Amundsen 2019

Not the story of a hero

6.2 / 10   156 vote(s)
Drama History Adventure

The story of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, the leader of the first expedition to reach the South Pole in 1911, and the first person to reach both the North and South Poles in 1926. Follows his all-consuming drive as a polar explorer and the tragedy he brought on himself and others by sacrificing everything in the icy wastelands to achieve his dream.

Release Date 2019-02-15
Runtime 2h 5m
Directors Espen Sandberg, Pål Ulvik Rokseth, Tomáš Pavlacký, Henrik Lundgreen
Producers John M. Jacobsen, Harald Zwart, Silvie Michajlova, Espen Sandberg, Petter J. Borgli, Fredrik Wikström, Pavel Berčík, Veslemøy Ruud Zwart, Kristian Strand Sinkerud, Espen Horn, Torgeir Sanders, Ryan Delaney, Lars Erik Hansen, Kaj Steveman
Writer Ravn Lanesskog

Had the potential, but sadly 'Amundsen' underwhelms.

It's a fascinating biopic idea, given it's about the life of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. It holds all the ingredients to create a riveting film, but unfortunately it doesn't reach the heights it perhaps should've.

I think the biggest annoyance/frustration with this is how the story is unveiled. They reveal it in boring fashion through the voices of others, with it being told in both the native tongue and English. Both those things stopped me from creating a connection to the characters.

I like the cast, though. Pål Sverre Hagen leads strongly in the main role, while Christian Rubeck gives a good performance too. The rest of the support cast are solid if forgettable, with Katherine Waterston being the most memorable.

Cinematography is nice, though the ageing effects aren't the best. All in all, it isn't one I'd recommend.

r96sk