The Impossible: ***

The highly anticipated drama disaster film The Impossible has recently been released for viewing. The film was undoubtedly going to create deep emotional response being set upon the very recent and very real 2004 boxing day Tsunami, telling the story of a family separated, injured and emotionally damaged by the catastrophe. The events in the picture are relatable to the mass majority of the audience having the events of the disaster just being under 10 years ago, and of course the family in who's point of view we see have been transformed to be British for 'world wide acceptance'. However if you're on the fence before viewing as to whether or not you'll like this film, I would say chances are that you won't. I was expecting a story that would engulf me with heart ache, but instead found myself waiting for something 'big' to happen all the time and being let down with an unjustified ending. I'm not saying this film was a disaster it's self in anyway, there are scenes that will make you well up when reminding you of the importance of family and the basic means of human survival, and the tsunami scene will keep you on the edge of your seat and gasping for air. But the ending really spoils the film a little in my opinion, I felt that because we were able to know the characters so well they were owed more than a rushed closing. There was very graphic imagery through out, with convincing make up and moving performances from the cast. There were touching aspects with the family unity, their relationship was extremely real as a performance and their drive to find each other after separation was heart-rending. All in all, I think what makes this film so emotionally melting is the concept and the fact the actual family were based upon real people, not the screen play or script. You're left at the end reminded of a tragic, real event that damaged the lives of so many people so in this memorial aspect the film is a success. Oscar worthy? ...Perhaps for talent in acting, but certainly not in writing or general production in my opinion.

Rating: 3 Stars
Highlight: The performance from Naomi Watts in the Tsunami scene, and the reunion
See if: You're looking for a good cry, you're interested in recent historical events and disaster/tragedy film.
Don't see if: You actually want to see a film with a complex story. Besides from the obvious Tsunami strike and aftermath, the plot is quite blunt to say the least.