In our world, fairly large disasters regularly occur that take hundreds of human lives. Natural disasters are those phenomena that are almost impossible to predict. You never know when they can happen. And if a catastrophe is inevitable, the most prompt measures are needed to save as many people as possible.
In cinema, this genre is called "disaster film." There are a great many films of this kind. There are films about the earthquake, flood, volcanic eruption and other terrible things. This genre reached particular popularity in the 90s, when disaster films followed one after another. Due to the scale and money spent on production, they still look impressive to this day. Recently, this direction of cinema has regained success. Modern special effects make these films even more realistic. In this article we will talk about the best disaster films.
The best films about earthquakes. Motion picture "2012"
We decided to start our top with, perhaps, the most popular film shot in this genre. Many still remember how incredible excitement was around the release of "2012". The thing is that for many years there was a myth that something will happen this year that will destroy all of humanity. The Mayan people predicted the end of the world, which, fortunately for us, never happened. But due to the relevance of this topic, the film "2012" overnight became a major hit. It was removed for a tremendous amount of money, thanks to which we got a real masterpiece, which for many years no one will be able to surpass.
The plot focuses on the most ordinary American who is trying to do everything possible to improve relations with his ex-wife and win the trust of children. Once, during one of the walks, serious natural disasters began to occur. Thus, the protagonist finds himself in a difficult situation. Ahead of him will be waiting for the most dangerous journey in life. Will he be able to save family and friends?
The film was well received by the audience and collected a huge amount at the box office. Critics treated her condescendingly, as they well understood that this genre does not imply a deep dramatic plot with a bunch of hidden meanings. "2012" is a typical summer blockbuster made with high quality. And this is not surprising, given the fact that the director of the film was the king of the genre Roland Emmerich.
"Earthquake"
What other earthquake movies are recommended for watching? Our list will continue with the Russian film shot by Sarik Andreasyan. This man was never famous for his special talent and was often subjected to mass criticism. But it didn’t bother Sarik much, since films on a regular basis paid off at the box office. However, it was the “Earthquake” that critics considered him the best job in his career. The director managed to make a truly large-scale film about the earthquake in Armenia. The film is based on real events. The visual range, by the standards of domestic cinema, looks impressive. And the plot is quite interesting. That is why the audience appreciated this creation.
San Andreas Fault
Some earthquake films have undoubtedly become masterpieces of the global film industry. That is the San Andreas Fault. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is not the first year is the most sought after and highest paid actor in Hollywood. With all this, he is removed not only in the template action films. Often it can be found in comedies. In 2015, he decided to try his hand at the "disaster film" genre and did not fail. The San Andreas Fault is undoubtedly one of the best films of this kind shot in the 21st century. Here you have earthquakes, and a flood, and much more. Special effects are pleasing to the eye, and the actors are selected quite well.
Johnson plays the role of a lifeguard, daily risking his life for other people. That's just in family life, he is not going smoothly. His wife left him and took his daughter, since his father was never at home due to his employment at work. Now she has a new rich boyfriend. The protagonist has already lost hope of regaining former happiness. But once a natural disaster occurs , which forces the rescuer to demonstrate all his skills. Spectators and film critics very warmly greeted this film. According to their reviews, this movie masterpiece definitely deserves attention.
"Crew"
Domestic cinema also makes quite good films about the earthquake. One of these is the "Crew". Despite the fact that this film still should be attributed to the drama, which is devoted to about 70% of screen time, in the "Crew" there is an excellent scene with an earthquake and the subsequent eruption of a volcano. Camera work in the movie is simply amazing. It’s hard to believe that our filmmakers are able to create such high-quality films that can compete with Hollywood. No wonder "Crew" was the film of the year, according to not only critics, but also the audience. Without exception, everyone notes that we have never had such a movie before.
The main character is a young pilot who is disastrously unlucky with work. Over and over, he is being fired due to his complex nature. He has the last chance to prove himself. But this will not be very simple. An experienced and cynical pilot with experience, who sees in a young man only an arrogant loser, who will not be able to cope with the tasks set, becomes his new chief. But soon, after one of the flights, they find themselves in an extremely difficult position ...
Films about the tsunami and floods. "Impossible"
A stunning film about the earthquake, the flood, shot by the eminent Spanish director. Despite the presence in the caste of such large Hollywood stars as Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor, this is more of an auteur movie than a typical mass disaster film. It is full of drama, although dynamic and large-scale scenes are also present. Cinema was well received at major festivals and received extremely positive reviews from the jury. Unfortunately, the film was nominated for only one Academy Award. It seems to many viewers that he was undeservedly deprived of attention.
The plot focuses on a young married couple on vacation at sea. They could not even imagine that a normal sunny day would turn out for them, first, an earthquake, and then a tsunami. Most of the coast is flooded. Panic. People are dying in dozens. Will they be able to get out of there alive?
"Metro"
Russian film, which was shot for relatively modest money for the genre. But this did not stop the director from creating an extremely intense picture that resonated with the audience. Perfectly conveyed the behavior of the crowd in emergency situations. It is difficult in the film to highlight one or another protagonist. But this certainly can not be attributed to the minuses. At the box office, the film gathered a solid box office, and the ratings at Metro are mostly high. So we can safely recommend viewing.
Top movies about volcanoes. The film "Volcano"
Films about earthquakes, floods, volcanoes always leave a vivid impression on the audience. But "Volcano" - perhaps the most successful picture of a volcanic eruption, shot in Hollywood. The movie was released twenty years ago, but is still able to impress with its innovative special effects. In those years, "Volcano" became a hit video rental. Without exception, everyone was impressed by what they saw. It is true that this particular film eventually gained cult status.
"Dante's Peak"
Another awesome Hollywood movie, released in the distant 90s. This time the main role is played by the well-known Pier Brosnan. He got the role of a volcanologist, who devoted his whole life to work. Once upon a time a tragedy happened to him that forever changed the life of the protagonist. During the eruption of the volcano, he lost his beloved wife ...
And now he is entrusted with the task: to go to Dante's Peak in order at first glance to do traditional work, which the main character is simply tired of. He does not even realize that this trip will turn into a new nightmare for him. There is a new, much more powerful eruption. Will the main character save his life and help other people in such a difficult situation?
We examined the most remarkable films about tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanoes. These paintings will not leave anyone indifferent. Happy viewing!