As one who considers himself an animal lover and as one who has also lived almost his entire existence in urban and suburban environments, this excellent documentary was a true education for me, not only about native North American culture but about rural existence itself and how we define "subsistence". Suddenly, an empty refrigerator takes on an entirely different meaning for me, and I don't believe that I will ever see the world in the same light again, thanks to director Althea Arnaquq-Baril.
During the film, I noted how the Inuit people utilize every bit of the animals that they hunt while wasting the absolute minimum. As I watched, I noticed how the director accomplishes the exact same result by employing every frame for its maximum impact on behalf of her message and her cause. What also struck me was her deep love and dedication to her people and their way of life. This truly impressed me.
One of the director's critical points was exposing the self-interest of many political organizations as they exploit their cause, as well as their supporters, for the sake of ends that may be unrelated to their publicly stated purpose but rather to the promotion of their own political power and even their own material gain. Without unfairly singling out animal rights or animal welfare groups, I have personally experienced this deception all too many times on the part of many political organizations. It is a disturbing but valid observation, and the director is very successful in presenting her point of view.
What this film accomplishes is the very important lesson that some situations contain two very compelling arguments that oppose each other. In this case, well intentioned people may not realize how their actions, specifically in the form of an economic boycott, may seriously affect the lives and very survival of other people. The film also illustrates how people who sit on two opposing sides of an argument can find common ground and common goals, in this case working together for the health of our planet.
During the film, I noted how the Inuit people utilize every bit of the animals that they hunt while wasting the absolute minimum. As I watched, I noticed how the director accomplishes the exact same result by employing every frame for its maximum impact on behalf of her message and her cause. What also struck me was her deep love and dedication to her people and their way of life. This truly impressed me.
One of the director's critical points was exposing the self-interest of many political organizations as they exploit their cause, as well as their supporters, for the sake of ends that may be unrelated to their publicly stated purpose but rather to the promotion of their own political power and even their own material gain. Without unfairly singling out animal rights or animal welfare groups, I have personally experienced this deception all too many times on the part of many political organizations. It is a disturbing but valid observation, and the director is very successful in presenting her point of view.
What this film accomplishes is the very important lesson that some situations contain two very compelling arguments that oppose each other. In this case, well intentioned people may not realize how their actions, specifically in the form of an economic boycott, may seriously affect the lives and very survival of other people. The film also illustrates how people who sit on two opposing sides of an argument can find common ground and common goals, in this case working together for the health of our planet.