Review of The Other Side of the Ice (2013) by Thomas E — 10 Mar 2013

What I loved most about "The Other Side of the Ice" was the breadth and depth of the journey on which it took me. Straightaway the powerfully moving soundtrack drew me alongside "Bagan" for the journey of a lifetime.

I enjoyed the exposure to Nature on so many different levels. The geography was unfamiliar and sometimes desolate and very uninviting. In contrast it was fun getting a chance to see all the wildlife (whales, walruses, seals, polar bears, etc.

) at home in their natural environment, seemingly unphased by their visitors. Then came the more frightening, life-threatening aspects of Nature, the atmospheric conditions, the ice and water, when and where was it going to be navigable? The physical aspect of this trip is only a part of what this documentary conveys.

Coupled with it is a strong, emotional component, as Sprague reunites with his son, and two step-children (the bulk of the crew), after 18 years of absence. Not only does Sprague evoke our sentiments in response to the physical expedition, but maybe more importantly, to issues of the heart as the family members freely offer their opinions with openness and honesty as the family heals.

All hands are now on deck for an intriguing adventure of various personalities and familial love. All in all, Sprague Theobald seems to hold a magical ability to elicit visceral emotions and masterfully implements his wizardry.