jc-osms I have read Shackleton's account of his 1914 expedition to Antarctica (and also the published diaries of Robert Falcon Scott's doomed mission in 1912) and so have both a great interest and admiration for these brave explorers, looking to chart the last unknown territories on this planet, unknown because they are so remote and dangerous. I was therefore most interested to finally watch this two-part dramatisation of the remarkable events of Shackleton's failed attempt to cross Antarctica the hard way, as his ship, the Endurance, becomes ice-bound and eventually ice-crushed, leaving him and his crew to attempt a tortuous journey back to civilisation and safety or share the fate of Scott and his team two years before.For me, though, the first of the two parts, which concentrated on introducing the viewer to the crew, shading in the background to Shackleton's private life as well as his determination to get funding (and sees him making the rounds of visiting in person wealthy potential donors) was far too slow and delayed the action. Did I need to know that there was another woman in his life as is implied here? Did she really make a telephone call to Shackleton's long-suffering wife to ask her if she knew he was still alive after being missing for so long? What did it matter if Shackleton had a dodgy brother, imprisoned for fraud? It just seemed to me that director Charles Sturridge wanted to indulge himself in some period melodrama at the expense of the meat of the story which was of course the incredible journey the explorer and his crew made, his promise to get them all back alive after they lost their ship and especially his incredibly brave decision to strike out with only four companions in a tiny boat to attempt to get to the whaling station at South Georgia to procure a rescue ship for his men. Thus, exciting as they are, these latter events seemed almost rushed, days and days of endeavour reduced to mere minutes. I really do think the first half could have lost an hour to the second half. I also don't remember reading of any dissent in the ranks of his crew as is portrayed here and again suspected another abuse of dramatic licence as Shackleton locks horns with a hard-nosed Scot, the shop's carpenter (a lippy chippie if you like).It has to be said though that the actors perform admirably, especially in the arduous scenes on the ship and especially on the ice. Kenneth Branagh is excellent in the title part but there are many good performances around him. There's a suitably sweeping orchestral soundtrack reminiscent of Vaughn-Williams' celebrated score for "Scott Of The Antarctic" many years before.In the end though my impatience for the director to get me to the heart of the story belied my enjoyment of a nevertheless still worthy and compelling account of a truly fantastic journey.

intelearts Shackleton was truly one of the greatest explorers Britain produced. The extraordinary true story of the 1914 expedition is a tale that deserves to be told. And told it is in suitable fashion: with a strong emphasis on authenticity, not just period mannerisms and costuming, but weather and settings. This makes for very good viewing indeed.This is stirring stuff - Branagh's portrayal is a superb study in the British colonial style of leadership and worth watching on that basis alone. He is human, a gentleman, but tough as nails. The rest of the crew are excellent and one really takes this extraordinary tale of survival with them.The disastrous expedition is covered from inception and funding through to the mind- boggling hardships experienced by the crew and their extraordinary tale of survival.I defy anyone to watch this and not be motivated, moved, and inspired. Beautifully made and realised this is simply notch above normal viewing. Highly recommended.

paulgeaf I have read about and watched documentary programs of this expedition and the hugely motivational and enigmatic Ernest Shackleton before seeing this version of it. From the very beginning there was a good, professional look and feel to this movie. A lot of time is spent on the 'background information' before the actual voyage. Don't be impatient though. The voyage begins and then you feel like you had better strap yourself to your seat as the pace and emotive content of the film comes at you like a runaway train. I cannot give enough compliments for this film. Please, if you get the chance, sit back, relax and watch a bit of history...when men were men and all that :) [smile]

currer-g This was a great film, showing all of Shackleton's bravery and courage even in the face of death itself. Kenneth Branagh was acting brilliantly (as usual), and the scene in the snowstorm (ok- one of the MANY scenes in the snowstorm!) left me with tears in my eyes. A great film about a great man! :-)