Plot
In Barrow, Alaska, teenagers Qalli and Aivaaq find their bond tested when a seal-hunting trip goes wrong, resulting in the death of their friend.
Release Year: 2011
Rating: 6.5/10 (189 voted)
Critic's Score: 57/100
Director:
Andrew Okpeaha MacLean
Stars: Josiah Patkotak, Frank Qutuq Irelan, John Miller
Storyline In the isolated, frozen town of Barrow, Alaska, Iñupiaq teenagers Qalli and Aivaaq have grown up like brothers in a tight-knit community defined as much by ancient traditions as by hip-hop and snowmobiles. Early one morning, on a seal hunt with their friend James, a tussle turns violent, and James is killed. Panic stricken, terrified, and with no one to blame but themselves, Qalli and Aivaaq lie and declare the death a tragic accident. As Barrow roils with grief and his protective father becomes suspicious, Qalli stumbles through guilt-filled days, wrestling with his part in the death. For the first time in his life, he's treading alone on existential ice.
Cast: Frank Qutuq Irelan
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Aivaaq
Adamina Kerr
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Michelle
John Miller
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James
Josiah Patkotak
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Qalli
Rosabelle Kunnanna Rexford
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Sierra Jade Sampson
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Uvlu
Teddy Kyle Smith
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Egasak
Allison Warden
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Sigvaun
This film is a triumph of Alaskan narrative filmmaking. Showing Alaskan
Natives as they really live, including old traditions, dance, and
hunting, next to cell phones, hip hop, and drugs. It doesn't get tied
up on trying to show the beauty of Alaska, and neither the exoticness
of it's peoples. Instead, it uses them to further it's themes and plot.
Incredibly sensitive, honest, and entertaining.
While it's easy to say this is a movie about the evils of drugs, or the
ability of the arctic landscape to drive one to insanity, the film
gracefully dodges such easy targets and focuses on a story about a
young man trying to grow up and a community dealing with a tragedy,
which are much more open ended, accessible ideas. This allows those
without any knowledge of Native Alaskans, or Alaska even, to become
entranced by the story.
Don't let the non-pro cast turn you away, either. It is all native
persons (no Asians pretending to native American), and the direction
makes sure they're up to snuff to all other films by mature filmmakers.
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