Impossible, The (4/23/2013)

Rated PG-13 for intense realistic disaster sequences, including disturbing injury images and brief nudity.

Starring Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts

Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona (The Orphanage)

A powerful film about a devastating natural disaster.

Maria (Naomi Watts), Henry (Ewan McGregor) and their three sons begin their winter vacation in Thailand, looking forward to a few days in tropical paradise. But on the morning of December 26th, as the family relaxes around the pool after their Christmas festivities the night before, a terrifying roar rises up from the center of the earth. As Maria freezes in fear, a huge wall of black water races across the hotel grounds toward her.

Based on a true story, The Impossible is the unforgettable account of a family caught, with tens of thousands of strangers, in the mayhem of one of the worst natural catastrophes of our time. But the true-life terror is tempered by the unexpected displays of compassion, courage and simple kindness that Maria and her family encounter during the darkest hours of their lives. Both epic and intimate, devastating and uplifting, The Impossible is a journey to the core of the human heart.

Naomi Watts gives one of her finest, most physically commanding performances as Maria Bennett. There were several scenes where just the intensity in her eyes communicated far more than any words she spoke. She is both likable and believable which makes the film almost impossible to watch.

Ewan McGregor is just as strong. There is one scene in particular where he shines. A fellow survivor allows him to make a call to his father and he completely falls apart. It’s powerful and heart-breaking.

Truth is there are no weak performances – even the young boys are incredible.

When we think about special effects, most of us probably think about huge explosions, foreign worlds and creatures of all kinds. But this film’s special effects are both more impressive and believable than those CGI films. When I first heard the tidal wave, it was so convincing, it sent chills down my back.

The Impossible has a great cast, and a great director telling a great story about one of the worst natural disasters in history. It is powerful, inspiring and “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex, but there are several brief scenes of nudity. None of them are “sensual,” they take place within the disaster setting.

The tsunami scene is incredibly intense. People are swept away by the wave and are thrown violently by water. After the wave, dozens of dead bodies with bloody wounds can be seen. Hundreds of people are shown with injuries and are shown in intense pain.

There is some mild language and 2 or 3 mumbled uses of the F-word (but they can be easily missed though).

I think it is worth noting that this movie is based on a historical event and everything that is shown is true which adds deeper sense of dread and upsetting feeling to the viewers, especially the survivors.

The Tsunami sequence occurs about 15 minutes into the film and lasts for nearly 10 minutes. The scene is extremely intense and realistic, focusing on the pain and terror of the characters. The scene is disturbing and powerful, and will scare most viewers. The remainder of the film deals with the aftermath, which is equally as disturbing.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. As you watch the opening sequence when the tidal wave it, what were you feeling?


2. Can you imagine yourself in that situation?


3. Chances are pretty small for us to find ourselves in the middle of a title wave, but it is guaranteed that you and I will experience personal tragedy. What do we do when that happens?


4. Read Romans 5:3-5
   
   We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
   
   According to this passage why can we rejoice when we experience tragedy?


5. Do you normally find it easy to “rejoice” when bad things happen?


6. What are some things you can do this week to prepare yourself for the tragedy?