User reviews

An airplane loaded with roughneck oilmen crashes in Alaska and the survivors trek through a snow storm to survive while a pack of wolves kill them off one by one.

Some reviewers loved it. Some hated it. Those who loved it saw a competently directed action horror film in a realistic setting filled with real people facing real threats. Those who hated it saw an unrealistic depiction of wildlife behavior and unworkable outdoor skills. People who loved it thought the movie was realistic. People who hated it thought it was ridiculous.

Without giving away the story, let me tell you that this is not a story about actual wolf behavior. This is more like the numerous movies of the produced through the '70s, '80s and '90s about a group of people picked off one by one by unseen creatures lurking in the dark. In the '70s, they were natural animals like sharks, killer whales, reptiles, furry animals and insects. In the '80s they were space aliens and robots. In the '90s they were super assassins. Lately they are vampires and zombies. Now we are back to furry animals. But the overall theme is the same.

It is refreshing to see this theme played out in the Alaskan wilderness rather than on a space ship or an underground city overrun by zombies. In that sense, this movie is realistic. But the furry animals in the movie behave more like space aliens than actual wolves. The "expert hunter" in the movie is not actually giving you wisdom that will be useful in the Alaskan wilderness. He is more of a generic zombie hunter. In that sense, this movie is unrealistic.

So whether you like this movie or not depends entirely on what you are in the mood to see. If you want Discovery Channel, look elsewhere. If you want to see good acting in a scenic backdrop with lots of scary moments, you will like this movie. You don't have to really check in your brain at the door. Like so many Ridley Scott movies, this one is also a meditation on the nature of fate. This movie is a good piece of fiction. Just a bad documentary.

Surprised by all the poor ratings given apparently by a bunch of wildlife/wolf/survival experts! Guys, this is a Hollywood movie! Let me emphasize - a movie. All this analysis on how much a wolf weighs and how their behavior is incorrectly depicted... please stick to NatGeo or Discovery channel programs and stay away from fiction! Going by the logic and reviews, Spielberg's 1975 classic 'Jaws' should be given just a star or two as it has a highly inaccurate portrayal of sharks. But surprise surprise, it's 8+ on IMDb! Wow how did that happen?! I enjoy a movie for the entertainment value it provides. And if the film can hold my interest for about 90 minutes, I'd say it worked. The Grey definitely worked!

Those who Go Into this Liam Neeson Flick Expecting Fisticuffs, Gun-Play, and Action Tropes Leave Mostly Disappointed.

Some Actually Hostile at the "Trailer" for Misdirection and Neeson for Signing-On to this because it's NOT THAT.

It's a Macho-Man-Movie All the way with Females Only Glimpsed through a Few Flashbacks, and Memory Laden Remarks around the Numerous Fires...

Used as Shields Against a Pack of Wolves that Already Attacked and Devoured 1 of the "Human Pack" that have come in Close-Contact to the Wolves Den.

Herein Lies Bones of Contention...

Many "Experts" on Wolves and their Behavior state LOUDLY and Angrily that the Wolf-Pack in this Film do Not in Anyway Behave Like Real-Life Wolf-Packs...

If that's a Fact and You Can Not Suspend Disbelief Enough to Enjoy the Film, and Chalk it Up to "Artistic-License" than Stay Far Far Away from this "Tale".

On the Other Hand, it is a Bleak Psychological Study of Men Under Extreme Threat at the Hands of Ravenous Monsters and the Wrath of Mother Nature.

Images Stripped of Color, Signifying an Unforgiving Atmosphere on the Path to "Hell".

It's Engaging, Suspenseful, "Out-There" Entertainment with an "Edge", that's...

Worth a Watch.

