Though it's impossible to criticize something as noble as a film made by and about the Inuit tribe of the Arctic Canadian Nunavut territory, the major beneficiaries stand to be anthropology majors; the rest of us will appreciate, but not necessarily exult over, this telling of an Inuit myth that goes on about two and three-quarters hours. Shot in digital video, which lends an authoritative immediacy to a bleak, barren, dangerous landscape, the film tells an ancient story of a feud between two tribal families; when one man is murdered by a hothead spurred by jealousy and shame, his gentle brother is forced to seek revenge. There's plenty to admire about the Inuit people's perseverance in such adverse conditions and the performers certainly act with heartfelt sincerity but it's hard to see the film as more than a curiosity. Still, it's worth seeing once, if only because of its uniqueness. The director is Zacharias Kunuk; he seems to have no discernible talent but plenty of good intentions.
Review of Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner
