The Impossible has been out for awhile but is still showing at the Carnival Cinemas. How long it will be there is unsure, so do yourself a favour and take it in soon. It is one of those emotional roller-coasters of a movie that grabs your heart and your feelings about family and never lets go.

It’s based on the true story of a Spanish family on vacation in Thailand when it was hit by the December 26, 2004 tsunami that killed thousands and devastated countless others. The couple and their three young sons arrive on Christmas Eve and are staying at a gorgeous, exotic resort in paradise, complete with palm trees and white sand beach, when the big waves hit.

The mother, played by Naomi Watts in a courageous, Oscar-nominated performance, manages to hang on to her oldest son, despite major injuries. The father, played by Ewan McGregor, finds and then loses their two younger sons and endlessly searches for his family.

The visuals are impressive. The tidal wave seems very real on the big screen and the producers don’t leave much to the imagination as the after effects and carnage are graphically displayed, especially the effect on the bodies of humans. But the random acts of kindness from strangers, how ordinary people do extraordinary things during a crisis, and the heart-warming display of family affections are very powerful. It is very moving emotionally and the leads and the three young English actors playing the boys, are all excellent.

Rating: five deer out of five

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Alf Cryderman is a Red Deer freelance writer and old movie buff.