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The Impossible
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The Impossible

2012
Drama
Suspense/Thriller
1h 54m
Juan Antonio Bayona (The Orphanage) recreates the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in terrifyingly vivid detail in this grueling survival story about a married couple (Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor) searching for their missing children in the aftermath of the disaster. (tiff.net)
Directed by:
J.A. Bayona J.A. Bayona
Written by:
Sergio G. Sánchez
Starring:
Geraldine Chaplin Geraldine Chaplin Naomi Watts Naomi Watts Ewan McGregor Ewan McGregor Marta Etura Marta Etura Samuel Joslin Samuel Joslin Oaklee Pendergast Tom Holland Tom Holland
More
Genres:
Drama, Suspense/Thriller, Action, History
AKA:
imposible, Lo
Countries:
Spain, USA
Languages:
English, Spanish, Swedish, German, Thai
imdb More information at IMDb
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The Impossible

2012
Drama
Suspense/Thriller
1h 54m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 52.95% from 1850 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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davidblastDavidBlast
Rated 29 Nov 2016
40
28th
Aawww, those white people had a bad vacation :(
Rated 29 Nov 2016
damildamil
Rated 21 Feb 2013
55
34th
The best part about this film was the tsunami scenes; they were pretty well done. The rest was just emotionally-manipulative Hollywood Oscar-bait. Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor did alright with what they had to work with. The dialogue was very basic, unrealistic and sometimes plain awful. I might have been emotionally affected by some scenes if it weren't for the terrible dialogue. Not an entirely bad film, just a very disappointing one, which had a lot of potential.
Rated 21 Feb 2013
kasperlKasperL
Rated 14 Oct 2016
40
19th
Too much. Way, way too much.
Rated 14 Oct 2016
illimaniillimani
Rated 06 Jan 2013
82
85th
An emotional rollercoaster throughout. Totally knackered once it was over and needed a strong drink! Terrific effects but so so draining.
Rated 06 Jan 2013
moraesfelipemoraesfelipe
Rated 27 Dec 2012
47
27th
Bayona fills his version of the biggest human tragedy/natural disaster of the 21st century with histrionic horror genre tricks -- suspenseful scares, surprise appearances and a haunting imagery --, trying to gain attention at all costs. It's just a shocker, a tearjerker that merely simulates a true story of survival in order to manipulate audiences' emotions. I just felt that I've seen a genre-friendly flick or a thing directed by Emmerich. It's the Passion of the Christ of disaster movies.
Rated 27 Dec 2012
cinemaasiaCinema_Asia
Rated 21 Jan 2013
75
71st
Yes it's a tearjerker. Yes it has standard cliches. The real "impossible" feat here was finding a cast of kids who weren't over emoting annoying little shits. Ewan McGregor is decent and he can really pour on the grief but this was definitely Naomi Watt's show. As someone who saw the aftermath of the Tsunami disaster in person, the location and people portrayed were startling realistic right down to the aging German tourist with beer belly and tattoos. The disaster scenes were very well done.
Rated 21 Jan 2013
caprimodecaprimode
Rated 09 Jan 2013
90
88th
An incredible film about the human spirit that rose above my concerns of it being "Western-centric", despite being about one of the biggest tragedies to hit the East. The film is about the human spirit, and it provides a message that ultimately is blind to race when it comes to people coming together to help them overcome the impossible. The entire cast is great, Watts and the oldest child are the standouts.
Rated 09 Jan 2013
tinysausagetinysausage
Rated 27 Jan 2013
61
16th
A pretty strong depiction of the 2004 tsunami through the eyes of a western family. I found this fairly conventional with the exception of some standout scenes: the wave hitting sequence is incredibly intense; the depiction of the gentle Thai women helping Watts was spot on; and the late flashback/dream was rather beautiful. But I felt the film should have ended several scenes earlier - it got pretty saccarine towards the end.
Rated 27 Jan 2013
wezzoWezzo
Rated 07 Jan 2013
88
74th
Some minor issues with dialogue aside (the oldest child Lucas' lines felt forced and unconvincing at times), The Impossible is a strong movie, anchored by superb cinematography and a palpable sense of despair that somehow only ratchets up in intensity as the movie continues. Harrowing from start to finish, it is not trying to be a look at the cumulative impact of the tsunami but rather a snapshot of one family's attempts to cope with the immediate aftermath, at which it succeeds admirably.
