Voyage au bout de la Terre

Just because the film is going places (a few of them actually), it doesn't mean its pace is a fast one. Quite the opposite is the case. Therefor making it I reckon almost unwatchable for some. Having said that, if you are curious about the will and curiosity of men, that won't stop you (no pun intended).

I don't know the real persons/individuals and how truthful this is to what happened (and their interactions/rivalries), I just know that it does work decently on the big or small screen and for the movie and its purposes. Very nice cinematography and the acting is more than just solid too. Not for everyone, but that I reckon is true for many other movies too, in a different way.

But cant say it was bad. I really enjoyed some parts of the movie.

Somehow this film manages to turn what should have been a celebration of a great explorer into a tedious and dreary story. The direction and editing at some points is clumsy and creates confusion. For some peculiar reason much of the dialogue is produced in hushed tones as though the actors were worried about waking up a baby somewhere. Could and should have been an epic story. Shame

Had the potential, but sadly 'Amundsen' underwhelms.

It's a fascinating biopic idea, given it's about the life of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. It holds all the ingredients to create a riveting film, but unfortunately it doesn't reach the heights it perhaps should've.

I think the biggest annoyance/frustration with this is how the story is unveiled. They reveal it in boring fashion through the voices of others, with it being told in both the native tongue and English. Both those things stopped me from creating a connection to the characters.

I like the cast, though. Pål Sverre Hagen leads strongly in the main role, while Christian Rubeck gives a good performance too. The rest of the support cast are solid if forgettable, with Katherine Waterston being the most memorable.

Cinematography is nice, though the ageing effects aren't the best. All in all, it isn't one I'd recommend.

I ordered this after reading a few reviews--we are big fans of the PBS production "THE LAST PLACE ON EARTH" made a few decades ago. So, anything on Amundsen is a must-see for us.

As others have noted, the pace is a bit slow, but the cinematography was quite good. The South Pole expedition included a gripping sequence wherein one of the party (and a sled) falls into a yawning fissure that suddenly opens up (possibly fictional, but it illustrates the danger of polar travel). After Amundsen returns form his 'successful' South Pole trip (I say that instead of 'victorious'), he is obliged to return to North Pole activities, and is attacked by a polar bear. Scary moment, well-filmed.

Usually, a slower pace will allow the Director to develop the protagonist's character more, but I am still mystified by what made Amundsen tick. He could not abide opposition to his ideas, and seemed to have a 'you cross me--we are done' outlook. Nonetheless, he was the kind of Project Leader you needed when you travelled in the Wild: a meticulous planner, and a tireless worker who did not play mind games with his companions--he kept 'aloof' somewhat to avoid currying 'favorites' & sought the counsel of his team. That was exactly what was wrong with his South Pole competitor, Robert Falcon Scott--a great gamesman and author, but a terrible guy to work for when your life is on the line.

I would recommend the film, if you have an interest in the subject. If you can find 'The Last Place on Earth' (book or dvd), though, I think you will find it longer, but quicker-paced, and give you more insight into Amundsen (even though it splits between him and Scott). 7/10