The Impossible (2012)

On December 26, 2004; a deadly tsunami with waves almost 100 feet hit the Thailand coast (as well as Sri Lanka and Indonesia) killing over 230,000 people in fourteen countries. This is the true story of one family's survival. Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona (EL ORFANATO), this is an emotional rollercoaster of a movie. Don't even think of calling it a "disaster" movie. Just chuck any preconceived notions that the film exploits the horror of the 2004 tsunami. Normally, "inspirational" true stories of people overcoming disaster (whether personal or from nature) has avoid stamped all over my movie passport. But this is a wonderful achievement. In the first ten minutes of the film, Bayona has given us all we need to know about this family and after the disaster strikes, the layers of strength and endurance the human can endure both physically and emotionally is what the movie is truly about. The stunning tsunami sequence is awesome and remarkably is not CGI and throws you right into the horror of it all. But it's the human story that touches us and without Spielberg manipulation. The actors all give superb performances and Naomi Watts as the mother is deserving an Oscar nomination. Every bit as good are Ewan McGregor as the father, Tom Holland (excellent), Samuel Joslin and Oaklee Pendergast as the three sons. With Geraldine Chaplin, who only has one scene but it's one you won't forget.