It's December 2004 and a young mother and father take their three sons on a paradise vacation to Southeast Asia where they are not far from white sandy beaches and a clear blue ocean - a far cry from the freezing winter temperatures back home. One day, whilst the Maria relaxes by the pool, watching husband Henry play ball with the kids, an ominous, trembling noise can be heard getting closer and closer. Before the family, and other vacation-goers, have time to run for their lives, they suddenly find themselves caught in one of the most horrific natural disasters of the generation; the tsunami resulting from the earthquake of the Indian Ocean. Miraculously, the family survive; Henry drifts back to consciousness with an overwhelming fear when his children are nowhere to be seen, though it is not long before his two youngest discover him. Maria and the eldest, Lucas, have drifted elsewhere and Henry vows to search every shelter and every hospital for them. They are so far unharmed and are found by some locals who take them to a nearby hospital. Maria sends Lucas off to help people find their families and finds his own along the way.
This heart-wrenching drama will have even the toughest of people fighting back the tears; the trailer is even enough to get you choked up. It is directed by the Spanish Juan Antonio Bayona and the screenplay is written by Sergio G. Sanchez who have both worked together before on mystery thriller 'The Orphanage'. It is set for release in the UK on January 4th 2013; not long after the Tsunami's 8th anniversary on Boxing Day.
Director: Juan Antonio Bayona
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts, Geraldine Chaplin, Tom Holland & Marta Etura