UnowPriceless hyped garbage

ThedevilChoose When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

BelSports This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

Brainsbell The story-telling is good with flashbacks.The film is both funny and heartbreaking. You smile in a scene and get a soulcrushing revelation in the next.

Nazi_Fighter_David It tells a legend from the two thousand years ago, about Atanarjuat, who incurs the jealous enmity of Oki when he marries Atuat… Oki kills Atanarjuat's brother, but Atanarjuat escapes in a stunning sequence, running naked across the ice floes, outstripping his pursuers until, his feet torn and bloody, he is taken in by a friendly sorcerer… The motion picture concedes nothing in the way of authenticity, with sequences that show in realistic detail the training of sled-dogs, cutting up animal carcasses or making an igloo… But the convincing ethnographic elements only serve to intensify the compelling story and characters, which take on a truly epic dimension… If the purpose of a national cinema is to represent the culture of the peoples it belongs to, then "Atanarjuat" achieves this victoriously, both the content of the film and the manner of its telling being wholly specific to Canada, yet in the process achieving a universal appeal

nicole666 I've seen "Atanarjuat" years ago in a small theater and was astonished to see so how so much beauty can be combined on one single screen! Then again, I just came across it at my local video store. It's not only the scenery that's mind blowing but also the (innocent) very natural, raw acting that makes this an outstanding art film. The story is being told the the viewer in such a natural, simplistic way, it's hard to believe that life that far up north in the Arctic can be so cruel, and, if things go wrong - they really do and could mean a huge disaster. One wonders why there are not more such well made and breath taking stories like "Atanarjuat" around?! The music is supporting the picture with a graciously, with a strong effect on the viewer as well. At least, it worked with me..It kinda reminded me of "Whale Rider" because of its innocent story telling. A must watch! Again and again and ....

Spuzzlightyear For the longest time, I sort of avoided Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner, as I knew the movie was a long one, and about Inuit legend, something that really didn't appeal to me. But when the title became available, I decided to, as they say, throw caution into the wind, and watch this. After finishing it, I'm really glad I had the experience, as it's a pretty amazing movie, both in it's story and the sheer fact that it got made. The story is about one man, Atanarjuat, and his daily life in the cold harsh arctic. He seems to get along well with the other Inuit, but soon, a power struggle erupts, and soon he has to rely on the powers within himself and others to overcome great odds thrown in his way. Again, the sheer fact that this was made, and the fact that they found actors in the caliber of performance that Natar Ungalaaq Pulls off is nothing short of remarkable. I don't know the full story of how this was made, but I am sure these are first time actors here, and they just ace it. Probably because the story hits so close to home. The lead actor, Natar Ungalaaq is to be especially commended for taking so many acting risks as he did (running naked on ice floes??) The only problem I have with this, and this seems to be a common complaint with people who watched this, is that it's quite hard for the first hour or so, to figure out who's who. But other than that, yeah, try to see this one if you can, you'll be glad you did.

tarchon Very entertaining film. Not the greatest technical masterpiece of film-making, but after a while, I actually started to like the effect of the digital camera. In a way, it felt more real, like I was watching home movies... of Inuits 500 years ago... or 1000 years ago... or maybe yesterday. That's probably the biggest strength of this film, complete and utter authenticity. Plus, it isn't tainted by all the postmodernist hokum that would have gotten shoveled into it if some New York art film auteur had done it. The film has no fear of showing real, politically incorrect Inuit life. Vegans beware! I suspect from the comments I've read that it works a little better on the small screen than the big screen because of the recording medium. Yeah, it's long and a little confusing in the beginning, but, dang, I was hoping for another hour by the end of it. Complex, engaging characters, too, and a compelling, universal story.