Rated PG-13
1 hour 50 minutes

Starring: Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, Tom Holland

The most courageous film in a long time is also the most powerful. And “The Impossible” deserves our respect. It’s the true story of how a vacationing family gets separated by the 2004 Tsunami and desperately tries to reunite.

Inspired performances by Naomi Watts and a remarkable young actor named Tom Holland will take your breath away.

This is no mere disaster epic where the special effects overpower the human drama. Theirs is an agonizing search for each other. I can’t imagine a stronger movie conveying the pain, suffering and uncertainty.

None of the separated siblings and parents have any idea what’s become of their loved ones.

As seen through the eyes of the victims, “The Impossible” is frequently so gripping it’s painful to watch. A film this strong fills you with admiration for the people being depicted and for the moviemaker fearless enough to pour his heart and soul into this stirring drama.

Just the realism alone makes “The Impossible” a staggering achievement. And what Naomi Watts goes through is the height of disaster drama. It’s impossible not to reward this overpowering film with 4 stars. It’s really a great film that you dare not miss.