Rated 07 Jan 2013
cinematicespCinematicESP
Rated 08 Jan 2013
79
46th
The journey is emotional and intense, the disaster scenes particularly effective, but the resolution feels a bit conveniently manufactured, even if based on true events.
Rated 08 Jan 2013
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 30 Dec 2012
4
13th
Indian Ocean tsunami - The Ride
Rated 30 Dec 2012
wetwillieswetwillies
Rated 21 Jan 2013
85
59th
The tsunami scene is pretty genuinely terrifying, while the performances are across the board terrific and some moments are truly heartwrenching. It does have a couple notes that ring false, especially the terrible musical score which threatens to overwhelm many of the film's most touching moments.
Rated 21 Jan 2013
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 26 Apr 2014
71
84th
You can argue that telling the story about a British family in the midst of so many native deaths was silly (of course there were lots of other movies made including ones that show just this) but it does not detract from the quality of the film. Also I probably would not have watched any foreign films regarding the disaster anyways since the actors and effects and storytelling in general are usually not up to the same standards. Watts is great in this.
Rated 26 Apr 2014
muutanetmuutanet
Rated 16 Feb 2013
58
47th
Well achieved catastrophe imagery, although I did not like much of the sentimentality in the story. Naomi Watts was nice.
Rated 16 Feb 2013
ryan_luedersRyan Lueders
Rated 22 Apr 2013
59
14th
I'm not a huge fan of disaster movies to begin with but this one didn't change my mind on the genre. This movie can be broken into a few sections. 75% screaming, 22% crying and 3% touching moments worth watching. I almost wanted to put the film on mute (although I'm glad I didn't because it had a pretty good score) because it was just screaming and anguish for most of the film. Watts did fine and so did McGregor but the film itself just wasn't enjoyable to watch at all.
Rated 22 Apr 2013
zealot185Zealot185
Rated 03 Feb 2013
47
24th
What's Impossible is how few Southeast Asians are affected by this dire tragedy in the film. While it shines a spotlight on an incredible survival tale, I have to agree with the criticisms of white-washing a disaster that affected Southeast Asians more than anyone else. It's as if this was produced just to tell the West that it hit white people too.
Rated 03 Feb 2013
derekstarDerekstar
Rated 03 Feb 2013
70
50th
ADD ANOTHER ONE TO THE TALLY! ANOTHER MOVIE SPOILED BY ITS OWN TRAILER!!!
Rated 03 Feb 2013
burkayadaligburkayadalig
Rated 06 Jan 2013
72
45th
it has great tsunami effects, script is very emotional and the acting is not bad; however Im not a fan of the editing and storytelling
Rated 06 Jan 2013
mclinusamclinusa
Rated 16 Jan 2013
71
15th
The first act of the tsunami and the hospital were worth my time. The part of the family finding each other seemed like Hollywood spray paint - glittery and cheap. I know this is based on a true story, but the running around and barely missing each other to build tension and suspense was ... cheap movie tricks. You could easily cut 30 to 45 mins from this movie.
Rated 16 Jan 2013
dougiedDougieD
Rated 06 Jan 2013
85
68th
An emotional and moving retelling of the events surrounding the 2004 tsunami from the perspective of one family's true story. Absolutely stunning in every regard, from its realistic sets, makeup, sound and visual effects, as well as the performances. Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and young actor Tom Holland put out awards-worthy work here.
Rated 06 Jan 2013
gideonGideon
Rated 07 Jan 2013
1
16th
Looks like an Asylum production at times. Also can everyone just shut the hell up and think, instead of screaming the whole damn time.
Rated 07 Jan 2013
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 06 May 2013
71
70th
Not as emotionally manipulative or socially and historically inept as expected. "The Impossible" is a very well made and genuinely quite powerful piece of cinema. Watts is outstanding, McGregor is almost as good and the child actors suprisingly watchable also. The movie's built around the excellent performances, and there is little else to bitch about unless you're looking to be hyper-critical.
Rated 06 May 2013
realmacgyverRealMacgyver
Rated 26 Jan 2013
80
79th
At first I was worried as I wasn't connecting with the characters, but once the wave hits that changes. Absolutely crazy stuff, amazing anyone survived really. Not perfect by any means, far from it in places, but very well done and with some damned fine (if patchy) performances from all.
