Explorer

I am a huge fan of Ran, having followed his life and adventures through his books from the '70s until now, so I was really looking forward to this biopic. It is a fine film (especially to those not familiar with the man) and does a good job of retelling some of his adventures. I say "some" because, for me at least, his unsupported crossing of Antarctica in 1993 (with Mike Stroud) was his greatest feat of physical endurance, yet that epic journey gets barely a mention here.

My main criticism of the film though, is that I was hoping Ran might share some illuminating insights on what he had actually learned through his amazing life. One might have thought that having been lucky enough to visit most of the incredible and inaccessible places on this planet, and having spent prolonged periods in so many, and in rare isolation, that he might be able to share a few nuggets of spiritual wisdom gleaned along the way. Unfortunately the film doesn't extend further than Ran's simple belief that we live, we do some things, and we die. Of course, he may be right, but I was hoping that his innate desire to explore had more purpose and depth than the film reveals.

It is a shame that on the greatest and most mysterious journey of all, Ran appears no closer to enlightenment now than he did when he began.

Greetings again from the darkness. Not so long ago, it was a compliment to be called "a man's man." It was a term of endearment and respect that meant a man was strong, quiet, adventurous, and trustworthy. Sir Ranulph Fiennes, born Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, 3rd Baronet, fit the bill. He refused the royal title saying being born into it is not the same as earning it. The man-the myth-the legend is cousin to actors Joseph and Ralph Fiennes, and has been better labeled as "the greatest living explorer", and documentarian Matthew Dyas wants us to know all about him.

An astonishing list of 'Ran's' (as he prefers to be called) exploits, adventures, and records scrolls over the film's opening. We don't even have time to absorb what we're being fed, but the first thought is ... no one man could have done all of this. Director Dyas takes us through Ran's childhood and his service in the Army. Turns out, he was always one to push boundaries. A significant portion of the film is spent detailing the long-time relationship between Ran and his first wife, Ginny. She was his biggest supporter, and the love of his life. We learn this, and much more, through the fantastic archival footage, photographs, and audio recordings, the latter of which are used instead of the customary talking heads posed for the camera.

This is a man who traversed the planet through both poles. Ran takes us through the process of cutting off the tips of his own frostbite-damaged fingers on his left hand by using a hacksaw and having Ginny assist. We learn about his heart attack, which caused him to 'take it easy' as he ran 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents (known as the World Marathon Challenge). When Ginny was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2004, she encouraged him to re-marry. He did so to Louisa, with whom he fathered his only child. After the wedding, Ran headed back to Mount Everest, and at age 65, was successful on what was his third attempt. He also self-treats his Parkinson's with frigid sea water.

Perhaps "a man's man" is not so fitting for Ranulph Fiennes. With this being a partial list of what he's done in his life, there can be no other man who belongs to his club. Of course, he has his detractors, and director Dyas allows those to have their say. But the actual video footage and recollections of those who knew him are simply too amazing to disparage. He's now 78 years old and still has his adventure goals. Learning about Ranulph Fiennes is likely to humble you and hopefully inspire a few to push those boundaries.

Available on Digital and On Demand beginning August 30, 2022.

Most that watch this biopic will have already made their decision on Ranulph Fiennes.

Years ago I was keen to know more and read his autobiography and came to understand that you don't get to do and achieve what he has by being a nice man. That's not to say that he is a bad man but he is single minded, driven, arrogant, self-centred, opinionated and often selfish. 'I go on expeditions for the same reason an estate agent sells houses - to pay the bills' is a quote from him when he was trying to explain that he doesn't care about nature of the expedition only how remarkable the feat may be and how much money he may make from it afterwards.

This film does a little to show the depths of the man but it's poorly put together with vast holes and extremely biased. Glorifying aspects of a man that you probably wouldn't appreciate in someone you know personally. It covers an almost indefinite list of records and mankind 'firsts' but in a superficial manner and glosses over significant parts of Ran's life.

If you are already a big fan of his then you may like the film regardless of it's poor production. If you are watching to learn about the man, don't... Go read his book first and then a few others about him and make your own mind up.

A wonderfully told story of a fine human being: emotional, inspiring, eventful, a lifetime of challanges and achievments. A very complementing cinematoghrapic experience, fills Ran's life story with pictures and colour. Unmissable for those who are already familiar with his life, and should inspire to read his books for those who haven't done so yet.

This man's story should be mandatory viewing for all young men.

Quite possibly the greatest living Brit Sir Ranulph is a role model of the highest caliber.

This documentary had me wanting more and more and when it finished I watched it again.

Without spoiling anything for you if you haven't seen it, all I can say is this man's loves story will stay in my heart forever. Everytime I look at him I feel what he feels and he's sooooo strong marching on where most of us would simply fold. And this is the story of his life. He's always done what others would find impossible. He's truly one of the greatest humans of our time.

Watch and enjoy. I'm going to watch it again 😂