“The Impossible: Movie Critique”

Introduction
"The Impossible" is a drama film written by Sergio G. Sánchez and directed by Juan
Antonio Bayona, released in 2012. The film's title refers to the catastrophic tsunami that
hit the coast of Thailand in 2004, which serves as the backdrop of the story. The cover
of the movie features a photograph of the film's two main characters, played by Naomi
Watts and Tom Holland, who are a mother and son separated by the tsunami. In the
photo, they are seen clinging to each amid the chaos caused by the disaster. The cover
also includes the film's title in bold white letters against a black background, with the
tagline "Nothing is more powerful than the human spirit" written in smaller font below.
The overall effect is one of intense emotion and dramatic tension, reflecting the film's
powerful exploration of the human will to survive in the face of overwhelming adversity.
In the movie, the two main languages spoken are English and Thai. English is primarily
used by the main characters, a British family vacationing in Thailand when the tsunami
strikes. They speak English among themselves and with other English-speaking
survivors they encounter during their harrowing journey to safety. Thai is also
prominently used in the film, particularly in the scenes where the British family interacts
with local Thai people, such as the hospital staff who provide medical care for the
injured, and the villagers who help reunite the family members with each other. Subtitles
are used in the movie to translate the Thai dialogue into English for viewers who do not
understand the language.
Thesis
The movie "The Impossible," is about Maria (Naomi Watts), Henry (Ewan McGregor),
and their three sons who are spending their winter vacation on Thailand on December
2004. However, their peaceful holiday is turned into a nightmare the day after Christmas
when a terrifying roar rises from the depths of the sea, followed by a wall of black water
that devours everything in its path. Though Maria and her family are in their darkest
hour, unexpected acts of kindness and courage help to alleviate their fear.
Meanwhile, the main point of the movie is the agony and terror of being separated from
your family or loved ones, which is worse than physical injury. Amidst the turmoil and
disaster, the parents and children find themselves in various parts of this wrecked
island. They wonder if their loved ones are dead, or about to be dead; they wonder if
they are going to die or they would be better off dead, thoughts that one wouldn’t want
to think about.
Body
In the course of the movie, three quotes leave an impression: First, “Go and Help
People” by Maria (mother). Maria begs her son, Lucas to leave her bedside and assist
those people in need while she waits for medical attention. This situation shows how
Maria cared for others even though she needed it also. This manner needs to be
imitated in each one of us to survive and strive together in times of calamities and
disaster. We must do everything to help those who need help. Despite how hard life is,
we must not forget to care for other people as well though we cannot stop the disaster,
we can arm ourselves with fondness and help many lives so that there will not be a loss
of life.
Second, “I Knew I Wasn't on My Own” by Henry (father). Finding himself separated from
his wife, Maria and his eldest son, Lucas. Henry feels that his and the life of their family
was full of hopelessness. But then he finds his two other sons, Thomas and Simon.
Seeing them together makes him realize that there is hope for survival and that he
wasn’t on his own anymore as his sons are depending on him as Maria and Lucas were
separated. This mindset gives us hope and the drive to survive knowing that there is
light despite all the darkness and there are people who are relying on you.
And lastly, “We have to help that boy” by Maria (mother) as well. Despite being in their
danger and Lucas' refusing, Maria insists on Lucas helping the boy who was screaming
for help as she felt the responsibility to help as a doctor. Though Maria is greatly injured
and is struggling, she still decided to climb a tree to protect themselves as there might
be another tsunami. Regardless of Maria and Lucas's situation, they still took care of the
boy and protect the boy as much as they both protect themselves These actions taught
us to help others in need without expecting a return even if we know them or they are
strangers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the movie teaches us to help others in need though they are strangers
without expecting a return and even if we are also in need. It also reminds us not to lose
hope as there is light despite all the darkness, especially during unexpected disasters
and knowing that there are people who rely on you, which is what gives us hope and the
drive to survive. It also has this kind of belief that “Everything is possible when you have
someone on your side”. The movie was well-written and is an emotional roller coaster,
from beginning to end as it makes you cherish your life and the time with your family. An
unforgettable movie with unforgettable life lessons.