The Impossible
Director: Juan Antonio Bayona
In concluding this impressive compilation, we return to the beginning, to 2012 and a story of unparalleled tenacity pure cussed determination and the fight reduced to its most elemental: that for one’s beloveds, and for one’s own very heartbeat.
Little description needed here, no doubt, of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that unleashed the equivalent of 23,000 Hiroshima-level atomic bombs upon an unsuspecting Thai coastline, consuming 235,000 in its fury. So overwhelming was it, and so powerful is the film, that when the trailer was shown nearing the anniversary of the disaster, many affected were re-traumatized. And indeed, its title surely ranks as among the best in cinema.
Naomi Watts received a Best Actress nomination for her performance as Maria, loving wife to the loving Henry and mother of their three boys (the eldest of whom played by an egregiously overlooked Tom Holland, superb heir to the mantle of Jamie Bell).
Enjoying the pool on Boxing Day, they heard a rumble, and then a roar, and in the space of five or so seconds, were beset by the utter destruction of the world. Though silent to an observer, inside I was absolutely screaming, taken by a strange, primal outpouring; Watts broke the torrent’s surface, grabbed a tree and voiced it herself, and I thought, “Yeah. There it is, that would be it.”
Devastatingly realistic, comprised of extras and supporting performers who actually experienced the event, and filmed almost entirely on location, The Impossible shows us nature unfurled with such power as to feel almost evil, reminds us how tenuous and precious we all are, reverently remembers those lost and those found, and encourages us always to hold on ~ hold on! ~ and embrace the possibility of miracle.
And That’s a Wrap ~ for Now
So there we have them! Ten compelling real life stories that will thrill, inspire, and exceptionally impress. What makes them great is not the telling of the accomplishments themselves, but rather how well they communicate the experience of their subjects. And while we don’t have time here to extol the filmmaking prowess, rest assured this list is packed with superb performances, stellar execution, and Oscar gold. Enjoy!
Bonus Titles:
- Fair Game ~ The aftermath of the malicious 2003 outing of covert CIA operative Valerie Plame as payback for her husband’s Op Ed letter criticizing the Bush administration. Director: Doug Liman
- Frost/Nixon ~ The 1977 interviews by David Frost of Richard Nixon after the latter’s resignation, in which Frost elicits the truth. Director: Ron Howard
Have you seen these films ~ what do you think? What other real life stories would you include on this particular list? Are there other such real life stories lists you’d like to see? Do share your opinions, we love hearing from you!