Explorer

I would have loved to have seen more. What a life this man has had and continues to have! I'm going to look for more information because sadly the production/direction of Explorer is poor. Really does not do him justice at all - badly explained, and the annoying interviews of friends and relations (none in person) that all appear to be recorded from a 1920's-sounding telephone are a bizarre decision. You get the feeling so much of interest is rushed through, or just plain left out. It slaps of a budget production, but even so could have been infinitely better. Really does not do him justice which is such a shame because he seems like such a pleasant, dynamic and utterly tenacious man. They broke the mould when they made Ranulph Fiennes.

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.

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 😂

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.