The Fast Runner (Atanarjuat)

Released 2001
Stars Natar Ungalaaq, Pakkak Innukshuk, Sylvia Ivalu, Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq
Directed by Zacharias Kunuk

This movie is unlike anything I've seen before. It looks and feels like a documentary, but it's really a drama told in a documentary style. It's based on an ancient Inuit legend, but I'm not sure the story is it's primary purpose. It's certainly not what makes the movie remarkable. The reason the movie has resonated with so many viewers is the way it shows us an ancient way of life that existed for several millennia right up until last century. It's really about the way these nomadic Inuits have lived in the Arctic for thousands of years, and it can be fascinating to watch these people live in what must be the most brutal environment ancient man has tamed. That title has to go to either the arctic or the desert. The arctic has my vote after watching this, and they don't even show a snowstorm or blizzard.

Summary by Bill Alward, March 11, 2003

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