Rated 26 Jan 2013
slantmagSlantMag
Rated 06 Dec 2012
5
2nd
"A sham realist's disaster movie, tackily insulting the deaths of 300,000 people by reducing the horrors of the Indian Ocean tsunami to a series of genre titillations." - Ed Gonzalez
Rated 06 Dec 2012
josie19Josie19
Rated 02 Jun 2013
79
84th
Grueling, hard to watch at times, overly sentimental but heart-warming, emotionally manipulative but heroic, chock-full of unbelievable coincidences and children who don't act like children, and yet I became so totally absorbed in the story before my eyes that I probably wouldn't have noticed someone committing a murder right in front of me in my living room. IMO, this is an epic film more than well worth a watch.
Rated 02 Jun 2013
frederikaFrederikA
Rated 04 Oct 2016
65
58th
The true story of a spanish family's less than perfect thai vacation, reimagined for blond anglo-saxons. Bayona is more than capable at recreating the horrors of the catastrophe and the actors (blond as they might be) do excellent jobs through and through, but it feels somewhat tasteless in it's consistant and insisting focus on a handfull of white europeans, considering the +300.000 locals who lost their lives that day.
Rated 04 Oct 2016
wwallce4prezWWallce4prez
Rated 26 Jan 2013
65
35th
What starts as a very promising tale of human suffering, turns to a fairly cliched and feel good tale. Watts and the kids are fantastic in some of most honest performances of the year. Still, the lazy writing gives way to harrowing, yet hackneyed, story.
Rated 26 Jan 2013
maakalmaakal
Rated 21 Aug 2016
61
17th
A well-made film, but one I absolutely hated. How dare this film use one of recent history's worst natural tragedies to market Zurich Insurance. I was in shock at that final scene, as the rich white family board their private jet and escape. 220,000 actual people died in this tsunami. To use it for advertising is beyond the pale.
Rated 21 Aug 2016
ella_mayElla May
Rated 04 Sep 2017
60
19th
The tsunami is terrifying and spectacular. I just thought it was somewhat offensive that, in the midst of so much destruction and tragedy, we are asked to care so much about this one attractive, white, British family. It was very long and drawn out, and started to feel very manipulative and formulaic.
Rated 04 Sep 2017
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 23 Feb 2013
99
97th
Harrowing, utterly absorbing family drama-cum-horror movie, with Watts sensational as a plucky mother, matched by Holland's precise, very natural performance as her oldest son. McGregor is also very fine and touching in support, but where the film really shines is in its convincing, you-are-there evocation of the dreadful disaster, which puts many similar 'disaster movies' to shame. Perhaps some of the coincidences in the deneumont stretch credibility, but emotionally they ultimately pay off.
Rated 23 Feb 2013
zoinkzoink
Rated 28 Mar 2017
60
25th
A very decent for what it was. One of the few onscreen wounds that has made me cringe.
Rated 28 Mar 2017
mspraguemsprague
Rated 18 May 2013
75
73rd
Hard to watch, makes you appreciate what you have and remember what so many people went through during 2004.
Rated 18 May 2013
johnsandwichJohnSandwich
Rated 08 Jan 2013
55
31st
Watch the documentary on YouTube instead imo. But nice effects and Watts is good.
Rated 08 Jan 2013
filmfreak88filmfreak88
Rated 01 May 2013
55
34th
There are some good visual storytelling and some fine acting at display here. But once the shock and awe of the tsunami scene wears off and the overly sentimental story takes front and center, it gets really tiresome.
Rated 01 May 2013
dwyerdwyer
Rated 12 Feb 2014
82
74th
On the strength of performances by Watts, McGregor, and Holland in combination with some amazing technical accomplishments in depicting the horrible tsunami, I'm giving this one a pretty strong recommendation with the prayer that none of us should ever find ourselves in similar circumstances, but with the added prayer that if we do, we'll have the strength of character to offer a hand to anyone who might need it.
Rated 12 Feb 2014
nick_hamdenNick Hamden
Rated 03 Jun 2013
60
47th
I cried, yep. Watts deserved the Best Actress award more than Jennifer Lawrence too, unfortunately.
Rated 03 Jun 2013
burrrburrr
Rated 29 May 2018
80
55th
78.5+.99+.50 = 79.99.
Rated 29 May 2018
fra_paolofra paolo
Rated 06 May 2017
37
33rd
Well-paced, but largely forgettable, disaster movie based on a true story.
Rated 06 May 2017
kavuKavu
Rated 10 Feb 2013
61
33rd
Good directing and great acting, but the writers can't fully capitalize on the story.
