Amundsen: O Explorador

The Norwegian critics haven't been too kind to this movie, but it is much better than the critics would have you believe. It was a fascinating and thoroughly interesting film, about a great man who lived a highly prominent life. I liked the scope, and that they focused not only on one major achievement, but gave time to all of Amundsen's accomplishments. It reminded me a bit of Richard Attenborough's Chaplin (1992) starring Robert Downey Jr. in the way it was told, and I liked that it was done in this way.

Pål Sverre Hagen was great in the lead role. The film rests on his shoulders and he was impressive. He captured the weight of the character, and was particularly successful in portraying Amundsen as a middle aged man. He was totally believable. I don't normally gush about Norwegian actor's, like most I tend to focus on the American and British actors, but Pål was a real star in this film. He captured a lot just with glances, without even speaking.

As perfect as most of Amundsen's achievements were, this film showed that a great man has to be ruthless at times to bring about such success. That single focus to succeed and relentless pursuit, was captured well in the film.

I will also applaud the director for not spoon feeding the audience. He didn't spell everything out, and he trusted the audience to be active participants in the telling of this story.

When you get that "natural high" feeling after watching a film, you know you've watched something good.

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

Nansen and amundsen are superheros in norwegian history, thats a fact, but to make a believable account of his life on film is not an easy task, because he was a controversial person , also in norway. but they try and the result are within reason with a few flaws , a good presentation of roald amundsen . i wish the makers had used a bit more room for his companiogns, who more than thrice showed to be the beams that kept the house of cards standing.

its a slow paced movie, and i had expected even more action than presented here. the way the narrative is presented, through his brother leon, are pretty original, i liked that. the acting are not more than average, quite boring at times, but maybe life then were boring and a waiting game for news from the abyss. there are vast use of vfx and cgi, some are good,others pretty second hand. the end sequens, were amundsen flies the latham and dissapears are speculative,and people still speculates what happened,i dont know, maybe he flew to the gran canaries instead, living a silent and withdrawn life???.

its a norwegian film and the grumpy old man are quite proud by the product made by my countrymen, its well worth a view.recommended

The film is one to watch without distraction's, but a story of endurance and determination to break new grounds and go to places no man has ever been. The film has great cinematography and gripping real life story. The film is better on second viewing.

Much to loud background "music and noise"! When Roald speaks it is set to low on volum, when background sound effects sets in it explodes in noise because of very poor mixing of sound. It almost destroys the movie for me. To bad. It would have been a much better movie with a decent job done on the sound.