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The Fast Runner | Year: 2001 Classification: Foreign Film - Other Directed: - Zacharias Kunuk Actors/Actresses: - Natar Ungalaaq - Sylvia Ivalu stark, slow, compelling Atanarjuat loves Atuat. His father was a bit of a tribal ne'er-do-well, and he is very close to his brother, literally and figuratively, throughout the film, as he courts Atuat, fights for her, wins her, loses her, and returns to her despite the murderous machinations of Oki, son of the tribe's chief. This film tells a classic tale, but the fact that it is Inuit makes it especially interesting; the pace is different and the light is more stark, a bit like Scent of Green Papaya for the northern climes. The first time the camera opens onto the snow-filled tundra, your eyes will be shocked. The acting is very good, many things can be seen in a look or a smile, and the details of clothing and everyday life are incredible. For a technologized Westerner, it can be jarring to adapt to the pace of the film, but it is filled with drama, love, violence, life and death, and the experience is eminently worthwhile. DVD features are abysmal, however. I would have *loved* a behind-the-scenes documentary or commentary by the cast and crew, particularly since this is such a rarity -- an Inuit film, but the only extras are trailers for Lagaan, Lawrence of Arabia and Limbo. That's it. A real shame. Breathtaking and Fascinating. "Atanarjuat," or "the Fast Runner," is a retelling of an ancient Inuit folk-tale. ("the Inuit" is an all-encompassing descriptor for the aboriginal tribes of northern Canada and Alaska). They have pieced together the lifestyle of their people pre-European contact using elders' knowledge, historical artifacts and journals, and legend and oral history. 1) it is a scientific fact that Caucasians find it difficult to immediately identify different people from a different race (for example, you might mix up Atanarjuat and his brother). The only thing I can say to this is, the film-makers know this, so pay attention to the dialogue, and you'll get it. 2) The film is sub-titled. Well, yes. Some people hate subtitles, I've no idea why, but deal with it. I've never heard Inuktitut language before and I thought it was a great experience. I'd rather hear them pronouncing things correctly and learn a little more. Besides, the acting is magnificent. 3) The film moves slowly. Yes, this is true. But remember, at this time, there was not a must see I am a bit confused as to why this movie has won so many awards and gotten all this great press. Is it because its a peek into the world of the Inuit? And it was written, acted and directed all by the Inuit? This alone does not allow for any concessions. It is a sincere effort, but its also quite amatuer. The bad guy is really bad and the good guy is really good(almost no character development). the camera work is awkward(cheesy zoom in's on actors' faces when we're supposed to grasp the dramatic moment). the acting stiff. the narrative is strange and hard to follow(all of a sudden he's got two wives!). and the length...yes long, but not really slow, it was neither compelling nor boring to watch. i am however quite interested in what the actors are up to these days. but hey, the movie is not a must see. you can pass this one up. Buy The Fast Runner at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on The Fast Runner Search with the Priority Search Engine on The Fast Runner This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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