Rated 10 Feb 2013
lauftLäuft.
Rated 23 Aug 2015
83
78th
I will never ever watch that movie again.
Rated 23 Aug 2015
thorn969thorn969
Rated 28 Mar 2015
45
41st
Traumatic story with good acting.
Rated 28 Mar 2015
leekennleekenn
Rated 26 Jan 2013
81
72nd
Horrifyingly realistic, this film shocked me plenty of times. Watts does a good job, but McGreggor absolutely nails it. Their kids definitely deserve credit as well. Thought provoking and well laid out, this is not really an easy watch but it is a very well crafted one.
Rated 26 Jan 2013
daphnlDaph_NL
Rated 27 Nov 2014
80
97th
Most compelling and moving story I have seen in a while. The child actors are amazing and even Watts surprised me. McGregor to me can't dissappoint and he certainly doesn't here either. Great imagery as well. Worth 80/100.
Rated 27 Nov 2014
mlightle3mlightle3
Rated 03 Oct 2013
79
54th
How harrowing.
Rated 03 Oct 2013
edkrakedkrak
Rated 24 Aug 2015
20
7th
I don't know, maybe I was too much in a party mode while watching, but I've found it hilariously bad.
Rated 24 Aug 2015
simurg56simurg56
Rated 13 Jan 2013
86
70th
2004 tsunamisini anlatan gerçek bir hikaye uzerien kurulu film. çocuklarin performansi çok iyi.
Rated 13 Jan 2013
bookhouseboybookhouseboy
Rated 12 Feb 2013
57
79th
The first half is 'Man vs Nature' told superbly on the visual side, and T.Holland and Naomi.W bring all emotions needed with powerful performances; this role is another argument for her as the best actress alive. During the last half this gets overly manipulative and weakens some of the impact, but there are also some more subtle moments of human compassion and the uplifting side of humanity. *Preview*: #13#, exp-4*, hype, story, reviews, Naomi.W!/10-5, (E.McGregor/4-2), R3.
Rated 12 Feb 2013
isaboojumisaboojum
Rated 28 Apr 2013
2
29th
Despite some very implausible reactions - no one ever says "what the hell is going on?!", for instance - it is emotional as fuck and I was prepared to give it a 3. But when the ending came, I was seriously annoyed to find that the family AND the whole production were Spanish. Wait a minute. They thought they couldn't sell the drama if it didn't feature a blond English-speaking family? Really? I'm giving it a 2 just for this pathetic lack of backbone.
Rated 28 Apr 2013
fromenbergFromenberg
Rated 19 Jan 2014
90
64th
very intense, beautifully shot, wonderfully portrayed, and emotionally deep
Rated 19 Jan 2014
ag0stomesmerAg0stoMesmer
Rated 27 Apr 2015
3
73rd
Glossy big-budget disaster that -thanks to some strong leads- nudges legit drama in places. For me it's too sentimental and the ending a little too drawn-out but it's ok. Gur jubyr shyy-pvepyr onpx ba gur cynar guvat sryg haarprffnel, V'q unir raqrq vg ng tbvat haqre gur nanrfgurgvp -n avtugzner raqvat- cbj.
Rated 27 Apr 2015
trash_puppetTrash Puppet
Rated 21 Jun 2013
8
71st
I feel like the big main scene in the movie was ruined by the way they seemed to be playing the lamest game of hide and seek ever. Other than that, I haven't had so many feels since the Walking Dead (game) ending.
Rated 21 Jun 2013
omgfridgeomgfridge
Rated 29 Jan 2013
5
43rd
An actors movie. Only thing that will stand out for me was the peformances. Watts especially but McGregor and the child actors were all impressive too.
Rated 29 Jan 2013
yoshinarutoYoshinaruto
Rated 02 Jun 2016
80
90th
The Impossible is a well made movie, especially during its first act. It’s very well directed, with a good score and solid acting all around. Tom Holland turns in a great performance years before he became Spider-Man. It does lose steam quickly after the disaster, but even then it’s a quality film.
Rated 02 Jun 2016
djrossdjross
Rated 17 Sep 2023
40
26th
Effort was clearly expended in recreating the experience of the tsunami, but all elements nevertheless follow standard operating procedure, with a far too obvious use of music as a way to signal the correct emotion at every turn. There is, indeed, something a bit disconcerting about the focus on the experience of one European family on vacation, given the scale of loss of life (estimated deaths being approximately: Indonesia, 167,000; Sri Lanka, 35,000; India, 16,000; Thailand, 8,000, etc.).
