Cultures collide and traditional beliefs are challenged when a group of Danish explorers arrive in the Arctic Circle and encounter an Inuit community determined to maintain their sense of culture in Atanarjuat director Zacharias Kunuk's cinematic meditation on this cultural and historical event. The year is 1922 and elderly shaman Awa (Pakak Innukshuk) is struggling to maintain his stormy relationship with rebellious daughter Apak (Leah Angutimarik). Her life marred by the same tragedy that
befell her father, Apak is a shaman who is neglecting her current mate in favor of spending time with her deceased previous husband in the spirit realm. When a group of Danish explorers arrive and Awa is prompted to define his beliefs, his attempt to convey to his community the potentially damaging effects of Christian influence on Inuit culture offers a stirring look at the true meaning of tradition. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
While the Europeans are compelled to share some of their own songs, beliefs and personal history, it's the telling of the Inuit stories that compels much of the movie.
Wonderfully elegiac... the melody of language is essential to the film's beauty, in which disposable small talk sounds like Confucius proverbs of biblical longevity.
Despite its faults as a film, Journals stands alone. You simply cannot go elsewhere this year for self-expressed insights into the lives of people of Canada's north.
Yes, slow to start, however gives great insight to the experiences of aboriginal people dealing with the influences of European contact. Could apply to many indigenous cultures in any country, past and present.
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