Warren Oates, Timothy Bottoms, and Louis Gossett Jr. Play Billy, Daggett, and Portagee, three whalers in the late 19th century who survive a shipwreck. Making their way to the nearest land, they are soon rescued and cared for by kindly Eskimo people. Therefore, it's a very sad inevitability that they will wear out their welcome (Billy is the worst of them by far) by disrespecting and taking advantage of their hosts.
Directed by the under-rated Philip Kaufman, and filmed on location in the Canadian Arctic, this is a solid and potent drama with very blatant social commentary about the fate of indigenous people in North America once so-called "civilized" people made contact with them. While there is time for some humor (Simonie Kopapik often steals the show as the tribe leader), it never detracts from the intense and realistic drama of this story. Inspired by true events, this was officially based on a novel by James Houston, who co-wrote the screenplay. It feels completely authentic, with some amazing scenery (gorgeously shot by Michael Chapman) and utterly convincing hunting scenes. (This is not recommended to people who hate seeing animals die on screen.) The score by Henry Mancini is simply excellent.
The acting is first-rate across the board; the local people do quite well in supporting established American stars Oates (whose character is reprehensible), Bottoms, and Gossett. Joanasie Salamonie is engaging as the friendly Kangiak, who comes to regard Daggett as a "brother", and Pilitak is adorable as the Eskimo woman who takes a shine to him. Sagiaktok has a highly striking presence as the shaman who foretells the danger of associating with these "dog-children" interlopers.
While Kaufman is well-regarded for such efforts as "The Unbearable Lightness of Being", "The Right Stuff", and the 1978 remake of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", this film of his seems to have largely fallen through the cracks over time. This is too bad, as this is an effort that could use more exposure. Watching this is a sobering and genuinely interesting experience.
Eight out of 10.
Directed by the under-rated Philip Kaufman, and filmed on location in the Canadian Arctic, this is a solid and potent drama with very blatant social commentary about the fate of indigenous people in North America once so-called "civilized" people made contact with them. While there is time for some humor (Simonie Kopapik often steals the show as the tribe leader), it never detracts from the intense and realistic drama of this story. Inspired by true events, this was officially based on a novel by James Houston, who co-wrote the screenplay. It feels completely authentic, with some amazing scenery (gorgeously shot by Michael Chapman) and utterly convincing hunting scenes. (This is not recommended to people who hate seeing animals die on screen.) The score by Henry Mancini is simply excellent.
The acting is first-rate across the board; the local people do quite well in supporting established American stars Oates (whose character is reprehensible), Bottoms, and Gossett. Joanasie Salamonie is engaging as the friendly Kangiak, who comes to regard Daggett as a "brother", and Pilitak is adorable as the Eskimo woman who takes a shine to him. Sagiaktok has a highly striking presence as the shaman who foretells the danger of associating with these "dog-children" interlopers.
While Kaufman is well-regarded for such efforts as "The Unbearable Lightness of Being", "The Right Stuff", and the 1978 remake of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", this film of his seems to have largely fallen through the cracks over time. This is too bad, as this is an effort that could use more exposure. Watching this is a sobering and genuinely interesting experience.
Eight out of 10.