Rated 17 Sep 2023
rthornhillrthornhill
Rated 25 Aug 2013
88
63rd
worth seeing for the impact and presentation of the tsunami alone....however, the powerful family story afterwards earns even more kudos.....
Rated 25 Aug 2013
timon88Timon88
Rated 16 Feb 2020
32
21st
Disaster flick + melodrama, rolled into one. Since I'm not a particular fan of either genre...
Rated 16 Feb 2020
wahwahWahwah
Rated 13 Jan 2013
70
32nd
Terrifying scenes early on, stomach churning at times. By the end it all felt a bit too familiar. The journey itself isn't a bad one but by the end, despite being a true story, it all felt quite comfortable and familiar.
Rated 13 Jan 2013
qwershadyqwershady
Rated 31 Jan 2014
71
39th
Lucası çıkar film bok gibi...
Rated 31 Jan 2014
ysincYSinc
Rated 21 Apr 2021
68
51st
emotional
Rated 21 Apr 2021
wayofthegunwayofthegun
Rated 08 Mar 2014
90
89th
For whatever reason, I'd always had a strong desire to see this movie, yet I was still taken aback by just how great it is. It's one of the most exhausting, toughest movies I've seen, but in a good way. The filmmakers pay special attention to putting together a movie that truly makes you feel what is happening, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. What strikes me most is that this is a story about normal people; the roles aren't flashy, but it's a tour-de-force of acting by the whole cast.
Rated 08 Mar 2014
jschlanskyJSchlansky
Rated 03 Feb 2017
79
73rd
Video review https://youtu.be/z-iq9u3wfwM
Rated 03 Feb 2017
thegreyfoxthegreyfox
Rated 16 Aug 2021
80
74th
Firstly, lets all apologise for this western family being western, and the fact that this film was about their plight in a terrifying natural disaster. I will have to look out for "the making of the Impossible", as the events were truly amazing to see depicted on screen. Naomi Watts is a past master at getting beaten up, and boy, does she suffer in this; that was one nasty cut! An absolutely amazing performance and the emotional reunion of the boys with their father was brilliantly acted by all.
Rated 16 Aug 2021
sirstuckeySirStuckey
Rated 10 Jan 2013
75
67th
Emotionally manipulative but it worked for me. McGregor makes acting look effortless, Watts is great, and Holland could be a name to watch in the future. Some of the most intense moments of the year.
Rated 10 Jan 2013
theescapistTheEscapist
Rated 04 Jan 2014
76
81st
Good film with good visuals and performances. Emotional and powerful, it never really became boring for me. My biggest gripe with this film is the unrealistic screenplay which took me out of the experience on multiple occasions, though I got sucked in shortly after. Particularly the writing (and directing) for the children seemed very forced and unrealistic. Still very much worth watching.
Rated 04 Jan 2014
duderDuder
Rated 10 Nov 2020
60
40th
Against all odds eh.. The film was good in delivering the emotions, without going too much in your face. But still not an amazing film.
Rated 10 Nov 2020
constantineconstantine
Rated 07 Jan 2013
70
40th
Give Tom Holland a nomination please. He is the lead here actually. Not Watts, not McGregor but Holland. Amazing.
Rated 07 Jan 2013
kuroelKuroel
Rated 26 Jan 2024
65
68th
Despite the ending taking a weird narrative nosedive, this is overall a good depiction of when a natural disaster strikes. Props for gruely details of injury and baby Holland being an MVP.
Rated 26 Jan 2024
sharpcoolsharpcool
Rated 30 Jun 2013
43
13th
Painfully sentimental. Every moment is Deep and Profound and Symbolic. Also quite a feat to make this subject matter boring. Ewan McGregor's father character is bland and emasculated (typical for modern """progressive""" filmmakers.). Naomi Watts is good as always.
Rated 30 Jun 2013
jack_parsonsjack parsons
Rated 29 Jan 2013
7
41st
The Tsunami was really well done, and damnit the kids + Ewan McGregor really pulled on the heart strings. I read a lot of complaining about how western the film is, but, it is a true story about a western family and I thought it was well done. I am taking off points because of the gimmicky sequence when the dad and son keep barely missing each other at the hospital. Totally unnecessary and completely changed the tone of the film negatively.
