Do you want to see ‘Never Cry Wolf’?

Never Cry Wolf (1983)

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Average Rating: 7.7/10
Reviews Counted: 18
Fresh: 18 | Rotten: 0

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 4
Fresh: 4 | Rotten: 0

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Movie Info

The wolves of the Arctic Circle and its environs, the stunning beauty of a Northern winter, a biologist who braves it all to record the lives of the wolves, and Inuits who save the biologist's hide and share their own wisdom openly are all winners in this film that is a tribute to the skills of writer and director Carroll Ballard (The Black Stallion). Based on Farley Mowat's autobiographical novel of the same name, Tyler (Charles Martin Smith) is a normal biologist until he gets up into the

PG, 1 hr. 45 min.

Drama, Action & Adventure

Directed By: Carroll Ballard

Written By: Farley Mowat, Curtis Hanson

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1983 Wide

On DVD: Feb 22, 2000

Cast

Charles Martin Smith
Tyler
Brian Dennehy
Rosie
Zachary Ittimangnaq
Ootek
Samson Jorah
Mike
Hugh Webster
Drunk
Martha Ittimangnaq
Ootek's wife
Tom Dahlgren
Hunter No. 1
Walker Stuart
Hunter No. 2

Critic Reviews for Never Cry Wolf

All Critics (18) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (19) | Rotten (0) | DVD (6)

Ballard and his masterly crew of film makers have reimagined a corner of the natural world...They leave us awed.

March 9, 2009 Full Review Source: TIME Magazine

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Richard Schickel

TIME Magazine

Top Critic

Measures up to the promise Ballard amply provided in his first feature, The Black Stallion.

July 23, 2008 Full Review Source: Variety

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Ronald Holloway

Variety

Top Critic

Perhaps the best thing about the film is that the wolves are never made to seem like strange but cuddly dogs. They look like wolves, not especially threatening but still remote and complete unto themselves.

August 30, 2004 Full Review Source: New York Times

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Vincent Canby

New York Times

Top Critic

The film is still memorable for its compassion, commitment, and unexpected humor, qualities that go a long way toward tempering the ecological didacticism of the screenplay.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Chicago Reader

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

Top Critic

Suspenseful, poignant wilderness film; a few gross scenes.

April 5, 2011 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media

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Common Sense Media Editors

Common Sense Media

Capturing the changes a man goes through as he learns about life in the wilds, Never Cry Wolf is very informative, but it is Smith's performance that makes the film a resounding success.

March 9, 2009 Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide

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TV Guide's Movie Guide

Genuinely affecting nature film with spectacular location shots.

February 14, 2009 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

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Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

For the most part very absorbing, the film suffers from some embarrassingly obvious symbolism.

January 26, 2006 Full Review Source: Time Out

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Time Out

A gorgeously shot and smartly written outdoors adventure.

November 7, 2002 Full Review Source: Netflix

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James Rocchi

Netflix

Set in the Arctic wilderness of Canada where a biologist has a mystical experience of oneness with nature.

September 1, 2002 Full Review Source: Spirituality and Practice

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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality and Practice

If you can get past the lack of significant dialogue then you will find a touching tale of one man's journey -- a journey that can teach us all a little bit about ourselves.

July 25, 2001 Full Review Source: Apollo Guide

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Akiva Gottlieb

Apollo Guide

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Audience Reviews for Never Cry Wolf

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Never Cry Wolf looks, sounds and feels like a DisneyNature film, for the most part. A desolate location, focus on animals, minimal dialogue...though the movie never quite knows what it wants to be. Initially, there are hints of comedy, then "man against nature" drama, then documentary and so on. By not picking one

February 5, 2012

Jason Vargo

Super Reviewer

My parents dragged me, kicking and screaming, to this movie when it first came out. It was weird! This guy kept chasing reindeer around - NAKED!! EW! I was 10! I didn't want to see an old guy's butt! I do not remember this fondly!

June 28, 2008