I'm surprised to see the number of negative reviews here and also surprised as to the number of comparisons to Lee Tamahori's 'The Edge'; a completely different type of film in my opinion despite the similar locales. Unrelentingly bleak with almost no glimpse of warmth ( both literally and figuratively!) during the whole running time it's easy to see that this film will not be for everyone. The absence of a heroic ending and the depiction of the absolute fragility of man (and futility of machismo) will also serve to divide audiences even further. But, if you can get past these things and can overlook a couple of plot points that might seem illogical you are in for one heck of visceral cinematic ride. The story is simple - Liam Neeson is a distraught widower contracted to shoot Wolves in the Alaskan oil fields. On a flight to the mainland for R&R the plane goes down in the middle of nowhere and he and six other passengers are the only remaining survivors. The motley group must contend with a grim situation that see's them dropped in a freezing barren wasteland with no food, shelter or weapons and a pack of hungry Timber Wolves keen to pick them off one by one. I liked the AO Scott review for this film in which he pointed out that the film posed and answered a number of theological and existential questions in a very quiet and dignified way. Quite un-Hollywood. This is no Tom Hanks picture and unlike the aforementioned The Edge it's never for a minute considered an option for the men to make a stand against the Wolves in the way that Charles and Bob did with Bart the Bear in that film. They are completely at the mercy of the environment and it's predators whilst also being aware of the increasing futility of their plight. The film goes against the grain right from the outset and it's a stylistic decision from the creators that simultaneously elevates it above many of it's counterparts but also probably limits it's broader appeal - an early scene immediately after the crash where Neeson comforts a dying man is one of the most powerful and beautiful pieces of acting I've seen in recent years. To summarize, I found the film a very intense watch and it stayed with me for long time afterwards. Surely the hallmarks of a great picture?

This is a gripping survival thriller that transcends the typical genre conventions. Anchored by Liam Neeson's powerful performance, the film unfolds in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness, where a group of oil workers must confront both nature's brutality and their own inner demons after a plane crash.

The cinematography is stunning, capturing the harsh beauty of the snow-covered landscapes and creating a palpable sense of isolation. The film skillfully explores themes of survival, loss, and the primal instinct to live against all odds. Neeson's character, Ottway, provides a compelling focal point as he grapples not only with the external threats but also with his own existential struggles.

The tension is relentless, enhanced by a haunting score that complements the visceral intensity of the narrative. The wolves, both literal and metaphorical, become a symbol of the characters' internal struggles and the inevitability of death. The character dynamics are well-developed, adding emotional depth to the suspenseful plot.

The movie stands out in the survival genre, offering more than just adrenaline-pumping action. It delves into the human psyche, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant cinematic experience. With its evocative storytelling and Neeson's compelling performance, Moreover, it is a gripping exploration of the thin line between life and death.

I'll start off by saying this movie is not made for everyone. This is about a movie based off of survival instincts between man and nature. First time watching this, It's a thrill chiller. If you're wanting a movie that's depressing 90% of the time, this is the movie for you. This movie grasps way beyond an imagination of dealing with nature's worst environments after a plane wreckage. Traveling through the coldest winter, little to no food, wounded, tiredness and cold, it's a rough marry go-round. Not only the harsh environment for the remaining survivors have to deal with, the movie decided to throw in Northern Arctic Wolves and that made the survivors a living nightmare of hell. Only reason why I gave the movie a 8 star was Ottway (Liam Neeson) was a huntsman. His job subscription should have made him an expert of dealing with the current situation a little more suitable than just trying to survive with some ideas. None of the less, excellent movie for drama watchers.

It is a very tense and exciting movie; the plot is good, the action scenes are excellent, and Liam Neeson's acting is sublime; it is highly recommended.

If you're like me you saw the trailers with Liam Neeson strapping glass bottles to his hands and fighting wolves and thought, "Holy cow! They made Wolf Taken. Violence and wolves!" Well, they didn't. There's really not that much action in the film. The trailers really, really did a dis-service to the film. They were selling an action movie when they really made an intensely somber film about a group of desperate men as they try to survive a plane crash. The film is quietly beautiful.

I saw it in theaters and was hopping mad at how the trailer misled me. People all over the theater fell asleep (my girlfriend included). However, I think if you're looking for a non-action flick, you'll really dig this.

This is a fictional movie. At no point does it state anywhere within the film that it's a true story or that it's based on any true event. The wolves scenario, tracking and attacking them like they do is unrealistic but again that's not what the film is about. This film at its heart is about the human will of survival and what keeps us alive. I don't mean what makes us want to live; but what keeps us alive. These are 2 different things. Liam Neesons character isn't trying to stay alive, he's just trying not to die. He shows us in the first few minutes of the film that he doesn't want to live. Human instinct; to stay alive however is both a blessing and curse in this case. The film captures every aspect of what a person would feel going through a life or death situation; whether it's your life or someone else's. If you look at this from a "realistic" perspective...how could you know this scenario, what to feel and how to act unless you've actually been chased by wolves, post commercial airline crash?

