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The Impossible - 1/1/2013 9:45:45 AM

Empire Admin

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Post #: 1

sounds interesting - 1/1/2013 9:45:45 AM

darktrain

Posts: 80
Joined: 6/11/2005
From: manchester uk

Heard really good things about this movie and the performances within..review has now swayed me to go see this as soon as possible.

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Post #: 2

RE: sounds interesting - 3/1/2013 3:03:40 PM

BelovedAunt

Posts: 40
Joined: 5/9/2011

Saw this last night and arrived so late that the only option left was the front row - felt like free IMAX so might go for that again. Anyways the film was fantastic and is highly recommended - if you can keep dry eyes throughout you're a better man than me. Poor Naomi Watts has another role where she really goes through the wringer - between this, 21 Grams and Funny Games she's had some really emotionally demanding parts. McGregor is also better than I expected, keeping things simple. A good first film of 2013.

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Post #: 3

Many Waves of Emotions all round...... - 3/1/2013 5:07:37 PM

n13roy

Posts: 81
Joined: 5/10/2005

Just come back from the Cinema after watching the " The Imposssible " and what a roller-coaster of emotions you go through watching this Film, hardly a dry eye in the house at times, but overall its a real heart warming story of human endurance, and overcoming almost impossible odds ( hence the title I suppose ) to survive. Would I recommend it, well I think it all depends on your outlook on life I suppose. I really enjoyed it, and so did my wife, but a lot of people did actually walk out of this Film today, not quite sure why though.........

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Post #: 4

- 5/1/2013 11:32:45 PM

Whistler

Posts: 2271
Joined: 22/11/2006

Powerful and moving, even if the script wavers at times.

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Post #: 5

RE: - 7/1/2013 9:12:30 AM

Dannybohy

Posts: 935
Joined: 7/1/2009

Highly recommend this movie! Very powerful and moving, my wife was a wreck afterwards. Also more frightening than any horror you will see this year. Naomi Watts deserves to be up for the Oscars along with Ewan McGregor and especially the young actor who plays the oldest son. Great start to my 2013 viewing!

< Message edited by Dannybohy -- 7/1/2013 9:13:53 AM >

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�If you hate Nolan I pity you'
-Anonymous Nolan fan

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Post #: 6

RE: RE: - 8/1/2013 4:35:50 PM

Qwerty Norris

Posts: 3142
Joined: 26/10/2005
From: Edinburgh

Very hard to fault the production design & young Holland is absolutely fantastic, yet it suffers from that inherent problem of trying to dramatise & extend the commercial viability of a real life tragedy which for me compromised the depiction. Some plot contrivances which can only exist in the world of mainstream cinema (the hospital scene near the end) and an overly manipulative score did nothing other than remove this viewer from the plight of the characters and reminded them that they were watching "a movie" rather than its perceived intention to sensitively portray a real-life story of a Spanish family (who for commercial reasons - are also anglofied). For it to have worked (for me anyway), it really needed a docu-like portrayal of events similarly used in the likes of United 93 or The Killing Fields, yet instead we'll have to make do with its Hollywood conformation for financial reasons - which are understandable,if a little disingenuous.

3/5

_____________________________

Qwerty's Top 10 of 2013 (so far)

1. Zero Dark Thirty
2. No
3. In The Fog
4. Good Vibrations
5. McCullin
6. Beyond the Hills
7. The Place Beyond the Pines
8. Wreck-it Ralph
9. Shell
10. In The House

(in reply to Dannybohy)

Post #: 7

Naomi Watts - 8/1/2013 8:57:20 PM

Normal Control

Posts: 72
Joined: 11/11/2012

Does Naomi Watts go nude in this (she's usually an eager beaver onscreen)? If so, I may grab a hotdog and watch it.

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"you would need three promotions to get to be an asshole!"

