Shackleton

Branagh is very believable as Shackleton. He has the grace, the poise, the leadership and the sheer presence to carry off such a role. He is one of not many actors who would be believable in the role.

This tale of one of the great heroic rescues of all time has it all, and is excellently shot -- although a cynic might say that it would be hard to find a cinematographer who could not do wonders with the Antarctic landscapes!

Definitely worth seeing, and one of the better historical tales to have been told in recent times.

I've read a lot of very good comments on this movie, but I have one more to add.

A lot of people are complaining about the length of the movie, but I believe that it adds to the quality of the movie. Rather than just a two hour "short flick" about the year-plus long voyage, it drags out for 4 hours, and rather slowly at times. I have to believe that this mirrors the ordeal that these men went through and adds to the viewer's already deep plunge into the frozen ice world.

This is by far one of the best TV movies I have ever seen. Kenneth does another fabulous job in a quality role, and to comment on someone else's observation about the film's lack of personalizing Shackleton in the second half, I also believe that to be a good choice and an accurate one. If you're leading an expedition and are dead set on keeping everyone alive, you cannot let your own emotions get involved in your decision-making, else you die with everyone else.

I give this movie a 10 because I can find no obvious flaws or anything that takes away from the experience.

I have only just finished watching this compelling two parter. I have previously been a fan of the Scott of the Antarctic story and the John Mills film of the same; I was apprehensive of the outcome of this made for TV version.

However, the result was superb. The acting , cast and script matched the quatilty of the original tale. An epic true human story of Endurance, deserved to be well presented and it was. You can only be left in awe of the men who took part in the original incident. Treat yourself to this if you have not already seen it, but wear some warm clothing, you feel the chill of the realism - I loved it. 10/10

This was a great film, showing all of Shackleton's bravery and courage even in the face of death itself. Kenneth Branagh was acting brilliantly (as usual), and the scene in the snowstorm (ok- one of the MANY scenes in the snowstorm!) left me with tears in my eyes. A great film about a great man! :-)

STAR RATING:*****Unmissable****Very Good***Okay**You Could Go Out For A Meal Instead*Avoid At All Costs

This lengthy two-parter drama details the exploits of Ernest Shackleton,an explorer in the early part of the 20th century who,having vowed to reach the South Pole,finds himself forced to save the lives of himself and his 28 man crew after the ship runs into difficulty.

The most impressive thing about this film has to be the build-up.Rather than just plunge headfirst into the expedition and the trials-and-tribulations the crew faced from there,you really get into the hearts and minds of the central characters,and the development is particularly riveting to watch.All this is hindered in no way by an as-ever forceful,powerful lead performance by the always reliable Kenneth Brannagh.If there are any faults,I suppose it kind of inevitably gets a little boring in parts.Other than that,this is very well made and highly recommendable viewing.****