Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001)

The telling of an Inuit legend of an evil spirit causing strife in the community and one warrior's endurance and battle of its menace.

Director:

Zacharias Kunuk

Writers:

Paul Apak Angilirq, Norman Cohn (additional writer)

Stars:

Natar Ungalaaq, Sylvia Ivalu, Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq

26 wins & 18 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Natar Ungalaaq	...	Atanarjuat
Sylvia Ivalu	...	Atuat
Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq	...	Oki
Lucy Tulugarjuk	...	Puja
Madeline Ivalu	...	Panikpak
Pauloosie Qulitalik	...	Qulitalik / A shaman (as Paul Qulitalik)
Eugene Ipkarnak	...	Sauri, the chief
Pakak Innuksuk	...	Amaqjuaq (as Pakkak Innushuk)
Neeve Irngaut	...	Uluriaq
Abraham Ulayuruluk	...	Tungajuaq
Apayata Kotierk	...	Kumaglak
Mary Qulitalik	...	Niriuniq
Luke Taqqaugaq	...	Pittiulak
Alex Uttak	...	Pakak
Eric Nutarariaq	...	Young Sauri

Storyline

Centuries ago, in what would become the Canadian Arctic, Atuat is promised to the malevolent Oki, son of the leader of their tribe. But Atuat loves the good-natured Atanarjuat, who ultimately finds a way to marry her. Oki's sister, Puja also fancies Atanarjuat, and when she causes strife between him and his brother Amaqjuaq, Oki seizes the opportunity to wreak a terrible revenge on Atanarjuat.

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Plot Keywords:

inuit | arctic | legend | canadian | shaman | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some sexuality/nudity and violence

Details

Official Sites:

Companion website

Country:

Canada

Language:

Inuktitut

Release Date:

26 July 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Fast Runner (Atanarjuat)

Filming Locations:

Igloolik, Nunavut, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

CAD 1,960,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$36,342, 9 June 2002, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$3,786,801, 26 January 2003

Company Credits

Production Co:

Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, Canada Television and Cable Production Fund License Program (CTCPF), Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit (CPTC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

172 min 174 min 172 min 161 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The first Inuktitut-language feature film.

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Goofs

Just before Atanarjuat jumps over the crevasse, the shadow of a crew member appears in the snow, at the bottom of the screen, to the left.

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Quotes

Oki: What are you all looking at? Haven't you ever seen anyone kick a dog before?

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Crazy Credits

The film's end credits play next to behind the scenes footage of the making of the film. Many primary cast and crew members appear at the same time that their credits come on screen.

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Connections

Featured in Reel Injun (2009)

User Reviews

Goes down easy

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.