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Nanook of the North

Name: Nanook of the North
Genre: Documentary, Drama
Released: 1922-06-11
Cast: Allakariallak, Alice Nevalinga, Cunayou, Allegoo, Allee

1922 | 79 min | Documentary, Drama

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for the curious. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood: Eye-opening.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 19 min.
What might put you off: Made in 1922: an older pace and style.
Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

This pioneering documentary film depicts the lives of the indigenous Inuit people of Canada's northern Quebec region. Although the production contains some fictional elements, it vividly shows how its resourceful subjects survive in such a harsh climate, revealing how they construct their igloo homes and find food by hunting and fishing. The film also captures the beautiful, if unforgiving, frozen landscape of the Great White North, far removed from conventional civilization.

How it earned its rating

CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
AudiencesSolid
7.1 out of 10
AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 82K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Robert Flaherty

AllakariallakNanook
Alice NevalingaNanook's Wife - the Smiling One
CunayouCunayou - Nanook's Daughter
AllegooAllegoo - Nanook's Son
AlleeAllee - Nanook's Son