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The screenplay isn't quite as powerful as the direction or the acting, but with such an astonishing real-life story at its center, The Impossible is never less than compelling.
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All Critics (199) | Top Critics (52) | Fresh (161) | Rotten (38)
Alas, the movie tells a rather commonplace story. Jan 28, 2013
Alas, the movie tells a rather commonplace story.
David Denby
The tsunami sequence is amazing, right up there with the one Clint Eastwood staged in Hereafter. Jan 18, 2013 | Rating: B- | Full Review…
The tsunami sequence is amazing, right up there with the one Clint Eastwood staged in Hereafter.
Peter Rainer
This is an unforgettable tribute to the determination of a very special family. Jan 17, 2013 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
This is an unforgettable tribute to the determination of a very special family.
Richard Roeper
Unlike some films that have become critics' darlings, 'The Impossible' has no pretensions. It isn't edgy and I don't think it has a hidden subtext. Jan 4, 2013
Unlike some films that have become critics' darlings, 'The Impossible' has no pretensions. It isn't edgy and I don't think it has a hidden subtext.
Leonard Maltin
Naomi Watts gives one of her finest, most physically commanding turns. Jan 4, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/4
Naomi Watts gives one of her finest, most physically commanding turns.
Lisa Kennedy
Although it's ostensibly based on true events, The Impossible is not so much an inspiring tale of survival as it is an action flick. Jan 4, 2013 | Full Review…
Although it's ostensibly based on true events, The Impossible is not so much an inspiring tale of survival as it is an action flick.
Bilge Ebiri
Dramatic and unwavering, The Impossible will make you believe that anything is possible. Nov 26, 2019 | Full Review…
Dramatic and unwavering, The Impossible will make you believe that anything is possible.
Debbie Lynn Elias
The purpose of Bayona's film is "dubious." Nov 18, 2019 | Rating: 2.5/5 | Full Review…
The purpose of Bayona's film is "dubious."
David Harris
Sometimes it's sentimental to a fault, but the thrilling and innovative filmmaking that's being done makes it all worth it. Aug 7, 2019 | Rating: 7/10 | Full Review…
Sometimes it's sentimental to a fault, but the thrilling and innovative filmmaking that's being done makes it all worth it.
Karl Delossantos
The Impossible may be schmaltz, but it's damn good schmaltz. It's the kind of story that is so incredible, so impossible, that it can only be true. Aug 6, 2019 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
The Impossible may be schmaltz, but it's damn good schmaltz. It's the kind of story that is so incredible, so impossible, that it can only be true.
Matthew Lucas
[The Impossible] shows us devastation, yes, unbelievable havoc, yes, horrific human loss, yes. But also, exemplary courage and love and compassion, all done with freshness and feeling. Mar 21, 2019 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
[The Impossible] shows us devastation, yes, unbelievable havoc, yes, horrific human loss, yes. But also, exemplary courage and love and compassion, all done with freshness and feeling.
Shubhra Gupta
The wrath of nature is re-created so masterfully by filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona that it feels like a documentary. Jan 25, 2019 | Full Review…
The wrath of nature is re-created so masterfully by filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona that it feels like a documentary.
Nathalia Aryani
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