My recommendation is to watch the film as if you've lost something in your life that means so much to you, you'd rather be dead then to have lost it in the first place.

This is a really depressing and disturbing film - almost certainly a bust at the box office but "The Grey" is really really good - an existentialist parable - in wolves clothing.

Life is nasty - it is a struggle without meaning except for the struggle itself and the nobility in having done that well regardless of the end result. That's what the film was about - not an action picture - not a scientifically accurate portrayal of wolves but an allegory - a metaphor about the existential view of life.

The circling and relentless wolves - the beautiful yet cold and uncaring Siberian landscape - the different attitudes of the participants to the pointless struggle yet heroic effort which no one will ever know about - succinct, powerful and poignant.

One of the few films that will be remembered in future decades in what has been a especially weak year. "The Grey" is not for the faint of heart or those looking for cheap thrills - but it is an unusually brave and beautiful exposition of an unpopular and depressing philosophical view of life...

I recently watched the film "The Grey" from 2011, and I have to say, it was quite an experience. This movie is definitely not for the faint of heart, as it is packed with intense action and testosterone-fueled scenes that will leave you on the edge of your seat. From the very beginning, we are introduced to a group of oil workers in Alaska who blow off some steam by engaging in a wild and drunken brawl, complete with chairs being smashed over heads. It's a scene that exudes masculinity to the extreme, so if you're a woman, you might want to skip this part, as the sheer amount of male hormone on screen might just result in an unexpected pregnancy. Yes, it's that intense!

But that's just the beginning. The film then takes us on a thrilling journey as a plane crash occurs, promising to deliver a visually stunning scene comparable to the one in "Alive." However, the movie cheats us out of this spectacle by cutting to Liam Neeson's character, Ottway, having a dream about his wife, and then suddenly finding himself lying on the ground. It's a bit disappointing, as we are left wondering how Ottway ended up several hundred yards away from the wreckage and miraculously survived the crash. Perhaps the production budget had something to do with it, but it's a detail that is never explained.

As the story progresses, we witness Ottway's severe lack of common sense, which can only be attributed to the brain damage he suffered from the crash. Firstly, he tells a dying man that he's going to die and not to worry about it. Secondly, he urges everyone to build a fire to avoid freezing to death, completely disregarding the fact that there is an abundance of unburnt plane fuel nearby. And thirdly, when he learns that they are surrounded by wolves that pose a deadly threat, he orders everyone to seek refuge in a faraway forest. But why would that be safer? Well, it seems that without this decision, we wouldn't have a film, so we'll just have to accept it.

One of the major criticisms of "The Grey" is the portrayal of the wolves, and I must say, I agree. These are not the majestic creatures we see on National Geographic; instead, they resemble the wolves from old films starring Lon Chaney Jr. In fact, they go even further, as Ottway informs us that these wolves have a hunting radius of 300 miles and a kill radius of 30. Hmm, interesting. So, if you trek into a distant forest, you'll be safe from both their hunting and kill radius? It's a bit hard to believe.

Furthermore, the film lacks logical consistency. Ottway claims that they will never be found because the rescue authorities would need to send 50 planes to locate them. But wouldn't the authorities already know where the plane crashed based on its disappearance from the radar? Additionally, someone in the group has a watch with a GPS beacon, emitting a signal that could potentially lead to their rescue. Survival books always emphasize the importance of staying with the wreckage, as venturing into the unknown is the worst thing one can do. It seems the screenwriters overlooked this crucial detail.

Despite its flaws, "The Grey" does attempt to explore a humanist element. The film suggests that relying on God for salvation may lead to disappointment, and individuals must take charge of their own lives without relying on miracles. However, the characters in the film are so idiotic that any humanist message becomes painfully ironic. In fact, one could argue that their foolishness is a prime example of Darwinism in action, and the wolves deserve their feast. Bon appétit, wolfie!

Overall, I would rate "The Grey" a 6 out of 10. While it may not be a perfect film, it certainly offers a unique and intense viewing experience. If you're a fan of action-packed thrillers and can overlook some questionable plot choices, then this film might just be right up your alley. So grab some popcorn, buckle up, and prepare yourself for a wild ride with "The Grey."

