Shackleton (2002)

Earnest Shackleton is a lecturer and one-time adventurer who plotted a course to the North Pole but had to turn back when lives were at risk. However once the North Pole is crossed he plans a journey across the southern pole. Despite funding difficulties he sets out in 1914 on The Endeavour. Their journey to the south is dangerous but once there, their journey takes on new consequences as Shackleton's drive takes them into the ice flow where their ship is crushed by the ice and sinks. He attempts to lead his crew to safety.Brannagh always seems to dig out worthy films to star in and this retelling of history is just typical of him. The story is well told and, although it is stripped to the bones in some respects, it is on the money for the most part. The telling brings out some of the feeling of dread well but tries too hard to bring out the human drama. By cutting back to England and Shackleton's wife in particular, the story is slowed down a little – to the detriment of the expedition. At almost four hours this was bound to drag a little so it is understandable, but it could easily have been brought down in running time I felt.However the overall production looks great – gone are the days when TVM always meant low budgets and average actors. This has the feel of a blockbuster film but all the leisure and pace of a mini-series. The only problem is that the film feels very weighty, indeed this is due to the subject matter, but the worthiness of the film doesn't help lighten the pace.The acting is superb all round – you never doubt that these men are in this situation, and many of the English touches are spot on. Brannagh does another historical figure role that he does so well. In the first part he allows us to see Shackleton's drive and, perhaps, arrogance, as the cause of the events, but in part two he plays it much straighter, much more the determined leader. While this is fair and well done, I would have liked to see more of the human in him – this only comes out occasionally in the second part.Overall this is a slow paced film and it is a long one. It is a good representation of fact and is an interesting story. The production values are high and it is well acted, however those with short attention spans or a need to see things explode need not apply.

Branagh is very believable as Shackleton. He has the grace, the poise, the leadership and the sheer presence to carry off such a role. He is one of not many actors who would be believable in the role.This tale of one of the great heroic rescues of all time has it all, and is excellently shot -- although a cynic might say that it would be hard to find a cinematographer who could not do wonders with the Antarctic landscapes!Definitely worth seeing, and one of the better historical tales to have been told in recent times.

This was a great film, showing all of Shackleton's bravery and courage even in the face of death itself. Kenneth Branagh was acting brilliantly (as usual), and the scene in the snowstorm (ok- one of the MANY scenes in the snowstorm!) left me with tears in my eyes. A great film about a great man! :-)

This movie was effective for me, if for no other reason, I froze my tukus off just watching it. The scenes of the ship breaking up in the ice and the heroic trip by small boat were worth the length of the picture. I did have the same problem with this one as I do with most British pictures, I just can't seem to tell the actors apart, and sometimes I can't understand a word they are saying...guess that is the downfall of being born a "Colonial." The main problem I have with the entire Shakleton story is I just cannot consider the guy a hero...if he hadn't made so many errors and poor decisions, they wouldn't have had to go thru all that living hell; of course consider Bill Clinton-we all lived thru the living hell of his errors and poor decisions, and many still call him a hero. Ain't life strange?