Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Kon-Tiki (1950)
The unbelievable story of the lengths one man went to prove he was right and everyone else was wrong"Kon-Tiki" (1950) is a documentary detailing the extraordinary journey of Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl. It chronicles Heyerdahl's daring 4,300-mile voyage across the Pacific Ocean on a balsawood raft in 1947. This audacious expedition was undertaken to demonstrate that South Americans could feasibly have settled in Polynesia in pre-Columbian times.
- You are not comfortable with strong depictions of peril and danger.
- You are not fond of historical adventure narratives.
- You have seasickness, as much of the movie takes place on a raft at sea.
- You prefer fast-paced action movies - this film unfolds slowly and methodically.
- You are a very young viewer. The movie has a recommended age range of 10 and up due to some intense scenes.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Kon-Tiki" (1950)? I mean, here's a group of guys who decide to sail across the Pacific on a balsa wood raft just to prove a point. I can't even get my friends to agree on a pizza topping! And he was proving a historical detail so minor to most of us that the real fascination lies not in the point itself but in the extreme risks he took for its sake. That is what this movie should be about. You risked your life? To prove that?
This movie is essentially about a long, uncomfortable sea trip with no in-flight entertainment or stewardess offering peanuts. The whole time I'm thinking, did they even pack snacks? Did they consider the catering before setting sail? I mean sure, proving a scientific theory is great, but I'm not going anywhere without at least a bag of pretzels!
And then there's the shark attacks! I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it, but let's just say if you're on a raft in the middle of the ocean, the last thing you want is a shark playing bumper cars with your only mode of transport. Talk about an unwanted pool party!
So, if you're into survival stories with a lot of sunburns and not enough sunscreen, "Kon-Tiki" is the movie for you. But remember, if you ever decide to prove a theory by sailing across the ocean, don't forget the snacks... and maybe a shark repellent!
Into the Wild (2007)
Consider watching "Into the Wild" if you enjoyed the element of exploration and survival in "Kon-Tiki". Directed by Sean Penn, it is a compelling, thought-provoking film about a young man who abandons his comfortable life and family to embark on a journey to Alaska to experience the wild. He ventures across the country relying entirely on himself and the kindness of the strangers he meets along the way.
The Life of Pi (2012):If you enjoyed the maritime adventure of "Kon-Tiki," you'll likely appreciate Ang Lee's "The Life of Pi". It is a visually stunning journey of a young man who survives a disaster at sea and is hurtled into an epic adventure of survival with a Bengal tiger. The movie artfully combines high-seas adventure with coming-of-age themes, much like "Kon-Tiki."
Master and Commander: The Far Side of The World (2003):Another magnificent sea-adventure film is "Master and Commander: The Far Side of The World". Directed by Peter Weir, this film offers an exploration into the limitless sea and the intimacy of life aboard a Royal Navy vessel during the time of the Napoleonic wars. If the epic maritime journey of "Kon-Tiki" grasped you, this movie is sure to captivate.
Cast Away (2000):"Cast Away", a movie by Robert Zemeckis about a FedEx executive who must transform himself physically and emotionally to survive a plane crash on a deserted island might interest you as well. The leading actor, Tom Hanks delivers an impressive performance that makes the viewers experience his isolation, desperation, and resilient will to survive, which draws some parallels with "Kon-Tiki."
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