Watch Nanook of the North

Nanook of the North is a groundbreaking and historically significant documentary film that was released in 1922. Directed by Robert J. Flaherty, the movie was shot in northern Quebec and showed the world a glimpse of the harsh living conditions of the Inuit people, who were mostly unknown to western audiences at the time. The movie follows the life of a young Inuit man named Nanook (played by Allakariallak) and his family as they try to survive in the harsh and unforgiving Arctic climate. The film opens with Nanook and his family on a hunt for their next meal, which quickly sets the tone for the rest of the film.

Throughout the movie, Nanook and his family are shown engaging in a variety of activities that were essential to their survival in the Arctic. From building igloos to fishing and hunting, every aspect of their daily lives is captured on film. The movie also showcases the challenges that they face on a daily basis, including poor weather conditions, lack of food, and the constant need for warmth and shelter.

Nanook himself is an incredibly captivating character, who is both strong and resourceful, yet gentle and caring towards his family. His interactions with them show the deep bond that they share and how they rely on each other for survival. His wife, Nyla (played by Alice Nevalinga), is also a strong presence in the movie and is shown as an equal partner to Nanook in their daily struggles.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Nanook of the North is the beautiful cinematography. Flaherty used a handheld camera to capture the scenes, which allowed for a more intimate and personal look at the Inuit way of life. The movie is filled with breathtaking shots of the Arctic landscape, from the glaciers and icebergs to the endless stretches of snow and ice.

Another notable aspect of the film is the way in which it portrays the Inuit people. At a time when Indigenous communities were often depicted as savage and uncivilized, Nanook of the North presents a respectful and nuanced view of the Inuit way of life. While the movie does not shy away from showing the harsh realities of living in the Arctic, it also highlights the beauty and resilience of the Inuit people.

Overall, Nanook of the North is a groundbreaking film that has had a lasting impact on documentary filmmaking. It set a new standard for capturing real-life subjects on film and presented a respectful portrayal of Indigenous communities. Watching the movie today, nearly 100 years after its release, is still a moving and awe-inspiring experience.

Nanook of the North is a 1922 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.