This $40 million Japanese 2hr 20m epic seems an odd film to come from this notorious Whale hunting country - perhaps it might have been a way of humanising its world 'image' towards animals. The movie spectacularly traces some movements of the ill fated 1958 Japanese Antarctic expedition. It concentrates on the possible survival tactics of the scientist's sled Dog team - using much supposition, and follows a gruelling, imagined trail of survival and death within this unforgiving continent. Ken Takakura gives a strong performance as the guilt ridden dog handler forced to abandon his chained up animals due to severe weather conditions and limited retreat availability - who, 11months later goes back to investigate the outcome. Vangelis provides a sparkling score that almost brings each snowflake to life with an impressive assortment of themes.
Some superb Cinematography captures these marvellous animals as they traverse this endless expanse. I know special effects can do wonders and the production credits claim no animals were harmed but it's difficult to imagine this being completely correct - It's to be thought a high degree of trauma would be needed to recreate scenes of this nature. Antarctica was Japans highest grossing movie for well over a decade. The American 'Eight Below' in 2006 was a handsome re-make of this film which unnecessarily added extra characters and highly romanticised the outcome - allowing more dogs to survive than did in reality. The quality DVD is worth watching.
Some superb Cinematography captures these marvellous animals as they traverse this endless expanse. I know special effects can do wonders and the production credits claim no animals were harmed but it's difficult to imagine this being completely correct - It's to be thought a high degree of trauma would be needed to recreate scenes of this nature. Antarctica was Japans highest grossing movie for well over a decade. The American 'Eight Below' in 2006 was a handsome re-make of this film which unnecessarily added extra characters and highly romanticised the outcome - allowing more dogs to survive than did in reality. The quality DVD is worth watching.