Up in the Arctic in 1935, a rebellious young Inuit, Agaguk (Lou Diamond Phillips), argues with his father (Toshiro Mifune), commits a crime, and wanders out into the snow. You know just what kind of movie this is supposed to be-pure elemental, verging on myth. Needless to say, it turns out rather differently-laughable, strident, and very nearly mad. As in most polar movies, the characters often have to shout their lines to be heard above the wailing of the winds, although the loudest sound of all is the pained scream of Igiyook (Jennifer Tilly) giving birth to Agaguk's son. The young couple wander through the movie waiting to be attacked by the vengeful white wolf. When it finally strikes, Agaguk is so badly clawed that he has to wear a mask; you keep wondering what the Phantom of the Opera is doing up in the frozen North. Jacques Dorfmann's film ends hilariously with a man turning into a falcon, which is presumably his idea of high-flown. -Anthony Lane
Copyright © 2006
The New Yorker
Product Description
In the 1930's, Agaguk lives his traditional Inuit life. But one day, there is a murder in the tribe and Agaguk becomes a suspect. Soon he becomes persecuted by Henderson, a mean mountie, and he must flee through the cold winter of Northen Quebec.