Rated 29 Jan 2013
nofearnofear
Rated 23 Feb 2013
69
33rd
Although the story is OK I feel the setting was incorrect. Completely westernized take in a tragedy that affected a lot more eastern people than it did American's and British yet oddly that's all you seem to see in the movie. Of all the actors the three kids stand out.
Rated 23 Feb 2013
deaddillydeaddilly
Rated 07 Jan 2013
10
1st
rank for the amount of minutes until the tsunami was over, give or take.
Rated 07 Jan 2013
bunkenBunken
Rated 14 Jan 2013
70
71st
Next time - go easy on the violins...
Rated 14 Jan 2013
thedicemanTheDiceman
Rated 07 Aug 2013
75
89th
Very good.
Rated 07 Aug 2013
cagedwisdomcagedwisdom
Rated 10 Jan 2013
100
90th
Incredibly well made and the performances are spectacular, so I forgive the lazy writing. It has faults, notably the lack of any visible suffering on part of any Asian - the only Asians with lines in this film are doctors or nurses. It feels strange, though the film tries hard to make contextual sense of it. I must have teared up at least 5 times and was intensely moved for most of its duration so I give this film my full approval regardless. Plays powerful notes about love and the human spirit.
Rated 10 Jan 2013
zaezae
Rated 13 Feb 2013
55
19th
Certainly an effective and realistic disaster dramatization. It does feel whitewashed though, and the ending is just a bit too convenient.
Rated 13 Feb 2013
luordluord
Rated 09 Aug 2017
83
91st
Two powerhouse performances by Watts and Holland, a strong supporting cast led by McGregor, a raw telling of one family's plight during the tragedy with some pretty clever directing choices for one of the best disaster movies (inspired by a real disaster and a real family) of recent times.
Rated 09 Aug 2017
mandymandy
Rated 16 Apr 2015
6
44th
A solid retelling of the tsunami which seems to capture the chaos, confusion and emotion of the aftermath.
Rated 16 Apr 2015
gkfilmgkfilm
Rated 04 Aug 2013
50
23rd
Entertainment: 2.5 of 4. Spirituality / Opens the Heart: 2.5 of 3. Sustainability / Social Justice: 0 of 3. Very well produced and directed. Very realistic depiction of a tsunami's damage and resulting human suffering, but some scenes were too scary or gory for my wife to watch. Several heroic scenes that really open the heart.
Rated 04 Aug 2013
guy_piranhaguy piranha
Rated 24 Nov 2015
60
40th
it manages to take something horrific and turns it into a success-story somehow, which is just lazy, safe and condescending. it's well made and acted and all, but it's just an overly tearjerking cash-in, which is made abundantly clear by how they changed the family to british people for marketing purposes.
Rated 24 Nov 2015
entertainmeEntertainMe
Rated 12 May 2013
68
51st
There are advantages, when caught in a natural disaster overseas, to being rich and white! Cynical types might interpret this as a very Hollywood way of depicting a huge tragedy; nevertheless the performances are very good, and it is based on a specific and true story.
Rated 12 May 2013
dogeatmoondogeatmoon
Rated 27 Nov 2020
58
35th
General Kenobi.
Rated 27 Nov 2020
ezraizEzraIz
Rated 21 Nov 2020
59
15th
230,000 people native to the countries affected by one of the worst earthquake/tsunamis ever recorded and they chose to focus on some speccy british tourists...the writers of this movie have clearly never met a child either, the way the oldest sonwas written. The production and suspense building were great, but the whitewashing just kinda ruined it for me.
Rated 21 Nov 2020
xakkmasterXakkMaster
Rated 17 Nov 2020
79
58th
Really emotional and tough to watch. Watts and McGregor are excellent overall and phenomenal in a few scenes specifically. The special effects and cinematography are top notch, it all looks convincing and realistic. The one fault is having a white family (the real life family was Spanish) and making this a European-centric story with Thailand and its people as the scenery. Still recommendable, but definitely watch a documentary about the tsunami after this for added perspective.
Rated 17 Nov 2020
leonardisLeonardis
Rated 10 Aug 2013
90
64th
I loved this movie, and I wasn't expecting to. I thought the performances from the family were really good and well-cast. I've never been in a disaster this dreadful, but I could truly feel the sadness and lost presented here. I don't know if it's really any kind of cinematic achievement, but that's okay. It's simple and right to the point and rewarding as well. Good stuff.
