Atanarjuat (The Fast Runner)
A story of love and survival, tradition and superstition.
One of the most acclaimed films of the year, The Fast Runner is an extraordinary, triumphant experience. Set amongst the Inuit people of the arctic, the film is a thrilling, passionate story exploring the universal themes of love, revenge and survival.
When a small, nomadic community is cursed by an unknown shaman, the curse is still felt years later. Atanarjuat falls in love with Atuat, a woman already promised to the son of the clan's leader. In a fight, she is won by Atanarjuat causing vengeful clan leader Oki to plot to attack Atanarjuat and his brother in their sleep. Atanarjuat manages to escape and sets off running across the ice, embarking on a harrowing adventure to survive in the brutal wilderness. His journey ends when he returns, stronger and wiser, to reclaim his life and stop the curse that has divided his people.
Member Reviews
Action Adventure? - pugler
Even people who liked this film, for whatever reason, would have to admit that this movie is terribly slow moving and tediously long. It is obviously the result of a taxpayer funded innitiative as it lacks in any objective. The fact that this movie gathered ANY support within the Canadian Film industry is testimony to how self-serving and that industry has become.
While it may be interesting to see the landscape and living conditions of the Inuit, the movie would have been better served to present itself as a documentary and at least approach the production with a purpose. I typically do not gravitate towards "mass market" films, which is why I rented this DVD, however I was extremely disappointed in the fact that this film would have received any critical acclaim.Before the White Man - mscriteeq
This is a visually beautiful movie. It is particularly enjoyable to be presented with a story of an indigenous culture that does not include the consequences of white man's intervention. The story may move slowly, but observing the lifestyle of everyday living is just as entertaining --to see the clothes, the cooking, the inside of an authentic igloo,the dogs, sleds etc. was and cooking was as pleasurable to me as what happens to Atanarjuat.spellbinding - billie
It amazes me that what I saw in this film is part of the country I live in. It is as remote to my life as though it was another planet. I loved this movie and wanted it to never end. The direction is faultless, moving with the rhythms of life in the Arctic. The production values, costumes, were magnificent,and the photography was just as awe-inspiring. The story is effective, unfolding slowly and on many levels, as does an Inuit legend. I loved the mix of magic and realism, it was so true. The scenes of Atanarjuat running, naked, across the ice and water are truly singular. The story itself is an old story, and resonates with all cultures: this might have been a Shakespeare tale. I lost track of who was who for a while, but it soon straightened out for me. I didn't like how the dogs were treated, I must say - doesn't the SPCA watch over such things when they are being filmed? I hope to see many more such films from the arctic. It is insightful to spend some time getting used to the rhythms of stone age people in a barren landscape: but it wasn't so long ago, and it wasn't so far away, and we are so lucky to be able to see this slice of true mythology/history before the last links fade away.
Member Reviews
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Action Adventure? - pugler
Even people who liked this film, for whatever reason, would have to admit that this movie is terribly slow moving and tediously long. It is obviously the result of a taxpayer funded innitiative as it lacks in any objective. The fact that this movie gathered ...Before the White Man - mscriteeq
This is a visually beautiful movie. It is particularly enjoyable to be presented with a story of an indigenous culture that does not include the consequences of white man's intervention. The story may move slowly, but observing the lifestyle of everyday ...spellbinding - billie
It amazes me that what I saw in this film is part of the country I live in. It is as remote to my life as though it was another planet. I loved this movie and wanted it to never end. The direction is faultless, moving with the rhythms of life in the Arctic. ...