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Post #: 8

RE: RE: - 9/1/2013 8:54:28 AM

Dannybohy

Posts: 935
Joined: 7/1/2009

quote:

ORIGINAL: Qwerty Norris

Very hard to fault the production design & young Holland is absolutely fantastic, yet it suffers from that inherent problem of trying to dramatise & extend the commercial viability of a real life tragedy which for me compromised the depiction. Some plot contrivances which can only exist in the world of mainstream cinema (the hospital scene near the end) and an overly manipulative score did nothing other than remove this viewer from the plight of the characters and reminded them that they were watching "a movie" rather than its perceived intention to sensitively portray a real-life story of a Spanish family (who for commercial reasons - are also anglofied). For it to have worked (for me anyway), it really needed a docu-like portrayal of events similarly used in the likes of United 93 or The Killing Fields, yet instead we'll have to make do with its Hollywood conformation for financial reasons - which are understandable,if a little disingenuous.

3/5

_____________________________

�If you hate Nolan I pity you'
-Anonymous Nolan fan

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Post #: 9

RE: Naomi Watts - 9/1/2013 8:54:52 AM

Dannybohy

Posts: 935
Joined: 7/1/2009

quote:

ORIGINAL: Normal Control

Does Naomi Watts go nude in this (she's usually an eager beaver onscreen)? If so, I may grab a hotdog and watch it.

You see her left boob!!

_____________________________

�If you hate Nolan I pity you'
-Anonymous Nolan fan

(in reply to Normal Control)

Post #: 10

RE: RE: - 9/1/2013 9:38:16 AM

tftrman

Posts: 3192
Joined: 15/11/2005

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dannybohy

quote:

ORIGINAL: Qwerty Norris

Very hard to fault the production design & young Holland is absolutely fantastic, yet it suffers from that inherent problem of trying to dramatise & extend the commercial viability of a real life tragedy which for me compromised the depiction. Some plot contrivances which can only exist in the world of mainstream cinema (the hospital scene near the end) and an overly manipulative score did nothing other than remove this viewer from the plight of the characters and reminded them that they were watching "a movie" rather than its perceived intention to sensitively portray a real-life story of a Spanish family (who for commercial reasons - are also anglofied). For it to have worked (for me anyway), it really needed a docu-like portrayal of events similarly used in the likes of United 93 or The Killing Fields, yet instead we'll have to make do with its Hollywood conformation for financial reasons - which are understandable,if a little disingenuous.

3/5

Obvious troll is obvious.

(in reply to Dannybohy)

Post #: 11

RE: RE: - 9/1/2013 12:46:25 PM

Qwerty Norris

Posts: 3142
Joined: 26/10/2005
From: Edinburgh

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dannybohy

quote:

ORIGINAL: Qwerty Norris

Very hard to fault the production design & young Holland is absolutely fantastic, yet it suffers from that inherent problem of trying to dramatise & extend the commercial viability of a real life tragedy which for me compromised the depiction. Some plot contrivances which can only exist in the world of mainstream cinema (the hospital scene near the end) and an overly manipulative score did nothing other than remove this viewer from the plight of the characters and reminded them that they were watching "a movie" rather than its perceived intention to sensitively portray a real-life story of a Spanish family (who for commercial reasons - are also anglofied). For it to have worked (for me anyway), it really needed a docu-like portrayal of events similarly used in the likes of United 93 or The Killing Fields, yet instead we'll have to make do with its Hollywood conformation for financial reasons - which are understandable,if a little disingenuous.

3/5

Ironically, I find your ill-informed Nolan bashing boring as well.

_____________________________

Qwerty's Top 10 of 2013 (so far)

1. Zero Dark Thirty
2. No
3. In The Fog
4. Good Vibrations
5. McCullin
6. Beyond the Hills
7. The Place Beyond the Pines
8. Wreck-it Ralph
9. Shell
10. In The House

(in reply to Dannybohy)

Post #: 12

RE: RE: - 9/1/2013 2:10:12 PM

Dannybohy

Posts: 935
Joined: 7/1/2009

quote:

ORIGINAL: Qwerty Norris

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dannybohy

quote:

ORIGINAL: Qwerty Norris

Very hard to fault the production design & young Holland is absolutely fantastic, yet it suffers from that inherent problem of trying to dramatise & extend the commercial viability of a real life tragedy which for me compromised the depiction. Some plot contrivances which can only exist in the world of mainstream cinema (the hospital scene near the end) and an overly manipulative score did nothing other than remove this viewer from the plight of the characters and reminded them that they were watching "a movie" rather than its perceived intention to sensitively portray a real-life story of a Spanish family (who for commercial reasons - are also anglofied). For it to have worked (for me anyway), it really needed a docu-like portrayal of events similarly used in the likes of United 93 or The Killing Fields, yet instead we'll have to make do with its Hollywood conformation for financial reasons - which are understandable,if a little disingenuous.

