Audience Member
It's impossible to rate this film by giving any comparison to any modern film, be it a documentary like this, or not. And on any direct comparison to one of its more familiar contemporary films (<i>Birth of a Nation</i> and <i>The Tramp</i> arrived shortly before this was released) it would seen a poor second.
There is a preponderance of wild-life in <i>South</i>, so much so that the film seems more of a nature documentary rudely interrupted by the human element than the story of entrapment and escape from the polar ice. Partly this is due to Shackleton ordering (out of necessity) the abandonment and destruction of the greater part of the film-stock. For all the shots of wildlife (mostlly shot after the event) we see nothing of the shooting of the sled dogs, or the hunting of seals and penguins that they survived on. Nor are there scenes of blizzards or footage of the journey across the icy sea to Elephant Island, or South Georgia. We do not see the temporary homes on Elephant Island of upturned boats, or the methods by which they obtained drinking water (filling cups with ice that would melt as they slept). All of these things would have added greatly to the human drama.
Yet, it remains as it is an important document, and watching it, one must sit in awe at the thought that this is contemporary footage, however sparce, of Shackleton's ill-fated voyage.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/17/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Some great footage and images. Lost the plot a bit during the penguin section but still a great watch
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/28/23
Full Review
Audience Member
I have read a lot of book about the Endurance expedition of Shackleton, but never saw the moving images of Frank Hurley. Interesting documentary.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/20/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Great film documenting Shackletons failed attempt to cross Antarctica. A good compilation of original footage and photography taken by Frank Hurley, the expedition's photographer.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
01/27/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Some good footage of Shackleton and his crew, great to see proper moving images of one of the greatest explorers, Tom Crean.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
01/20/23
Full Review
Read all reviews
>
