70% of the earth’s surface is covered by water, of which 97% is in the seas and oceans. That is, most of our planet consists of salt water. And, from time to time, different events make the seas and oceans riot, causing giant waves, which we call tsunamis, which have inspired some films, both fictional and fact-based.
The word tsunami comes from Japanese and means “wave of the port”, in Portuguese, we also have a word to describe giant waves: tidal wave. Tsunami movies aren’t the most common when it comes to cinematic disasters, though, the has prepared a special list with 10 productions that have the fury of the waters as their initial or main plot.
Summary
Zombie Tsunami (2020)
Directed by Anthony C. Ferrante and starring Ian Ziering, the duo responsible for the ‘Sharknado’ franchise, ‘Tsunami Zumbi’ is another tragicomedy that is striking in its absurdity. After a massive tidal wave, a series of giant waves brings a horde of murderous zombies from the depths and invades the continent. The film is available on AppleTV+ and for rent on YouTube.
In the Eye of the Hurricane (2018)
When a big storm is predicted to hit the United States, a gang decides to rob the country’s treasury and steal no less than $600 million. After the entire population is gone, only a Treasury agent, a meteorologist and an ex-marine are tasked with saving themselves and preventing the heist of the century. The film is available on Amazon Prime Video.
The Red Turtle (2016)
Is there any Studio Ghibli animation there? “The Red Turtle” tells the story of a man who is stranded on a desert island after a serious shipwreck. However, every time he manages to build a raft to leave the place, the ship is destroyed by a huge red turtle. This dynamic creates a curious relationship between the two. The film is available for rental on YouTube.
The Wave (2015)
Please don’t confuse this with the 2008 film of the same name, which tells the story of a philosophy class that turns into a fascist cult. In this “The Wave” from 2015, an avalanche throws a mountain of ice from Norway into the sea, generating a wave 85 meters high. In this scenario, a geologist and his family struggle to survive. The film is available on Amazon Prime Video.
Noah (2014)
It is no exaggeration to say that the biblical tsunami, the flood, is the best known in human history. There are several movies that tell the story of Noah and his family on a mission to build an ark and save a couple of each species of animal. However, the recommendation here is for the newest and possibly most expensive release yet: Noé, from 2014, which is available on Star+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video.
The Impossible (2012)
When it comes to tsunamis, those born in the 90s usually relate directly to the giant waves that hit Thailand in 2004, and this is precisely the tragedy narrated in “The Impossible”. The film tells the story of a family divided in two after the catastrophe and who live in desperate situations in search of themselves. The film is available on Netflix.
Tsunami: Wrath of the Ocean (2009)
For those interested in Korean cinema, we have a disaster movie that comes straight from there. In “Tsunami: The Fury of the Ocean”, five years after the tragedy that struck Thailand five years earlier, the Korean peninsula experiences the fear that giant waves, more than 50 meters high, will reach the Haeundae region, which receives the most than 1 million tourists a year. The film is available on Star+.
2012 (2009)
Fulfilling an ancient prophecy of the Mayan people, a series of cataclysmic events begins to destroy the planet, heralding what could be the end times. As governments and big business try to save as many people as possible from a ruined world, Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) does everything in his power to try to keep his family safe. The cast also includes Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave”), Thandiwe Newton (“Westworld”) and Woody Harrelson (“Venom”). The film is available on Netflix.
Poseidon (2006)
Remake of “The Poseidon Destiny”, from 1972, in turn based on the best-seller “Tragedy at Sea”, by writer Paul Gallico, the film tells the story of the ocean liner “Poseidon”, hit by a gigantic wave and ends up upside down on the high seas. However, the shipwreck brings together a small and unlikely group of survivors in the fight for life. The film is available on HBO Max.
Sea of Rage (2000)
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen, one of the most prestigious directors of disaster films, “The Rage” is one of the most acclaimed tsunami films, especially for its special effects. The feature film shows a group of fishermen battling the forces of nature after being confronted with the largest maritime storm in history during Halloween 1991. The film is available on HBO Max.
Top 10 post tsunami movies and series appeared first on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
