The Fast Runner Movie Review 2001

The first Inuktikut language feature film is a remarkably compelling drama based on an ancient Inuit legend and set in the north Baffin region of the Candian Arctic. Atanarjuat (Ungalaaq) is in love with Atuat (Ivalu), who is already promised to the jealous Oki (Arnatsiaq) who decides to kill his rival. Atanarjuat manages to escape by running (naked) across the ice, outlasting his pursuers until he finds a safe refuge. Then he decides to go back to his community and settle the score.

Distribution

Sony Pictures Home Video, Sony Pictures Plz., 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232, Phone: (310)244-7306, Fax: (310)280-2485, URL: http://www.spe.sony.com, Remarks: Formerly Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 172 minutes.
Originally from Canadian.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Brothers & Sisters, Cold Spots, Canada, Betrayal, Folklore & Legends, Jealousy, Homicide, Great Escapes

Screenplay

Paul Apak Angilirq

Cast

Pakkak Innuksuk, Natar Ungalaaq, Peter Henry Arnatsiaq, Sylvia Ivalu, Lucy Tulugarjuk

Cinematography

Norman Cohn

Director

Zacharias Kunuk

Music

Chris Crilly

Other

Richard Lavoie, Zacharias Kunuk, Norman Cohn, Marie-Christine Sarda, Atuat Akkitirq, James Ungalaaq

Producer

Paul Apak Angilirq, Norman Cohn, Zacharias Kunuk, National Film Board of Canada, Igloolik Isuma Productions Inc.

Awards

Cannes 2001: First Feature; Genie 2001: Director (Kunuk), Film, Film Editing, Screenplay, Score.