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:

CAD1,960,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$3,789,952

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$5,204,281

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

While this film would never get SPCA approval, every animal killed was used in true Inuit fashion; all the meat was consumed, and the skins were put to practical use.

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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

Atuat: [to Atanarjuat] I hunt you. You're my own wolf.

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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 WatchMojo: Top 10 Movies by Canadian Directors (2016)

User Reviews

Well crafted and refreshingly different

Pretty well guaranteed to be the only Inuit film you will ever see. This is the story of two brothers and the trouble caused to them by a neighbouring family/tribe and some kind of evil spirit. The mystical elements are fairly low key and the story revolves around the always popular themes of jealousy, betrayal, rivalry and love.

If the plot is nothing new, the people it portrays are. As the story progresses almost documentary like details of hunting, igloo-building, celebrations and other aspects of life in the frozen north of Canada are provided. Much of the movies' strength comes the sheer originality of the culture. When is the last time you saw an Inuit man running naked across the ice being pursued by murderers in seal skins?

The cinematography is particularly striking, with the powerful light of the Arctic giving the film its own character. Vast landscapes of snow and ice are contrasted with the confines of the igloo and tent. Very impressive for a first time director.

The film would probably have been improved by some judicious editing. As you enter the third hour your desire to see another set of feet trudging through the snow is a little limited.

Well crafted, full of fascinating details and certainly one of a kind.