Review of Encounters at the End of the World (2007) by Tony E — 02 Dec 2008

I wanted to love this but found it awfully self-indulgent and ultimately unsatisfying. Herzog purports to have been motivated to make this film to explore what drives people to explore, yet he is thoroughly dismissive of and even contemptuous toward his subjects.

I didn't learn much of interest about Antarctica or the people who choose to go there. There are some remarkable moments that help vindicate the film but overall it's nothing special. Disappointing blu-ray transfer as well - the whole thing was shot on what appears to be 480p video.