I was fortunate to have caught this film at the most recent Tribeca Film festival. The movie chronicles the efforts of a group of volunteer's who gathered in Sri Lanka after the devastating tsunami of 2004. The story is delicately woven in an intricate patchwork of at once gut-wrenching and uplifting moments. I must say that I was taken aback by the altruistic effort of the group of volunteers that were featured in this documentary. This film is a testament to the strength and kindness of the human spirit but more importantly inspires the viewer to action. The film inspired me personally to participate humanitarian efforts both in North America and abroad. Bravo!
21 Reviews
Highlight of 2007 Tribeca Film Festival! Loved this Doc and can't wait to see it in theaters again!
danwfountain-130 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I worked as one of the filmmaker coordinators for The 2007 Tribeca Film Festival and I had the pleasure of working with the director and producers, assisting them in making the rounds with this great documentary. I can't say enough good things about what these people so selflessly did to help the Sri Lankan people after the Tsunami and I can't begin to tell you how moved I was by the film. In the last several years we have been inundated by dark, desperate films about war and strife and I have to admit that it was such a relief to spend two hours watching this small group of volunteers put a little hope and light in to the world of these people. After the first screening the sold out audience didn't leave their spots after the standing ovation because I think we were all a little disappointed that we would have to step out in to our world and say goodbye to this group of volunteers that we all wished we had had the courage to join! I saw the film three times more over the next week and the audiences reactions only got better as the buzz grew.
I got word that The Third Wave will be hitting theaters this Spring and when it does I highly recommend you check it out. You'll be very happy you did. Trust me, watching this amazing, at some times heartbreaking journey will make you question what you are doing to contribute to the world. When I spoke to the director, Ms. Thompson, about this she simply said we all have our way of contributing. I just couldn't shake the feeling that I may lack the heart and courage that she and her fellow volunteers had to drop it all and help spread some much needed love.
Hats off to you, Alison, and the rest of your crew for sharing your work with us. The audiences from Tribeca know what we are in store for in the months to come.
Dan Fountain
I got word that The Third Wave will be hitting theaters this Spring and when it does I highly recommend you check it out. You'll be very happy you did. Trust me, watching this amazing, at some times heartbreaking journey will make you question what you are doing to contribute to the world. When I spoke to the director, Ms. Thompson, about this she simply said we all have our way of contributing. I just couldn't shake the feeling that I may lack the heart and courage that she and her fellow volunteers had to drop it all and help spread some much needed love.
Hats off to you, Alison, and the rest of your crew for sharing your work with us. The audiences from Tribeca know what we are in store for in the months to come.
Dan Fountain
There are few more inspiring films than The Third Wave
dannypeary17 December 2007
In giving "The Third Wave" my highest rating, I have no problem in disclosing that I am friends with its remarkable director Alison Thompson. Did our friendship influence my great admiration for her documentary? Not at all. In fact, we became friends after I was awed by the movie at the Tribeca Film Festival and wanted very much to interview Thompson to post on a web site so that other people would know about "The Third Wave." All filmmakers and every fan of documentaries will be excited by the guerrilla, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants camera-work--where the camera seems to be exploring and documenting on its own, and anything or anybody can venture in front of the lens. But much more significant is that every movie fan, every human being, will experience an immense emotional impact watching Thompson and her volunteer cohorts, in an exotic far-away land, try to lessen heartbroken tragedy with kindness, selflessness, and good will--and to see the broken people they're trying to help love them back or--in scenes with a "Lord of the Flies" feel-turn against them. While the money we sent to Indonesia after the tsunami got "lost" in transit, the volunteers sent themselves to nurse (Alison set up a hospital and in her spare time collected the bones of tsunami victims) and rebuild and teach. These humanitarians are fascinating, as are the people they encounter in Piralya, the village they bring back to life in Sri Lanka. Talk about role models and saints, forget the heroes played by actors in fictional epics in theaters and watch this little movie for the real deal, a four-person emergency peace corps who went to the disaster area for two weeks and stayed for two extraordinary years--the least we viewers can do is watch Alison Thompson and company work miracles for not even two hours. Danny Peary
Four volunteers arrive in a Sri Lankan village after the tsunami.
Hondo723 December 2007
I have seen "The Third Wave" twice and I will see it over and over again. In addition to its qualities as a movie -- and there are many throughout -- it contains a very powerful message that by the end packs an emotional wallop. "Everyone is needed," indeed, when it comes to volunteering, to help people who cannot help themselves because of profound misfortune and tragedy. In the case of the village of Peraliya in Sri Lanka portrayed in "The Third Wave," it was the devastating tsunami of December 26, 2004 that obliterated the coastal region of that country. There is no hiding the grief, but the film also is a story of hope and love. Still, it is very important for potential viewers to understand that this is a damn fine movie and the message is weaved into it. There is not a soapbox in "The Third Wave"; there is an intense film-watching experience and along the way you have a better recognition of what "love thy neighbor" means.
So Real!
dietcoker814821 February 2009
umm I watched this at the Tokyo Film Fes.Actually I didn't know this movie at all.just knew rough outline. But it was so real and so great.I couldn't find out any words because I was so touched. It was not a film that was made on purpose. They just followed their conscience.but we all know that it is most important and difficult thing to do sometimes.they showed me a courage to listen to their true emotions.and took action, that people can not do easily. Also this movie shows us a very interesting side as well. that was people's greed. After sufferer got a place to stay, they demanded more things. More money, better house, better circumstances,and more complains before appreciation.and we could see their rip current. This movie is really simple.I think sometimes we can see important things in just simple.
Inspirational Story, but...
caeevans19 January 2009
Let me start by saying that what these volunteers achieved was truly inspirational, but that does not necessarily make it a good movie/documentary. For me, the focus was too much on the emotional journey and not enough on the pragmatics. Not enough attention was given to the mistakes made along the way owing to cultural differences or just not understanding the priority of needs. I think this group was very lucky, but that wasn't necessarily brought out in the movie. That's not to take away from what they achieved, but to remind those who may want to do the same thing, that you need more than just a big heart. Sorry, but the movie was a bit too much like a home diary to me.
Seen this movie at the film festival
murrayvideo14 December 2007
I seen this film at the film festival and it really moved me, I loved it. Some parts even made me cry because it was so sad. A lot of people died and thanks to the producer and crew who chipped in and helped the people, a lot of lives were saved. Its amazing how far people will go to help other people. I loved it so much that I saw it twice. If you haven't seen this movie yet I highly recommend it but I recommend that you bring tissue because I am sure that you will shed a tear for these poor people struck by a disaster. This film will bring back your faith in humanity. I have seen some of the other works of Alison Thomson and she is amazing. MURRAYVIDEO
Awesome film...eye opening, heart felt and full of wonderful moments
suzanscott126 December 2007
Wow! It's not often that you come across a film like this. You know the ones where you walk away stunned and full of emotion then it hits you deeper than you ever thought possible because the film was based on real life events? From the start right through to the finish this film is full of colourful characters and heartfelt stories. This film gently captures the events of a small coastal village just after the Tsnumai hit. It follows through to the moments when the village is finally self sufficient again. I won't spoil the fun but the stories of the village people and the international volunteers are priceless. Totally recommend seeing this one!
I've never seen a film get 4 standing ovations before!
lightxox26 December 2007
I was dragged along to the Tribeca film festival by a client and ended up happy about that as almost immediately I was sitting at the edge of my seat. The film is a riveting story about 4 unlikely volunteers who have no money or experience but end up doing it all by using common sense and love. It affected me so much I had to go and have a shot of whiskey after the film. When the movie ended people stood up to clap and they didn't stop and then they got up 3 more times. I felt like I was at a rock concert and was wondering when was the last time or anytime I had done that in a movie? After an hour of 'Question and Answers' people still had questions but management threw us out ready for the next film. I think I will try and go and see more Independent movies and I think I will start trying to help more. Thanks Spurlock good eye for this one!
