Now this movie was something that my wife and I were a bit doubtful at first. When both of us saw the trailer once, we did not feel intrigued or really interested in it. So when it finally premiered in Indonesia yesterday (late by more than a month from the US release), we were not that excited. But then again, since I want to be updated on the new movies, I still went on to see this. And my wife was willing to accompany me. Anyway, let us find out about the movie now.
Brief Story Line
During the time of around 20.000 BC, a tribe of hunters led by Tau (Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson) went on a hunting trip with all the males, including his young son Keda (Kodi Smit-McPhee - X-men: Apocalypse, ParaNorman etc) who was in his first ever trip. Challenge was despite his ability to create good hunting equipment, Keda did not seem to be suitable for hunting role as he was not the ruthless and strong type.
When they finally met the group of bisons, Keda was attacked and fell into the cliff. As Keda was thought to be dead, after waiting for more than a day Tau led the rest of the tribe back home with the animals they managed to hunt. Keda who apparently was still alive, had to survive only with his instinct and the things taught by his father. He also befriended with a wolf that he later on called Alpha.
Both of them went on through the difficult terrain to return to Keda's home, with the snow started to fall and the weather became increasingly cold. Could the 2 of them survive? Find them all in this adventure movie.
End of Brief Story Line
As I mentioned above that we were doubtful about the movie, my wife and I really felt that the movie seemed to be just what we expected. At least for the first half hour or so. That part was somehow a bit boring to us. Yes there was the hunting scene, but other than that, we did not feel any spark. Maybe it went on too slow (at least for us), and the only other thing that at least was entertaining during those time was the really beautiful scenery shown. We also thought that no wonder the movie was also shown in IMAX studio, as it would have been really breathtaking seeing them in that kind of screen.
After the first half hour though, when Keda was separated and had to learn how to survive and Alpha started to appear, the movie became a lot more interesting. Obviously this was what we came for, to see how a young man having wonderful friendship with a wolf when both of them were supposed to be enemies. But this "odd relationship" somehow worked and it was quite beautiful actually. With the addition of those beautiful sceneries, it became even more awesome seeing these two working hand in hand to try and survive the really ruthless weather.
One thing that I noticed was also the great sound effects. It was wonderful to hear the sound of wild animals roaring around us as if we were surrounded by them. I noticed during the end credit scene that it was having Dolby Atmos sound effect which was odd as none of the theaters showing this movie had this effect. I guessed the Indonesian movie distributor did not bring in the movie with such effects. Anyway even with the usual Dolby surround system, this one was already awesome. Oh talking about the end credit scene, there was no mid or post scenes.
Being a movie about survival and friendship, it certainly did not disappoint. My wife was delighted that she decided to see this movie as she was a fan of this kind of beautiful man with animal friendship. If the Alpha story was shown a bit earlier, we would probably be more satisfied. Both of us were really in awe of the stunning cinematography. Credits really have to be given to the visual effects team for the movie. By the way, this film was written and directed by Albert Hughes (who with his twin brother Allen directed violent movies such as The Book of Eli, From Hell etc). So it seemed a bit unusual to see this kind of movie to his credit.
Oh there was a bit of a surprise towards the end which we and the rest of the audience did not see it coming. It was indeed a nice surprising scene. And the movie also had something unique, i.e. the language. It was using a specially created fictional language spoken by the people of the tribe and we were given the subtitles throughout the movie. (Perhaps it was inspired by the Game of Thrones TV series? As it also had a fictional language created).
Overall this was a good adventure movie with so many breathtaking views and quite a powerful bond between a man and a wolf, but just need to be a little bit patient for the more fun and emotional parts. So if you are into this kind of movie, then definitely you need to watch this one. However, if you do not like to see movie mainly having a person and an animal surviving horrific weather, or if you plan to see this expecting lots of hunting and bloodshed scenes, then it's better to avoid seeing this one. The choice is yours.
Mike's movie moments rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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