3/5

Ironically, I find your ill-informed Nolan bashing boring as well.

Boring, yes! but not ill-informed

Irony is great.

_____________________________

�If you hate Nolan I pity you'
-Anonymous Nolan fan

(in reply to Qwerty Norris)

Post #: 13

RE: RE: - 9/1/2013 2:31:08 PM

horribleives

Posts: 4178
Joined: 12/6/2009
From: The North

quote:

ORIGINAL: Qwerty Norris

Very hard to fault the production design & young Holland is absolutely fantastic, yet it suffers from that inherent problem of trying to dramatise & extend the commercial viability of a real life tragedy which for me compromised the depiction. Some plot contrivances which can only exist in the world of mainstream cinema (the hospital scene near the end) and an overly manipulative score did nothing other than remove this viewer from the plight of the characters and reminded them that they were watching "a movie" rather than its perceived intention to sensitively portray a real-life story of a Spanish family (who for commercial reasons - are also anglofied). For it to have worked (for me anyway), it really needed a docu-like portrayal of events similarly used in the likes of United 93 or The Killing Fields, yet instead we'll have to make do with its Hollywood conformation for financial reasons - which are understandable,if a little disingenuous.

3/5

That's a shame - when I first read about it that's exactly the kind of thing I was expecting. The whole changing-the-nationality-of-the-family thing doesn't sit right with me either but I'm hoping it's not enough to marr what still sounds like a powerful film.

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Post #: 14

RE: RE: - 9/1/2013 2:35:17 PM

horribleives

Posts: 4178
Joined: 12/6/2009
From: The North

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dannybohy

quote:

ORIGINAL: Qwerty Norris

Very hard to fault the production design & young Holland is absolutely fantastic, yet it suffers from that inherent problem of trying to dramatise & extend the commercial viability of a real life tragedy which for me compromised the depiction. Some plot contrivances which can only exist in the world of mainstream cinema (the hospital scene near the end) and an overly manipulative score did nothing other than remove this viewer from the plight of the characters and reminded them that they were watching "a movie" rather than its perceived intention to sensitively portray a real-life story of a Spanish family (who for commercial reasons - are also anglofied). For it to have worked (for me anyway), it really needed a docu-like portrayal of events similarly used in the likes of United 93 or The Killing Fields, yet instead we'll have to make do with its Hollywood conformation for financial reasons - which are understandable,if a little disingenuous.

3/5

Aye, you won't get much change out of Dannybohy with reasoned comments like that - I think he prefers the 'I THINK THIS THIS FILM IS TERRIBLE AND ANYONE WHO LIKES IT IS AN IDIOT!' style of film criticism.

_____________________________

www.hollywoodunbound.co.uk - some nonsense about alien film directors and musclebound man-children.

(in reply to Dannybohy)

Post #: 15

RE: RE: - 9/1/2013 2:41:36 PM

Dannybohy

Posts: 935
Joined: 7/1/2009

quote:

ORIGINAL: horribleives

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dannybohy

quote:

ORIGINAL: Qwerty Norris

Very hard to fault the production design & young Holland is absolutely fantastic, yet it suffers from that inherent problem of trying to dramatise & extend the commercial viability of a real life tragedy which for me compromised the depiction. Some plot contrivances which can only exist in the world of mainstream cinema (the hospital scene near the end) and an overly manipulative score did nothing other than remove this viewer from the plight of the characters and reminded them that they were watching "a movie" rather than its perceived intention to sensitively portray a real-life story of a Spanish family (who for commercial reasons - are also anglofied). For it to have worked (for me anyway), it really needed a docu-like portrayal of events similarly used in the likes of United 93 or The Killing Fields, yet instead we'll have to make do with its Hollywood conformation for financial reasons - which are understandable,if a little disingenuous.