Inspiring struggle to repair a tsunami ravaged village
richscot-13 January 2008
Where did all the billions in aid go? Not to this village. This is a wonderful raw and honest film that will make you laugh and cry. The inspiring efforts of this team of people that were thrust together by their common desire to be on the ground helping make you want to clap out loud or pack your bags. The cultural insight is captivating as these people struggle to repair their lives with the help of Alison, Oscar and the team. While the village parents squabble over petty matters the children start to shine becoming a major part of the film. This is the film about the people that actually did get out of their chair and do something. You will feel inspired.
This film had 5 sold out shows at Tribeca FF it was hard to buy a ticket!
ucandoit427 December 2007
I read about this film in the New York Times Tribeca pull out and tried to get tickets but every show was sold out. I finally got three to the last screening and was very happy I made the effort. The film had a deep impact on my two other friends and we talked about it for 3 hours over dinner that night and then later for a few more hours!! It stays in your head. The message really got to us and made us think about helping more in the future. We are so stuck in our busy lives idolizing actors and sportsmen as our heroes and they aren't really real heroes. The real ones are in docs like this. After the screening the filmmakers talked in a humble way of spreading the volunteer message to the world and how everyone was needed to help including bankers, lawyers and actors and singers and musicians and every type of job. Kudos to Morgan Spurlock for finding this gem, he was already a hero of mine for helping me lose 55 pounds due to eating junk food!
2008 Cannes Film festival standing ovation
eldridgeway1 June 2008
I was lucky enough to get a much coveted ticket to The Third Wave film at the Presidential Jury Screening at the 2008 Cannes film festival last week. It was wall to wall packed. Bono showed up with Sean Penn and Michael Moore seemed to love it by that big grin and was hugging the filmmakers along with Natalie Portman, Faye Dunaway and a whole bunch of jury and celebrities. It was a powerful film and there was a really long standing ovation at the end of it. Big balls to Sean Penn and Morgan Spurlock for finding this film it was the pearl of the festival. The film stayed with me for a few days and kinda spoiled watching the other films as nothing was as good as it. I hope it gets picked up, the world should see it. The filmmakers spoke at the end in a very humble way and I got to talk to them at the after party. Donny the main character was like Indiana Jones and was a very funny guy. These guys are heroes.
This film has led me to do something good for others.
krn-elder23 March 2008
Am not sure what to write. I saw the film in L.A festival with friends and was not expecting anything but some entertainment. I got more. I feel like this film has led me to do something good for other people. I'm not sure what yet. It took a few days for the film to sink into my head and heart and then I started calling everyone talking about it with them. Then they all wanted to see it. I recommend this film to anyone of any age. And after you see it take your kids they will learn many of life's valuable lessons from it. I want to see it again but i'm not sure where. The people in it are average people like us all who end up going off to help in a big way out of a simple thought but in this we see they are real humble heroes unlike the ones we make up and idolize in movies like Spiderman but real heroes.
wow all i can say is wow!!
blakertom9931 July 2008
Wow, all i can say is wow !!! How did they go through this experience and still be alive? I watched this film last weekend in Colorado Springs Windrider Film forum and the filmmakers were there to talk about their experience after it and i just wanted to keep listening. My jaw dropped as i listened to their humble and great answers. They made it seem like i could go and do this too. Well maybe I can? I want to see it again or get my kids to see it. We have been thinking of going away on a vacation but now i think i will take them on a volunteer type of trip. I don't usually watch these types of films but it opened my eyes to things i never knew about. I've had a good life and its time to give back. Well done Sean Penn to help this film to be seen, you and I haven't seen eye to eye on many things but on this one you and i totally agree. thank you. Tom
inspired to help
cantorlil28 September 2008
I saw this film at Toronto film festival and couldn't get it out of my head. I needed a drink after it. I'm not a big movie person but it hit me to the core and kicked me in the butt to get out there and do something other than helping myself. Kudos to Sean Penn for finding this gem and i hope others get to see it. The story was great and it was real and the direction was also great I sat on the edge of my seat all the way through the film. I'd like to see it again and i hope you do as well. Why do we only get to see big Hollywood films on the big screens? Why can't we see more films like this that the world needs right now? Great film!!!