Rated 10 Aug 2013
grouchyGrouchy
Rated 08 Apr 2013
58
15th
Definitively well done, with impressive reconstruction and beautiful, crisp cinematography. Yet it's also a bit of a bore - my mind kept drifting away from the plot as I waited for the usual stuff to happen. Plus, the real Spanish woman the film is based on lost her leg. Why didn't that make the script?
Rated 08 Apr 2013
pfannkPfannk
Rated 21 Nov 2020
100
97th
Amazing. I cried 7 times.
Rated 21 Nov 2020
hofschneiderHofschneider
Rated 26 Jan 2013
66
22nd
Like a german newspaper called it: "A disaster-porn"
Rated 26 Jan 2013
forehead1forehead1
Rated 25 Nov 2012
30
11th
Cheesy script, grimacing faces and godawful overacting (especially from Tom Holland) are the order of the day in this true story recount of one family's search for each other following the 2004 tsunami. Boring and predictable, I started checking my watch half-an-hour in and never stopped; the scenes when the wave actually hits are okay, the rest is rubbish. If you feel compelled to watch harrowing scenes from the disaster, just seek out some news footage.
Rated 25 Nov 2012
bakcheiabakcheia
Rated 06 Jan 2013
65
51st
This movie was incredibly intense, but it felt a bit disingenuous. Watts was great though.
Rated 06 Jan 2013
t_h_o_rt-h-o-r
Rated 27 Dec 2013
10
0th
Fuck you, movie.
Rated 27 Dec 2013
billyshearsBillyShears
Rated 12 May 2013
80
77th
Annoying Dickensian British kids(DIDNT CARE WHAT HAPPENS). Asshole phone guy made this movie "Listen buddy everyone else got smushed by this wave so TOUGH CANT USE MY PHONE" *Frenchman's wave
Rated 12 May 2013
td888td888
Rated 20 Jan 2013
60
57th
Quite unexpectedly, but it hit me straight in the gut. Very powerful and emotional.
Rated 20 Jan 2013
kevinjosephkevinjoseph
Rated 07 Jan 2013
67
62nd
Saw this with my dad and tried really really hard not to lose it. I failed. Miserably.
Rated 07 Jan 2013
mistersplicemistersplice
Rated 22 Dec 2013
55
35th
5+ pretty good
Rated 22 Dec 2013
roonay3kroonay3k
Rated 12 Feb 2013
88
98th
A fantastic movie which really gets to you! Everything about this movie was just perfect! My toughts go out to all the families of the people that died on that horrible day.
Rated 12 Feb 2013
edwardedward
Rated 12 Nov 2020
86
73rd
Pros: extremely captivating from beginning to end; extraordinary filmmaking in general; cinematography and visual effects are stunning; Watts gives a great performance. Cons: the score is overbearing and adds excessive melodrama; the dialog is a bit amateurish and unoriginal. While this film has a lot working in its favor, there does seem to be an element of realism that is missing. The film adds too many far-fetched, absurd, unnecessary coincidences that distance a great story from the viewer.
Rated 12 Nov 2020
kgbelliveaukgbelliveau
Rated 22 Jun 2013
75
37th
Definitely an emotional film, The Impossible thrives off the guilt written all over the faces of the more then capable actors portraying the part. At times the emotion is too much to bare, and you feel yourself tearing up, but beyond that it is filled with genre cliches and over used plot devices that help drive home the impossibility of this family re-uniting. It's sad, the images are striking and heartbreaking. You will feel sadness creep up on you, so bring a box of tissues.
Rated 22 Jun 2013
roofsrunnerroofs_runner
Rated 31 May 2013
77
51st
The Impossible is powerful and emotionally rich story of human desperation and strength, a bit overstretched and far fetched at some points though.
Rated 31 May 2013
hajikarimihajikarimi
Rated 02 Feb 2013
92
76th
1098: wow! really great! astonishing!
Rated 02 Feb 2013
icarusIcarus
Rated 03 Apr 2013
75
49th
The first half hour is pretty astounding in terms of a fictional, visual document of this terrifying tragedy. The rest of the film succeeds as emotional catharsis, even as it careens dangerously close to manufacturing sentiment on occasion, especially through a quiet, heart-tugging score that accompanies many of the later scenes. Loved the scenes of natives helping tourists, of simple kindnesses, and of Geraldine Chaplin emerging from the shadows for one magnificent moment.
Rated 03 Apr 2013

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