3/5

Aye, you won't get much change out of Dannybohy with reasoned comments like that - I think he prefers the 'I THINK THIS THIS FILM IS TERRIBLE AND ANYONE WHO LIKES IT IS AN IDIOT!' style of film criticism.

Irony is really great

_____________________________

�If you hate Nolan I pity you'
-Anonymous Nolan fan

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Post #: 16

RE: RE: - 9/1/2013 3:55:51 PM

Qwerty Norris

Posts: 3142
Joined: 26/10/2005
From: Edinburgh

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dannybohy

Boring, yes! but not ill-informed

You mean you've actually presented a coherent case to why you personally don't like his stuff as opposed to simply lampoon others for digging his work?

Good for you...

_____________________________

Qwerty's Top 10 of 2013 (so far)

1. Zero Dark Thirty
2. No
3. In The Fog
4. Good Vibrations
5. McCullin
6. Beyond the Hills
7. The Place Beyond the Pines
8. Wreck-it Ralph
9. Shell
10. In The House

(in reply to Dannybohy)

Post #: 17

RE: RE: - 9/1/2013 4:02:13 PM

Qwerty Norris

Posts: 3142
Joined: 26/10/2005
From: Edinburgh

quote:

ORIGINAL: horribleives

That's a shame - when I first read about it that's exactly the kind of thing I was expecting. The whole changing-the-nationality-of-the-family thing doesn't sit right with me either but I'm hoping it's not enough to marr what still sounds like a powerful film.

In fairness, it's really down to you. A close friend of mine based in Spain for example was profoundly moved by it - despite its Hollywood tropes and its fundamental changes to the Spanish family the story bases itself on. In many ways it's still very affecting, it's just that for me I need depictions of real life tragedies to not conform itself to the tropes of a commercial film - which I feel this does.

_____________________________

Qwerty's Top 10 of 2013 (so far)

1. Zero Dark Thirty
2. No
3. In The Fog
4. Good Vibrations
5. McCullin
6. Beyond the Hills
7. The Place Beyond the Pines
8. Wreck-it Ralph
9. Shell
10. In The House

(in reply to horribleives)

Post #: 18

RE: RE: - 10/1/2013 9:41:12 AM

GCH

Posts: 36
Joined: 25/8/2007

I have to agree with this view of the film. It is technically astounding, but when you find yourself wondering 'how the hell did they do that?' whilst the film is still in progress you are clearly not engaging emotionally with the characters. This is because the script is a bit clunky, and some things that happen are not really understandable. There is also the point that you kind of know the end before you see the film.
Also, there is no real mention of the devastation to the local population, but then this isn't about them is it?
3/5

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Post #: 19

The Impossible - 12/1/2013 2:55:35 PM

ajm1991

Posts: 22
Joined: 3/11/2012

'The Impossible' is a movie that must be watched with your family. Emotional moments are in heap where you realize how much important is the family for you. A movie that makes you to hug your loved ones !!
Detailed Review Here: http://www.filmwaves.in/2013/01/the-impossible.html

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Post #: 20

RE: The Impossible - 13/1/2013 6:20:01 PM

Hood_Man

Posts: 11270
Joined: 30/9/2005

I agree with others who've said that the script wobbles a bit. I find it hard to believe that children that young would say some of the things they said.

Otherwise, an incredibly powerful film full of believable performances. Mcgregor's breakdown over the telephone broke my heart, and young Tom Holland displayed real vulnerability, especially when he saw the extent of his mothers injuries.

A heartbreaking film that, along with United 93, will go down as one of those excellent films that I never want to see again.

(in reply to ajm1991)

Post #: 21

waves of tears - 28/1/2013 10:07:46 PM

tysmuse

Posts: 255
Joined: 24/9/2007

Sorry for the pun, but I was in floods of tears. Sooo moving. Thought Watts' Oscar nom is generous, especially since she spends most of the movie hospitalised. McGregor doesn't put a foot wrong. Most surprisingly, the move affecting scenes come from the film highlighting the wider effects of the disaster.