Tokyo Film Festival 2008
tmhayakaw5 January 2009
What a powerful film! I watched this film at Tokyo Film Festival 2008.All I knew then was that this is the film about volunteering. I could not stop shedding tears during the film because I noticed how selfish and ignorant I had been, and also because I was so touched to know there are people who follow their humanity. After the film, I could not say a word. All I could do was coming up to the producer/director of the film, to thank her for the film. Living in this modern society, most of us are too busy concerning about our own lives. I think it can be one of the reasons why many people are not really happy even though they have no lack of food, money, cloths, and families. This film made me think what the real happiness is. Through this film, I was very much convinced and encouraged that it is high time for us to stop being selfish then use our energy for the ones who need help, and to make the world better. It is such a pity that not a lot of Japanese people know about this film!
Inspiring film
cloudroll16 September 2009
A very moving film about a handful of people with minimal humanitarian experience dropping themselves into a disaster zone in post-tsunami Sri Lanka. The extent to which they are able to transform a local community is astounding. It certainly makes one question why more people don't volunteer in such circumstances. Probably the best filmed record of the suffering and devastation caused by the tsunami. It will make you want to get involved. I met the director/actor/volunteers at the film screening and were impressed by how willing they were to share their experiences. A must see for anyone considering humanitarian relief work.
wow I want to go on an adventure like that!
seanfalkin29 March 2009
dude this film rocked my brain into wanting to do stuff for others. It made me feel like i could do it as well. Loved that Donny guy I related to him. Well I hope this film gets into the market because it will inspire a lot of people. I was with 4 friends and we talked about it for a few days later and are still talking about it. It felt so real and I laughed and cried my head off. With the new president there in USA it feels like this volunteer movement is growing and I want to be a part of it too. All good things to say about this film so try and see it somehow. Now i have to see what i can do to help. I'm tied of all the Hollywood films coming out which are full of cheap crap and no message. Definitely see this film. Sean Falkin.
Films are normally a place to lose yourself – The Third Wave is a place to find yourself.
premium-ideas13 September 2009
Films are normally a place to lose yourself – The Third Wave is a place to find yourself. By this I mean the movie empowers people by simply showing them what can be done if you are just willing to try. This is what excites me the most about The Third Wave – not how many people see the movie – but how many people will walk away realising that they can contribute to the world in very positive ways by just getting off their bottoms and having a go. In keeping with the ethos of these incredible human beings the proceeds of the ticket sales are being donated to the Tsunami Early Warning Centre they have built in Sri Lanka.
If only all film makers could focus their efforts on empowering the world by harnessing the limitless capacity for love & nurturing that we all possess. I pray you've started a trend.
Amazing stuff Ms Thompson – I'm getting all teary just thinking of how your film will change peoples lives!!!!!
If only all film makers could focus their efforts on empowering the world by harnessing the limitless capacity for love & nurturing that we all possess. I pray you've started a trend.
Amazing stuff Ms Thompson – I'm getting all teary just thinking of how your film will change peoples lives!!!!!
Hereos of our time
kayellbee-249944 December 2020
A film that continues to give...
arlene-6126 October 2009
Warning: Spoilers
The Third Wave just showed at the Hawaii International Film Festival. It Wow'd! everyone and had them on their feet with a roaring standing ovation. This is highly unusual for HIFF.
I first met Alison and the team when New Hope Christian Fellowship went over to lend relief aid. She's an inspiration to me and many, many others. Their act of altruism continues to give. After watching this film a gal said that she is now wondering about her life and what she'll do when the next disaster strikes!
Looking forward to seeing this run in the regular theaters so more can see the realities of a natural disaster. And how ordinary people can make a difference.
I first met Alison and the team when New Hope Christian Fellowship went over to lend relief aid. She's an inspiration to me and many, many others. Their act of altruism continues to give. After watching this film a gal said that she is now wondering about her life and what she'll do when the next disaster strikes!
Looking forward to seeing this run in the regular theaters so more can see the realities of a natural disaster. And how ordinary people can make a difference.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
