Antarctic Journal

Funny thing about Antarctic Journal is that it reminds a lot of The last winter which I have seen few weeks ago. There are many similarities... the setting in the arctic desert, a small group of people growing desperate and paranoid, chilly atmosphere, nice pictures, minimalistic score. Just like The last winter this movie looks like its going somewhere, hints at several ghosts, hallucinations or in this case inner fears and then ends up stuck in this endless nothingness. Antarctic Journal is a very slow paced and atmosphere driven movie, spending more time on introducing the characters than going for cheap ghost thrills. After all I think the drawer "horror movie" is plain wrong for the movie, its rather a psychological drama to me. Anyway, the ending to me was just a let down as in last winter, although more consequent. Maybe I didn't quite get the idea behind the movie because the ending is pretty confusing so you don't know whats truth or hallucination. But like another comment here said the movie doesn't leave you with the feeling of wasted time... its calm, far from chilling, rather strangely interesting and keeps your attention till the end. Maybe my rating might be too bad considering this and the nice cinematography but still I was expecting far more from the set up. Judge for yourself.

Slow burning horror with the venerable Song Kang-ho (Thirst, Memories of Murder) as the leader of an expedition to the farthest inland point of the Antarctic. As the weeks of marching across the harsh floes begin to take their psychological toll on the explorers, they start to have doubts about their journey when they find the remains of long dead Norwegian adventurer. In spite of the sameness of the exteriors, shots are framed artfully and establish a creeping dread and isolation that builds to a terrifying, eldritch conclusion. Reminiscent of Gus Van Sant's 2002 desert trek Gerry, by way of Lovecraft.

Director Yim Pil-Sung went on to make an unconventional folk horror film in 2007's Hansel and Gretel, also worth seeing.

Six expedition members cross the Antarctic to reach their ultimate goal. On their Journey they find a Journal from another expedition group 80 years ago...six members as well. The hard journey and unbearable cold is driving them to limits and they are witnessing strange things. One member disappears , just on the same spot where a member of the group 80 years ago, disappeared. Coincidence?.......

Well, this film has gotten very negative reviews, and I don't think that's all righteous. The story is rather thin, that's right, but it does not force itself with twists and turns like a lot of other films are doing. It's all about the psychology of the human mind, or maybe it is not.... I think the movie was effectively mysterious and darkly atmospheric and even creepy at times! If you like the Korean film R-POINT than I'm sure you will enjoy this one as well! I think ANTARCTIC JOURNAL was even better than R-POINT in fact! The cast delivers good performances especially Kang Ho-Song (MEMORIES OF MURDER, SYMPATHY FOR MR. VENGEANCE) gives an impressing performance. This film is not brilliant, but it is worth checking out if you enjoy psychological creepy films!!

This movie is a rewarding one BUT you will only be rewarded if you watch it twice. Then you will figure out what is happening and I gotta say, been a long time since I had enjoyed a movie like this.

Ps. For young horror fans, this is not that.

For Adult horror fans or mature audience, this is what you're looking for *Thumbs up*

Wish we would get more actors like the ones in this movie, this is gold classic of a movie where you get isolation, atmosphere, story and a mystery to understand. Movie is very mysterious and symbolic, once you get all the points understood, you will say a big thanks to the movie makers.

Bleak, beautiful, frozen landscapes and Kenji Kawai's commanding score capture our attention right away and portend dire events to come amidst a creeping atmosphere. The screenplay devised between director Yim Pil-sung and co-writers Bong Joon-ho(!) and Lee Hae-jun wastes no time with exposition, instead filling out character details piecemeal while focusing on plot progression. With these things in mind, it's the patient viewer who will get the most out of this movie: while there are sparing instances of acutely unsettling imagery or loud sound, 'Antarctic journal' is happy to tread at a measured pace and let tension and suspense quietly build along with pervasive, chilling ambience and ambiguous mystery.

I think the approach to storytelling and film-making here is somewhat daring simply because of how very restrained and subdued the production is. For all the growing intensity, that darkness is dispensed in the screenplay like a trail of breadcrumbs leading to the conclusion, whether considering the personal and interpersonal struggles, or the suggestion of unnatural happenings. Where there isn't a conscious lack of eventfulness in 'Antarctic journal,' instead there's an effort to downplay the incidents that do transpire, and this intention makes it all the more intriguing - though also somewhat difficult to engage with. This is a tale with strong themes of determination, stubbornness, desperation, and madness - a slow-burn psychological thriller that keeps its duality of horror and heartache at a very low, simmering boil. In that bent, it's both captivating and arduous for the viewer.

I think the technical craft is fine, and the performances of the cast quite good. Yet even the acting of skilled veteran Song Kang-ho is rendered secondary to maintaining the overall bent toward looming unease and disquieting fatefulness. Like the thrust of the narrative and the journey of its expedition, the story marches on regardless of details, and consumes those details in its wake. All told, I don't think this is a movie that would be an easy sell to a wide general audience, as I think the tack it takes requires a certain receptiveness to varied film styles. This is a picture created largely of great nuance in every regard. But any viewer open to hushed, subtle plot development may surely find this a boon.

If my words seem a little vague, consider that an extension of the air the feature puts forth. To be clear, however - if not entirely fulfilling, 'Antarctic journal' is a solid, rewarding viewing experience, and a swell first foray into feature film-making for director Yim. It's not an easily digestible, dramatic thriller, but nor is it intended to be. This isn't going to be to everyone's tastes, but it's well worth checking out wherever you can watch it.