Watcha Watchin'? The Fast Runner ("Atanarjuat")—Film Review
by Lah-May
A beautiful film made by the Inuit people of the Canadian Northwest, The Fast Runner tells the tale of good and evil, love and possessiveness, conflict and tragedy, forgiveness and healing. The film is based on a legend of the Inuit people recalled from elders of several tribes and filmed to capture a way of life removed from all modern influence.
When generational antagonisms within a closely knit clan turn violent, the disrupted lives must continue to co-exist. The evil in the minds of men and women is contrasted with the good in the hearts of men and women. Eventually the friction is dramatically resolved. The Fast Runner invites you to experience—sans the frigid temperatures—the lives of a people isolated and interdependent, the common emotions all in humankind share, and the rise of true leadership within a torn community.
Note: Alternative Voice encourages the paying public to send a powerful message to the film industry by being selective in what you and your children view in theaters. We recommend films that are inspirational, educational, mind-expanding, and thought-provoking. Selective viewing by the public can also influence film makers, actors and actresses to use their talents within this artful medium for higher purposes.