Review of Nanook of the North (1922) by Bach P — 17 Feb 2008

Nanook is one of the best hunters in the Arctic. Through the harsh life of the North, he is the definitive leader of his family, constantly on the hunt for food and shelter. In "Nanook of the North", we get a glimpse of his demanding life in the Arctic, from his hunts to his life with his family, we see it all.

"Nanook of the North" is one of, if the not the first, ethnographic films on record. Considering the time it was shot and the technology that was available, "Nanook" is a cinematic marvel.

Director Robert J. Flaherty does an amazing job capturing the life of Nanook. We get to see many sides of the Eskimo life. We see endearment in the children, we see a fierce determination for survival in Nanook, and we see the unity in the family, especially in the film's most memorable scene, where Nanook hunts a seal.

The scene is one of the most intense in the film, Nanook struggles on camera with the seal for several minutes in a fierce tug-o-war, he is literally dragged to the ground several times. In a powerful shot, we see Nanook struggle as he calls out to his family for help in the distance, as Nanook tries to maintain his connection to the seal, we see the family race towards him in the distance, until they finally come to Nanook's side and pull the seal out of water.

The film was remastered in the late 90's, and a n orchestral ballad was added to the film. The ballad gives the film tremendous momentum and lifts the film ten-fold. An inspired choice by the restorers.

"Nanook of the North" is a powerful film, brutally honest and endlessly beautiful.