Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner

Name: Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Released: June 7, 2002
Duration: 172 min
Rating: 91
Cast: Natar Ungalaaq, Sylvia Ivalu

2002

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 29 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 29 Ratings

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8.1

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8.1	User Score Universal acclaim based on 29 Ratings

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The Fast Runner (Atanarjuat)

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Movie Details & Credits

Lot 47 Films | Release Date: June 7, 2002 | R

Starring: Natar Ungalaaq, Sylvia Ivalu

Summary: Evil in the form of an unknown shaman divides a small community of nomadic Inuit, upsetting its balance and spirit. Twenty years pass. Two brothers emerge to challenge the evil order: Amaqjuaq, the Strong One, and Atanarjuat, the Fast Runner. [Lot 47 Films]

Director: Zacharias Kunuk

Genre(s): Drama, Fantasy

Rating: R

Runtime: 172 min

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Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

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Critic Reviews

100

Sean Axmaker

Some may find it slow. I found it utterly spellbinding. Read full review

100

Lisa Schwarzbaum

Stunning, fully formed masterpiece. Read full review

100

Kenneth Turan

Nearly three hours long, and deliberately paced at that, this first feature ever in the Inuit language is a demanding experience. But the rewards for those who risk the journey are simply extraordinary. Read full review

Andrew O'Hehir

It's a difficult film to follow and at 172 minutes is maybe a half-hour too long. But simply as a sensory experience The Fast Runner is amazing. Read full review

Marjorie Baumgarten

The perfect antidote to the summer heat in Austin, more refreshing even than a dip in our chilly holy waters of Barton Springs. Read full review

Megan Lehmann

It is an important, thoroughly bewitching work of art. Read full review

Mick LaSalle

It's an endurance test. Though never boring, the movie is a fairly long slog through the snow. Read full review

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User Reviews

JohnB

Nov 16, 2009

How can you not like this film? The artistry, the storyline, the photography - it's all fantastic.

1 of 2 users found this helpful

sugarbush

Apr 2, 2012

This is a must see. Aboriginal cultures across Canada have great stories worthy of film. With these stories coming alive on film, we get to be immersed in Aboriginal legends. The history of the Fast Runner, comes alive with vivid imagery and will keep drawing you in. Watch the movie,This is a must see. Aboriginal cultures across Canada have great stories worthy of film. With these stories coming alive on film, we get to be immersed in Aboriginal legends. The history of the Fast Runner, comes alive with vivid imagery and will keep drawing you in. Watch the movie, embrace the Arctic, embrace the Innu. With 6 Genie Awards given, the critics are not wrong.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

EpicLadySponge

Mar 6, 2016

An amazing masterpiece that acts like a masterpiece that almost made it to the 10 score. That 10 area is locked and it's only accessed by masterpieces that I truly love.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

StanB.

Jan 16, 2006

I've been reading "The Iliad". It wasn't mluch of a switch to go from Ancient Greece and Troy to the Canadian tundra. A worthy epic!

1 of 1 users found this helpful

ryancarroll88

Aug 27, 2010

Being the first movie to ever be filmed in the Inuit language, Inuktitut, 'Atanarjuat' is as much a cultural edification as it is a sprawling tribal drama. Director Zacharias Kunuk uses the most of this unique setting, taking the time to admire the vast, open wilderness and infuse theBeing the first movie to ever be filmed in the Inuit language, Inuktitut, 'Atanarjuat' is as much a cultural edification as it is a sprawling tribal drama. Director Zacharias Kunuk uses the most of this unique setting, taking the time to admire the vast, open wilderness and infuse the traditions and lifestyle of the Inuit people into the script. The major misstep of this movie is its running time - at 172 minutes, I felt some of the lesser plot points could have been cut to make watching the movie less daunting. All in all, though, 'Atanarjuat' ranks as one of the better things to come out of Canada.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

PaulH.

May 30, 2006

gotta agree with Dan C but this is a unique movie well worth watching. those 2 or 3 scenes are memorable & will stay with you for a long long time.bound to be still watched 50 years from now and a reminder of cinemas importance in depicting other worlds.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

MeredithP.

Jun 24, 2007

Unique film that shows a way of life.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

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