laboured affair that only touched on the 2004 tsunami in an incidental if visually effective way.
So, I was pleased to hear that a big screen, decent budgeted treatment was on it’s way.
Secondly, when I learned that it was to be directed by the young and extremely talented Spanish director J.A. Bayona (who had so impressed with 2007 horror THE ORPHANAGE) I was plenty pleased.So, is it any good?
Absolutely.One hears plenty of publicity blah and press junket arseholery with regard to this movie or that demonstrating the “triumph of the human spirit” and “miracles can happen in the strangest of places” and “against all the odds” and blah blah blah yadda yadda yadda.. More often than not such promise falls flat on its face for a range of insufferable reasons.
It’s a great relief to say that THE IMPOSSIBLE, in its non-indulgent, modestly competent way, delivers on all the essentials here.. and then some.Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor play Maria and Henry Bennett, an unremarkable young couple holidaying with their three young sons in Thailand for Christmas. Thankfully we are not given too much time for any overladen exposition, just one or two sequences of normal family stuff and a few remarks providing brief glimpses of the couples working lives, with his job in Japan under threat and her considering a return to the medical profession if finances begin to become stretched. It is to the credit of all involved here that the temptation of laying material wealth and comfort on thick before the wave hits is avoided. The urge to set up any prospective sledgehammer juxta posing is not given any time thanks to Sergio G. Sanchez’s sleek script, Bayona’s measured, minimal fuss direction as well as commendable, understated performances from the two leads.
In truth, we know feck all about these people prior to the disaster, which is the perfect template really as the devastated landscape to come provides the perfect backdrop to fleshing them out. Suffice to say that when the tsunami hits its a terrifying thing of awesome power made all the more effective by the total ordinariness of the moments that immediately precede it. This visceral, jaw dropping sequence is a thing to behold and to be humbled by.. Nature simply swatting away those in front of it. Yet again Bayona’s cinematic brush is all over this, taking us with the monster wave as opposed to stopping here and there for fancy destruction clips or emphasis on gore and death. This decision in no way takes away from the sheer horror of it all, in fact it enhances it.. as anyone who dreams of drowning will testify to. There is violence, there is pain, there is fear and utter devastation.. but never in any explicit way. Nature’s ultimate power has no time to stop for set pieces.Post apocalypse is where THE IMPOSSIBLE truly begins its odyssey, a microcosm of the frailty and nobility of the human condition illustrated in the plight of one family as each bears their burden through a murky but determined mix of necessity and hope. Watts brings her accomplished mix of gravitas and compassion to proceedings in a performance that taxes both physically and emotionally. McGregor, with his great ability to be both everyman and accidental hero takes his ever maturing career further along with a measured, yet still emotionally engaging take on a father and husband who must go on not only for his own family but what seems like faint echoes of the very fabric of civilisation itself. Hope and hard work amidst complete and total devastation. All are bang on form here as this seemingly small story brings huge consideration to the biggest things we have.. as all great Art illustrates.
But chief recipient of the acting kudos must certainly go to young Tom Holland playing the eldest son Lucas, first glimpsed as a stroppy, sullen teen who subsequently steps (or is actually forced) up to be counted and for long periods holds the physical and emotional tripod well with his older co stars. An extraordinary performance from the 16 year old that bodes well for the future.Naturally, gripes will be concentrated on the fact that this story centres on holiday making westerners and, to add insult to injury, the real family were actually Spanish and not the white, blonde and golden tongued British clan we encounter speaking perfect English in the finished film. Such obvious homogeneous Hollywood-type assimilation is made even more perplexing as this is in essence a Spanish production and together with what would seem as nothing but a cursory nod to actual Asian victims does understandably detract. One would hope that perhaps an Extended Cut of some sort would go towards rectifying this.
Bottom line however is that there is an underlying pulse to this film, one of awareness and sympathy with the events that brought it to be. This awareness is there on the most basic, human of levels but in no way manifests itself as overpowering or indulgent.. thanks to the respectful and professional contributions from it’s main players.
Highly Recommended.
=D> =D> =D> =D>
THE IMPOSSIBLE is currently on release in cinemas.
@Sgt Pepper wrote:
Highly Recommended.
THE IMPOSSIBLE is currently on release in cinemas.
Great review, Brother Scep.
@rusty trawler wrote:
@Sgt Pepper wrote:
Highly Recommended.
THE IMPOSSIBLE is currently on release in cinemas.
Great review, Brother Scep.
Might go see it this weekend… snow permitting :D
My son has just finished filming 3 days for a film (she says in a bragging proud mother voice) :lol:
The way he goes on about it (and the way I go on about it) you would think hes the Brad Pitt of the movie but alas he is an extra, who does interact with the main characters though.
It’s a british spoof comedy called Hooligan Factory. Releasing on 15th June.I shall expect nothing but good reviews for this movie thank you very much people :lol:
(goes off to buy a frock shoes and bag for the oscars)
gets autograph book ready
@kent f OBE wrote:
My son has just finished filming 3 days for a film (she says in a bragging proud mother voice) :lol:
The way he goes on about it (and the way I go on about it) you would think hes the Brad Pitt of the movie but alas he is an extra, who does interact with the main characters though.
It’s a british spoof comedy called Hooligan Factory. Releasing on 15th June.I shall expect nothing but good reviews for this movie thank you very much people :lol:
(goes off to buy a frock shoes and bag for the oscars)
Of course you’re proud, lassie. You’re a mom: it’s your duty.
Well done to Kenty jr.
@rusty trawler wrote:
@Sgt Pepper wrote:
Highly Recommended.
THE IMPOSSIBLE is currently on release in cinemas.
Great review, Brother Scep.
In case anyone didn’t notice, the review was written by Pepperpot, not by Brother Scep lol
Maybe he’ll write a review of Lincoln, the Steven Spielberg movie just out. I’ve read some rave critical reviews of this.
@kent f OBE wrote:
My son has just finished filming 3 days for a film (she says in a bragging proud mother voice) :lol:
The way he goes on about it (and the way I go on about it) you would think hes the Brad Pitt of the movie but alas he is an extra, who does interact with the main characters though.
It’s a british spoof comedy called Hooligan Factory. Releasing on 15th June.I shall expect nothing but good reviews for this movie thank you very much people :lol:
(goes off to buy a frock shoes and bag for the oscars)
*Makes himself comfortable while he sits back and imagines Kenty in a backless frock and stilettos – or was that Halle Berry . . . . ?
@sceptical guy wrote:
@rusty trawler wrote:
@Sgt Pepper wrote:
Highly Recommended.
THE IMPOSSIBLE is currently on release in cinemas.
Great review, Brother Scep.
In case anyone didn’t notice, the review was written by Pepperpot, not by Brother Scep lol
Maybe he’ll write a review of Lincoln, the Steven Spielberg movie just out. I’ve read some rave critical reviews of this.
Apologies. Still a good review.
I can’t wait for the new movie Hitchcock to come out, I saw a clip of Anthony Hopkins in character as Hitchcock the other day…. scarily like him :shock:
I think it comes out in the next couple of weeks :D
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