Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4597 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-05-19
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Format: PAL
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 206 minutes

Synopsis
One of the most amazing and compelling adventure stories of all time, Ernest Shackleton's 1915 expedition to the previously unexplored, forbidding land of Antarctica has been a subject of great public fascination for decades. With 27 crew members, the intrepid man became trapped in the icey land after his ship, the Endurance, sank into the Weddell Sea. Oscar-winning actor Kenneth Branagh plays the complicated and fearless explorer. The dramatic story is based on excerpts from Shackleton's own diaries, as well as accounts from some of his crew members.

Customer Reviews

Excellent portrayal of a true story
Having just returned from Antarctica myself I was inspired to buy this video. It's factually correct details and the story of the heroics involved made the film gripping from start to finish. Despite the fact it appears the whole venture could have been avoided when Shackleton was warned of heavy ice that particular year, it makes one wonder if it was all necessary. And in actual fact knowing he made the conscious decision to set out nearly cost the lives of him and his men. Nevertheless, it is an amazing story of survival and heroics and definitely worth watching if you have the slightest interest in Antarctica or Shackleton.

One of the greats
Ernest Shackleton is one of the greatest explorers of all time, and this stands as a testament to the man. Branagh subtlety conveys the man who was addicted to exploring the unknown and the two-part series does not shy away from his extra-marital affair. Excellent.

not a nice man
This film portrays an arrogant self centred philanderer, bent on self glorification. When not sleeping with his brothers wife, he is diverting expedition donations to pay his private debts. When the chips are down, he proves a tough and resourceful leader, but not a very nice man! A masterful performance by Branagh and the supporting actors. I would have given 5 stars, but the balance of the film is bizarre. There is too much time devoted to getting the expedition underway at the beginning and it is becoming tedious until we finally reach the antarctic. The best part is the period stuck in the ship and on the ice. Then the escape in stages via elephant island to South Georgia becomes very telecoped to the point where crossing South Georgia receives about one minute of treatment and the rescue of the crew left behind a similarly trivial moment. But in the end, it is not about the expedition, but about the people. A film of quality that will not leave you indifferent.