The Fast Runner (Atanarjuat)

This film is excellent in every way that matters - an engaging human story, amazing cast, well paced drama and action, and a talented cast. The languague and cultural elements are interesting extra details that enhance the experience. I highly recommend it.

Even after 20 years i still enjoy watching and sharing this film.

Love this film !!! Purchased this film by chance. when I was on a buying spree of Native American/Amerindian films. I was actually looking for a copy of "The Necessities of Life" and end up getting this film (The Fast Runner), The Snow Walker, Maina and Before Tomorrow. All lf these films are amazing in their own right - the scenery, the respectful depiction of native peoples, the story lines and, unfortunately one or two of them are heart breaking - all are highly recommended . One of the previous reviewers - school teach I think - was rather upset because near the end of the Fast Runner there is a scene of a naked man running........Well, it is not gratuitous nudity, it is not pornographic, it depicts Atanarjuat's escape when a raiding group (bent on revenge) tries to kill him and his brother. He makes it out of the tent and is chased - think cold, harsh environment, escaping with NOTHING and having to run over ice and pools of water. It is a retelling of a traditional Inuit story. IMO, it is rather odd that instead of evoking sympathy for the character, the reviewer was more worried about some nudity (nothing is flagrantly revealed) and the terrible effect it might have on the poor innocent children, the violence is OK though. Must protect the kiddies from the realities/evils of the world I guess.

From a Inuit legend about Fast Runner, named Atanarjuat, a young man who wants Atuat. But she has been promised to Oki, son of the leader. Atuat decides to become Atanarjuat's wife, of her own free will, which at first seems to work well. But Oki is jealous and anger and allows his feelings to take over. What follows is pain and death.The film is simple and feels like somebody's homevideo. But a well made one, full of scenes from daily life - family life, tribal life, hunting, loving, the relationships between wife and husband, brother and brother, parents and children. Survivial in a different culture. Yet somehow still understandable.These are adult themes, filmed in the harsh landscape of the North - snow and ice as far as you can see or run. Not for kids or people who are easily bored. I loved the film because I love dog sleds and Inuit stories and survival in winter climates. It hooked me and kept my interest the whole two plus hours. It made me want to drink hot coco and sleep by a warm fire - but for me that's a good thing. It made me react to it.If you read the other reviews you will notice either people hate it or love it. In the end, I don't think there are any reasons why people love it or hate it. It just depends on your interests.If you liked this film I would also suggest  Netsilik Eskimo  and  Harpoon of the Hunter .

On time shipping. Item arrived in great condition.

This movie is one of my all time favorites. I especially enjoyed seeing how the Inuit lived and how resourceful they were. Also liked peeking into their religious beliefs.And on top of all that a beautiful love story and plenty of excitement and adventure

Fast Runner (Atanarjuat) is one of the greatest movies made. Period. Yet it is a shame that such a gem is a victim of cultural and corporate marginalization. It's a small budget film from the edges of Canadian cinema. There are no white actors in Atanarjuat, so cultural racism is also a reason few have seen it. I was lucky enough to see it in a theatre when it first came out - it played for a few weeks at one or two cinemas in Montreal where I live, then disappeared. Some films must be seen in a theatre with a big screen and full sound system - films that have great visuals and sound. This is one.Antanarjuat has all the features of a great movie: transcendental script of the human condition employing novelty, humor, morality and tragedy; fantastic cinematography of the Artic; terrific acting; absorbing characters; and creative sound. I still remember the breathing of the naked runner in the frozen snow.If you see Antanarjuat on a dvd, use a big screen and crank up the sound. Enjoy.

this was a great movie and ive reccommened it to others

Sadly it would not work on DVD which is a Sony RDR-HXD995. The seller said they highlighted their DVD was region 1 but i cannot find any reference to it. Not worth sending back for the cost

A beautiful and moving cinematic triumph. With an overwhelmingly Inuit cast and production team, filmed on location on the Arctic ice, this unique blend of spiritualism, eroticism and athleticism deservedly swept the awards at the film festivals and in the theatre. It is based on an ancient Inuit legendary account of betrayal, murder and triumph and is faithful to the authentic traditions and customs of this remarkable Northern people of Canada.Highly recommended.

Need to turn on subtitles to follow in English. It’s a long movie so settle in. The story line is Indigenous so does not follow the predictable lines of other types of movies. There is a lot to be learned from the story….. it’s beautiful.

Brilliantly made, Inuit films, shot entirely in northern Canada. It's a great story, if you can follow the subtitles. The entire script was in the Inuit language and at times, was difficult to follow. This particular movie won best foreign film at several film festivals including Toronto, Sun-dance and I believe Paris.

The movie is a bit slow but we couldn't stop watching it. Good story and a fascinating look into traditional Inuit way of living.