Just a few comments about this Jack Londonesque movie. Beyond the surface this movie harpoons the great competitions of man versus man, man versus nature, man versus God and man versus himself. What the director was able to accomplish in this raw film is an inspiration. A man evolving from suicidal tendencies, a man who protected life but initially cares little of his own, revealed his true flesh of wanting to live. The ethereal remembrances provided a cloudy peek into his pain. The parallels of the pack of wolves and the pack of men within the indifferent universe. Oh my fellow watchers this visceral movie gives us hope, purpose and the untethered pang of raw survival. To rage against the cold, while the hungry wolves that lurk in our souls attempt to devour us. Those that rate this movie poorly lack the honed taste of organic storytelling. Shakespeare throughout this movie. Enter the Gray with fortitude and alacrity and your poem will write itself. Well done.

The movie was a little bit better than i was expected.(i read a couple reviews without spoilers before i watched it ) Liam Neeson's performance was truly outstanding,and i loved the way that the movie played with the different psychology between humans in the same circumstances.

Without pontificating about hidden meanings and artsy interpretations, I'd simply say that this is a film about a man who doesn't care if he lives or dies after the loss of his partner. It is not an action movie or a survival movie in the strictest sense: it is more about the manner in which we die and the way we face death, and it is beautifully filmed. It could be seen that, as well as representing the visceral, raw savagry of death, the Wolves represent the metaphorical relentlessness of death, its hopelessness and inevitability. This is certainly felt strongly in this film and it is very well done. The weakest are taken early on and the strongest live longer, but it comes for us all eventually.

I would place this film alongside The Edge with Anthony Hopkins as it has a similar feel in its vast isolated beauty and a similar metaphor for life and its meaning: how we're all relatively vulnerable and tiny in the face of mother nature in her purest form.

This straightforward movie is paced reasonably well and turns out to be a fine vehicle for the main lead , Liam Neeson . In Alaska, an oil drilling group (Joe Anderson , Dermot Mulroney , Frank Grillo , Anozie, Bray , James Badge Dale , Dallas Roberts) fight to survive after a plane crash strands them in the wild . Hunting the humans are a pack of wolves who see them as intruders . They are led by Ottway (Liam Neeson) , a two-fisted and resourceful veteran with suicide tendency .They spend most of it running through the snow, and woods, being wounded , pursued and chased by the pack of wolves.

The main and support cast are magnificent when struggle to survive in the hostile environment which the flick is set in. There are still nice scenes to see such as the team leaping from a cliff and several sparkling and thrilling images . It also results to be surprisingly gory along with a handful of violent and breathtaking attack scenes . It's a thunder stuff with a strong star cast though is slowly paced . The hunter leader very well played by Liam Nesson , is a tough man who bears a sad past and attempts to help his partners . The actors supporting are fine , mostly acting as familiar persons or fools of one sort or another . The large secondary cast is completed by Dallas Roberts , Frank Grillo , James Badge Dale and Joe Anderson , among them. Riveting cinematography by Takayanagi , reflecting wonderfully the landscapes in the ultimate unfriendly environment . Suspenseful and appropriate musical score by Marc Streitenfield , as well as emotive . A must see for every enthusiast of a decent action movie with significant and interesting elements . If you are a fan of the main guys Liam Neeson or Dermot Mulroney , you'll want to watch this one.

The motion picture produced by Ridley Scott is finely directed and well written by Joe Carnahan (A Team, Smokin' aces , Narc) based on a short story titled ¨Ghost Walker¨ by Ian MacKenzie Jeffers . Rating : Good, it's competent enough, a straightforward entertainment that results to be an intriguing story turned into an OK and broody but depressing film . However , this is definitely an adult-oriented flick because of the violent attacks, gore and some profanity language on hand. Rating : Acceptable movie . Better than average .

In my opinio,the crash in wilderness is just a wrapper around a story if people,their fears,weaknesses,lives and...deaths. Some scenes are not realistic,but this is compensated by other elements of the movie. The story is not predictable,and it keeps you fixed to your seat from the very beginning. I have watched it few times,which I usually don't do,and every time I find some new things that I did not notice before.