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Nothing is more powerful than the human spirit.

The Impossible, Spain/USA, 2012. Directed by J.A. Bayona, written by Sergio G. Sánchez, Maria Belón. With Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, Tom Holland. Original music by F. Velázquez. Length: 114′. Rated: PG-13

“The Impossible” tells the true story of Maria and her family, who happened to be on holiday in Thailand for 2004 Christmas, the most terrible the last few decades. After the tremendous tsunami, with bravery and great willpower they reunite despite the great chaos of the early rescues.

This is not a movie where the success relies on the storyline; it’s actually nothing more than a happy ending story (which is not a spoiler, since it’s a true one) about a couple and their sons, their tenacity and strenght.

Maria’s help in writing the screenplay is perceivable in every possible way: each and every moment of the story, since the very beginning of a Spanish family livic in Japan, trough all the terrible experience to the very end, are all narrated with the spontaneity and the wisdom of someone who doesn’t want any interference by the movie industry. The risk of making a show out of their painful memories was well avoided.

This is also why is difficult to understand the role that director and writer had in the working process; they both are very young and gained experience with short-lenghts before their very debut in “Orphanage” (which belongs to the furthest of genres). The thing is, it seemed more of a documentary than a movie: wether it’s a perk or a disadvantage I cannot say, but it’s something to bestow to all the cast and crew. And in the hands of a more experienced director, the result could end in a way surely different, not necessarily better.

Before talking about the cast, there’s something else. Naomi Watts was considered worthy of a leading actress nomination at that year’s Oscar run; I empathize with some actress who didn’t make the short-list, since in my opinion she is far from a leading character. Maybe Henry/McGregor was more of a leading role; at least, equally important (and well portrayed). In any case, their performances were undoubtedly more than good, considering they make a wonderful couple and also perfect fits for their characters. Both had seen better days (“The Ring” or “Trainspotting” just to say one each), but had gone trough worse days too. A making highlight for the three little actors, Samuel, Oaklee but most of all Tom Holland, the oldest. He has a wonderful career ahead. Considering this was his first appearance, a great impact on a difficult role, with great consciousness and confidence.

The music, in a movie which is almost a mock-umentary has but two choices: being a masterpiece or simply guide the flowing of the story. Fernando Velàzquez chose the second path, safer, but does a nice job. He also had just “Orphanage” before this (apart from “Devil”, which is a forgettable movie).

I know I risk being repetitive, but while it’s a good movie because it doesn’t rely on emotionality to describe a catastrophe, at the same time it’s just partly a movie and partly a documentary. Overall: not bad.

 

DOWNLOAD REVIEW IN PDF: The Impossible (2012)

LEGGI LA RECENSIONE IN ITALIANO: The Impossible – Recensione