VHS CASE/SIDE
Length of film: 167 Minutes (U.S. Edit: 160 Minutes)
Rated: 14A (15)
Genre: Drama
Director: Zacharias Kunuk
Starring: Natar Ungalaaq, Sylvia Ivalu, Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq, Lucy Tulugarjuk, Madeline Ivalu, Pakak Innuksuk, Neeve Irngaut
IMDB Rank: 7.5/10
Part 1 Time: 95 Minutes (U.S. Edit: 90 Minutes)
Part 2 Time: 72 Minutes (U.S. Edit: 70 Minutes)
Where does the first part end? Uluriaq (Neeve Irngaut) and Atuat (Sylvia Ivalu) stand beside their destroyed tent, they notice the body of Amaqjuaq (Pakak Innuksuk).
Final line of dialogue on the first part: Atuat searches for Atanarjuat (Natar Ungalaaq), she shouts “Where are you?”
First line of dialogue on the second part: No dialogue for the first two minutes as Atanarjuat is being chased by Oki (Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq ) and his henchmen. Oki, who is out of breath, speaks to his henchmen, “He’s trapped by the crack!”
How jarring is it when the first part ends? Jarring, Atanarjuat is being chased by Oki and two henchmen. He is faster than them, but with no boats or parka jacket will he be able to survive the harsh climate of arctic?
Which part is better? Based on an Inuit legend, the film takes place at the turn of the first millennia in the Northern Arctic. The legend states that an evil spirit was summoned by a miscreant shaman which spreads violence and discord within Igloolik (“place of houses”). A hero among the Inuit people must make fateful decisions, in order to defeat the evil. Part one, is given the slight advantage as the Inuit way of life is featured (i.e., hunting, rituals), showing not only the harshness of the arctic climate, but also the importance of community within the tribe.
Academy Awards: None
THEATRICAL POSTER
Hollywood Half-Time 