Watch Last Days of the Arctic

Last Days of the Arctic is a documentary film that was released in 2011. Directed by Magnús Bergsson, the film features Icelandic photographer Ragnar Axelsson's photographs and the stories behind them. The movie was filmed over the course of fifteen years and shows the changing landscape of Iceland and its impact on the people who call it home.

The film takes place in Iceland's Arctic region, where the Arctic circle meets the island's northernmost inhabited town, Þórshöfn. The region is home to the indigenous Sami people, who have lived there for centuries. The film demonstrates how the Sami people have adapted to the harsh climate and how they prioritize their daily lives.

Throughout the movie, the viewer is shown the beauty of the Arctic landscape, which is dominated by ice, snow, mountains, and glaciers. However, the filmmakers do not shy away from showing the region's harsh realities, including heavy snowstorms and violent winds. The Sami people who live in the area also discuss how a changing climate is affecting their way of life, with increased rainfall potentially disrupting their traditional reindeer herding practices.

The film lasts for approximately an hour and a half and is divided into chapters that last between five and ten minutes. Each chapter features a series of photographs taken by Ragnar Axelsson, accompanied by stories from the Sami people he has photographed. The photographs are black and white, which gives the movie a timeless feel and highlights the stark contrast between the Arctic's beauty and the harshness of life for the indigenous people who live there.

One of the most memorable sequences in the film is likely the chapter called "The Race." It shows the dangerous and exciting tradition of Arctic racing. The Sami people ride their snowmobiles at high speeds over the frozen terrain, competing in the annual race that traverses thousands of kilometers. The chapter is visually stunning, with Axelsson's photographs capturing the speed of the sleds, the stunning surroundings, and the sheer force of nature.

The Sami people featured in the film have strong attachments to their land and their culture, and this is evident throughout the movie. One sequence illustrates a traditional Sami wedding ceremony that showcases the beauty of their ritualistic practices. Another sequence shows local fishermen braving the harsh conditions to catch fish in the Arctic waters. In both cases, the filmmakers use Axelsson's photographs and interviews with the locals to provide insight into the lives of the people who live and work in the area.

Last Days of the Arctic is a visually striking documentary that takes viewers on a journey through the stunning Arctic landscape. It provides an intimate look at the ways in which the Sami people have adapted to their surroundings, and how changes in the climate are affecting their way of life. The movie demonstrates that Sami people's bond with their land is strong and their traditions are fascinating. Regardless of whether one is interested in photography or documentaries, if they want to get a glimpse of the Arctic's beauty and feel the cold winds of Iceland, Last Days of the Arctic is a great way to do so.

Last Days of the Arctic is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.