The Wave (2015)

> They expected it, but never prepared for it.

This is the latest natural disaster flick from the Norway. About an inland tsunami that caused due to the landslide near the lake that based around the mountains. Kind of fresh in that perspective, because as far I remember I haven't seen a movie evolve in this theme which is only a slightly differs from water reservoir burst and flood accidental concepts.

It's definitely a good watch, something I learnt from the Norwegian side of strategy to tackle the natural disasters. But the film was about what happens when you know the dangers and for some reason fail to the take action at the time, like maybe the human error or the negligence.

It was sent to represent the nation in the 'the best foreign film' category at the 2016 Oscars, but failed to make the progress. I kind of enjoyed it, but not that impressive other than the quality performances and the visuals. I feel the story was too short, I meant not the runtime. Technically, there was no story other than the opening few minutes.

It would have been better if it had the hard hitting emotions with the catchy lines and depth in all the main characters. Because when the film ends, you probably begin to forget it already, which usually won't happen for a Hollywood flick. That's the major difference if you compare it with the American films.

> "That rock has stood for thousands of years
> and will stand securely for thousands more."

Okay, I agree Hollywood makes the best disaster movies. But other film industries as well catching up the trend, utilising the modern CGI and trying to match with them. Korea did the same with their first disaster film 'Tidal Wave' back in 2009. Remember this is Norways first step as well and somewhat excelled, especially in the technical area.

For unknown actors and the language, these films are restricted or depended on the domestic market only and this film did great by setting up a record for that year in the revenue. But films like these are rarely recognised in the international arena, other than by the critics through film festivals. What I think is they need to improve by commercialising the overall product a bit if they want the international market like once again saying what the Korean film industry did.

It opens with a simple drama that centres around a family from a small town who're facing the usual family issue. At the end of the first half, the disaster strikes, which was just around the 5 minutes. So you are going to miss those Hollywood propaganda like ships capsized or the falling skyscrapers. The usage of graphics were limited, but the later scenes were green screen shots. So I warn you to keep your expectations low.

The next half was the aftermath of the calamity where the people go look for their beloved ones. But it focused only the one family, and their involvement, which is more or less similar to 'The Impossible'. The supporting characters are the weak point in the entire narrative. One of the few things I like about this film was this one looks more natural and realistic.

I won't officially declare it a must see, it was not bad either. You might like it more than me. The movie is worth a watch other than often you encounter the influence of other flicks. You can't complain for those, basically, they are like a blueprint for a theme like this. If you're able to comply with pouring cliches, you could have a good time with it, in my opinion.

6.5/10

The Wave is an excellent Norwegian language disaster film. It centers on a geologist who is leaving town with his family for a better paying job. However, before he leaves, he suspects the mountain there may be in danger of imminent collapse. He has to convince his colleagues while there is still time for escape. When his worst fears come true, the town's inhabitants have 10 minutes to escape. Chaos then occurs as everyone tries to escape and the geologist tries to save his family.

The movie cost over $6 million to make which is impressive considering the size of Norway. I would have expected a movie like this to cost much more. Everything seems very realistic. The actors and actresses did a tremendous job. There is a very well done scene inside a small shaft that had me trying to catch my own breath.

As of the date I'm publishing this, the movie is available on Netflix in the US. It's definitely worth watching even if you have to pay for a rental or purchase (available for download from all major US providers). Don't let the fact that it is a foreign language film stop you.

Some pretty darn good CGI for a smaller budget movie. And when the two guys were stuck in the crevice while it was closing?!?! I was legitimately afraid for them. I do wish we could have experienced the wave for longer but alas … that’s the nature of a tsunami. A few seconds of action and then lots and lots of devastation. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ One of the better disaster movies overall. Straightforward, good acting, and not overwhelmed with bad CGI.

Based on what might be a real scenario, we find ourselves in a pretty Norwegian fjord town that might be in danger from a tsunami. How? Well, apparently there are millions of tons of rock precariously situated on the mountainside that are likely to eventually slide down into the water and create a monumental tidal wave. There are loads of early warning systems in place and that's lucky for geologist "Kristian" (Kristoffer Joner) and his family. His wife works in the local hotel and his children are all ready packed for their imminent move to Stavanger. The inevitable happens, and now it's a battle for survival as everyone in the town must get to higher ground else drown. Luckily there are no predatory sharks, this time, but it does rather shine a light on the effectiveness of nuclear shelters. Rather than just bomb them, just aim at a nearby lake and watch the water flood the ventilation shafts! Can they stay alive? The premiss is quite interesting, but the execution is pretty standard fayre with a lot of dialogue and some scenes of jeopardy that aren't really especially innovative - though the visual effects are quite well presented towards the conclusion. It's hardly a film you'll never remember but it passes the time OK.