Atanarjuat (2001)
Genre: Drama
Duration: 172 minuten
Alternative title: Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner
Country:
Canada
Directed by: Zacharias Kunuk
Stars: Natar Ungalaaq, Sylvia Ivalu and Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq
IMDb score:
7,4 (7.080)
Releasedate: 1 February 2002
Atanarjuat plot
This is a film adaptation of an ancient legend of the Inuit Indians. The story takes place in the icy landscape of present-day northern Canada. At the center are the brothers Amaqjuag (the strong) and Atanarjuat (the fast), who compete with another Inuit family. At the center of the story is Atuat, a young woman who should marry the son of the tribe leader, but prefers Atanarjuat.
Actors and actresses
Atanarjuat
Atuat
Puja
Amaqjuaq (as Pakkak Innushuk)
Panikpak
Qulitalik / A shaman (as Paul Qulitalik)
Sauri, the chief
Uluriaq
Tungajuaq
Reviews & comments
Woland
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- 4810 messages
- 3826 votes
Atanarjuat is quite a unique film - the first film shot entirely in an Inuit language, and it is also a telling of what is apparently a local folk legend. The setting, far away in the Arctic and in a time without modern technology, also makes it interesting. And apparently Atanarjuat has also been voted the best Canadian film ever. Still, this was quite a long one. The precise details of the story were never quite clear to me - yes, the broad outlines about Oki and his friends trying to kill Atanarjuat over a woman, and Atanarjuat escaping and swearing vengeance did. But in all honesty, I had some trouble telling the characters apart; all men had more or less the same clothes, the same hairstyles and generally quite difficult names, so it was not always clear to me who I was looking at.
And of course, there's another very good reason why this is a rather long sit. Simply put: the film lasts almost three hours. And although there are a lot of beautiful images from the far North, and it is often interesting to see what the life of the locals was like at the time, that is a bit exaggerated length. The overall story with love, murder, revenge is universal and almost Shakespearean, but it was still a bit slow and confusing for me. Fortunately, the unique setting, the fantastic nature and the insight into the Inuit culture made up for it.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Dievegge
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- 3181 messages
- 8233 votes
The northern location offers breathtaking images with bright white snow fields and dazzling sunlight. The sound of the howling wind and howling huskies reinforces the sense of isolation. Traditions are shown: hunting caribou and building an igloo. It takes some concentration to tell which name belongs to which face. The chief wears a necklace with walrus teeth. They speak Inuktitut. Throat singing can be heard in the soundtrack.
It is based on an ancient Inuit saga. There are universal themes in it: a family feud, and rivalry for power and love. In a funny duel, the rivals take turns to throw a punch. Atanarjuat and his brother both have a talent that they use. Oki is the villain; his sister Puja de femme fatale. However, the spiral of violence is broken by moments of reconciliation and forgiveness. The old woman Panikpak believes in shamanism, demons, telepathy and reincarnation. It is an exciting introduction to a distant culture.
Translated from Dutch · View original
ZAP!
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- 5502 messages
- 3638 votes
Watched again after a long time. It often comes across as amateurish, but I assume they are not professional actors and actresses. The story is also a bit messy. Then there is the digital handheld camera look that often looks very ugly.
But it remains a fascinating (and quite unique) story, even shocking at times. That throat singing is really insanely beautiful, I have to dig up some of that (tips welcome).
I used to have it at 4.5 stars, but that is no longer possible.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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