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Post #: 22

RE: Naomi Watts - 2/2/2013 6:10:27 PM

Super Hans

Posts: 2291
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Watford

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dannybohy

quote:

ORIGINAL: Normal Control

Does Naomi Watts go nude in this (she's usually an eager beaver onscreen)? If so, I may grab a hotdog and watch it.

You see her left boob!!

Yes, we get the 'brief nudity' as described by the BBFC, but I'd be lying if I said it was in the most erotic of contexts!

We just got back from watching this - we don't get to the cinema a huge amount nowadays but my wife wanted to watch this (fair enough as it's normally something I want to see that we watch!).

Despite not usually being one for these kind of emotional onslaught films, I have to say it was a very good film and well acted by all involved. It did a very effective job of showing how much destruction the tsunami caused and the scenes following the characters as it was happening were very tense and pretty scary. Being a 12A, it doesn't dwell to much on the human injuries but there are certainly enough moment to make you wince. Really though it's about the experiences and journey of that family, which it portrays very effectively.

Well worth a watch, but if you're a crier at films, make sure you take some tissues - I noticed a lot of teary folk in the busy screening we went to!

< Message edited by Super Hans -- 2/2/2013 6:11:01 PM >

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Post #: 23

RE: Naomi Watts - 16/2/2013 12:32:28 AM

Biggus

Posts: 7601
Joined: 2/10/2005
From: Not Local

The Impossible is probably one of the most exhaustive cinema experiences I�ve ever had. It is a relentless emotional assault which leaves you equal parts drained and fulfilled.

The story centres on the Bennett family who arrive at a Thai coastal resort 2 days before the devastating Boxing Day tsunami hit and their subsequent separation and attempt to relocate each other following the disaster. Naomi Watts gives an outstanding physically gruelling performance as the family�s mother Maria for which she has been understandably nominated for an Oscar but this is by no means a one-person show. Ewan McGregor does his best acting work for years as the father Henry whose part, while not as physically battering, channels the overwhelming feeling of despair and desperation of seeking hope in an apparently hopeless situation. Of the three sons, it is Tom Holland as eldest child Lucas who carries much of the weight of the drama and he delivers an earnest performance of the like usually elicited by Steven Spielberg. We will almost certainly being seeing more from him in the future.

From a technical standpoint, the film is flawless. From the initial onslaught of the tidal wave to the depictions of its aftermath, we never feel anything other than directly in the midst of the catastrophe. How some of the footage was achieved without actually being there on that fateful day truly boggles the mind. The carnage, both human and environmental, caused by the wave is not skirted over and is used throughout the film to illustrate the magnitude of the tragedy and also to give the central characters a sense of perspective on their own plight. Scenes of the dead and other less fortunate victims serve as indications of the wider impact of the event and provide solemn reminders to the family throughout their journey of the veiled fortune they have.

When the film finished never have I heard such overwhelming silence from such a busy theatre. I think it was a silence borne of respect, shock, exhaustion and relief. It�s only January but I�d be amazed if The Impossible does not appear in my top ten of 2013.

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Post #: 24

Harrowing, emotional portrayal of a devastating event - 14/4/2013 1:12:00 PM

MovieGoodfellas

Posts: 4
Joined: 14/4/2013

I finally watched the film.
Naomi Watts gives quite possibly her finest performances to date, portraying harrowing desperation, stubborn determination in the face of incredible pain and agony, and, ultimately, a sense of love and care despite her deteriorating state. True, she is bedridden for about half the film, but it is during this time where there are these small moments of tenderness and humility which undoubtedly makes Watts's performance one of the best of the year.

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Post #: 25

Harrowing, emotional portrayal of a devastating event - 14/4/2013 1:12:16 PM

MovieGoodfellas

Posts: 4
Joined: 14/4/2013

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Post #: 26

Harrowing, emotional portrayal of a devastating event - 14/4/2013 1:13:14 PM

MovieGoodfellas

Posts: 4
Joined: 14/4/2013

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Post #: 27