Atanarjuat

Watch Atanarjuat

  • R
  • 2002
  • 2 hr 52 min
  • 7.4  (6,791)
  • 91

Atanarjuat is a Canadian film from 2001, directed by Zacharias Kunuk, which presents the story of love, betrayal, revenge and survival of an Inuit community in the Arctic during the first millennium. The film is in Inuktitut, an indigenous language of Canada, and is known as the first feature film ever made in that language. The haunting and beautiful film has won multiple awards and endorsements since it was released.

Atanarjuat is a powerful yet poetic tale set in the Arctic of ancient times, which explores the lives of an Eskimo tribe, their beliefs, customs, and culture. The story begins when the tribe's leader, Kumaglak, announces that his successful hunters, Sauri and Atanarjuat, are to be married to girls from a neighbouring tribe. Father of Atanarjuat, Sauri, and his wives Okpik and Puja, are happy with Kumaglak's decision, but another hunter named Oki is not. Oki, who was supposed to marry Atuat, one of the women presented to Atanarjuat, and hatefully bears grudges both against his rival and the community.

The movie is visually stunning, featuring the harsh and yet beautiful, icy landscapes of northern Canada as well as expressive music that has its origins in Inuit mythology. The camera work of Zacharias Kunuk and his team is layered, creative and immersive, and the methods used to tell the story are almost 'documentary' at times, giving viewers an authentic and emotionally engaging experience.

Atanarjuat, known as the Fast Runner, is the protagonist of the story, and his trials become the trials of the entire community. Through the course of the film, Atanarjuat faces several trials, including the challenge of hunting a giant bull caribou, which is as much a symbol of the challenge of his upcoming wedding as it is a test of his bravery, skill and resourcefulness.

The wedding feast becomes the setting for an unexpected and savage tragedy, which sends the community into a spiral of violence, vengeance, and betrayal. The climax of the story is almost operatic, as the community must smash through a brutal cycle of violence and betrayal that threatens to destroy them all.

The impressive ensemble cast of Atanarjuat features an all-Inuit selection of actors, including Natar Ungalaaq, Sylvia Ivalu, and Peter-Henry Arnatsiaq, all of them who shine in the movie. The protagonist, Ungalaaq, gives an incredible performance as he goes through a range of emotions during his journey; from love and joy to anger and hate, pain and despair, Ungalaaq shows incredible range as an actor.

The themes of the film are universal, and the intricate storytelling has been widely praised around the globe. Some of the themes that the film touches upon include community, betrayal and revenge, love and loyalty, the relationship between humans and nature, and aspects of gender and social status in traditional Inuit life.

Overall, Atanarjuat is an epic film experience that brings an ancient culture to life for modern audiences. It is a story of endurance, resilience, and hope that showcases the richness and complexity of Inuit culture while remaining entertaining, immersive, and universal. Zacharias Kunuk's directorial debut stands as one of the most extraordinary accomplishments in the history of Canadian cinema.

Atanarjuat is a 2002 fantasy movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 52 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 91.

Atanarjuat
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Where to Watch Atanarjuat
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  • Release Date
    2002
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    2 hr 52 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.4  (6,791)
  • Metascore
    91
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