Maïna

Am still stunned by the achievement this film represents. Little dialogue, but the actors make clear the meaning of whatever they are involved in and the silence becomes part of the experience of the North. The environment, moving from below the tree line to Arctic-like conditions, is all-enveloping. Amazing scenery. Remarkable journey, for anyone who undertook moving between the two very different terrains. The clothing worn, in relation to the land and the game available, makes real sense of what it was/is like to live in full harmony with where you are. Differences between the two social systems, the cultural richness of each, was made clear without a lot of description. The narrative, the personal story, was moving and stays with me. I want to say "More, more!" to such film-making that allows us to appreciate the First Nations cultures that have been so denigrated, misunderstood, undermined by the arrival of Europeans.

This was a beautifully filmed and epic cinematic treat. What a commitment to the story of human loyalty to family and land. Check it out. Koodos to the entire 'family' who were responsible for this wonderful film. It is truly universal. The focus of this film is the daughter of the Chief and her stepbrother. Her real mother became shaman and healer - who left the tribe because her husband (the chief) took another woman. He took another woman as a nursemaid for his daughter because his wife (now shaman) could not produce enough milk to sustain his girl child. It is a tale of dreams, which includes animal protectors and future events. It involves the dream and spiritual realm in a lovely background of this real world within its stark and inspiring creation. It is an acceptance of life and death and the struggles in between.

The action takes place in Northern Québec. The Innu (Indians of the north shore of the Bay of St. Lawrence) are in constant competition against the Inuit (Eskimos of the far north) and against a harsh nature, before the arrival of the first Europeans. The landscapes are absolutely breathtaking and the splendid photography does them justice. I won't reveal the nature of the action, which is touching and yet suspenseful but I will say that the author of the original novel must have been quite familiar with the mores and habits of both groups. Kudos to the director. The actors, most of whom are amateurs, are also quite competent. I have rarely been so captivated by a film, an absolutely riveting 'must-see'. You won't regret watching it and you will at least understand why the first Frenchmen to come here, Jacques Cartier in 1534 and Samuel De Champlain in 1608, decided to stay instead of going further down south.

The most engrossing, intelligent movie I've seen in several years, not to mention gorgeously filmed. I only hope I can catch it on the big screen. Nothing is romanticized. It's THE Native movie I've been looking for, an authentic portrayal of how life must have been before the arrival of Europeans, not just the living conditions, but the world view and social relations as well. The love story is also one of the most beautiful yet believable I have ever seen on screen.

This movie about pre-European Innu and Inuit has adventure, fighting and romance, and the cinematography is simply amazing. I had never even heard of it before today and saw it because the movie I did go to see was sold out.

Call it serendipity.

The acting is good; it's a tearjerker at points, feels good and ends with a couple of new beginnings, though not for sequel purposes.

I was riveted. I took a look at the audience and they were in rapt attention.

Highly recommended.