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No. 1: The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition. A documentary of the failed expedition combined with amazing leadership and survival. A fantastic outdoor adventure. As co-captains of a modern vessel with thousands of hours of sea time, Kim and I marvel at the portion of the rescue where they sailed a small open hand reconstructed boat to South Georgia Island to get help. How did they do that?! A really great movie.
No. 2: Never Cry Wolf. We are always surprised at how few people know this movie. It is a fabulous Alaska movie written by one of our favorite authors, Farley Mowat. The cinematography is great, the story is true, and the portrayals are accurate. Light but sobering. We highly recommend this one.
Bull Durham. Hey, What's this doing here? This is supposed to be a Top Ten list of Alaska/adventure/outdoor movies!!! It's a baseball movie. OK, OK...but this is an all time favorite of ours on any movie list. I had to slip it in here. Besides, it is not just a baseball movie, it is a wonderful love story (snicker snicker). And, baseball is a summer activity and so is kayaking in Alaska.
Old news: Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon met on the set of Bull Durham and were a couple with two kids for 23 years, splitting up very recently.
Touching the Void. Unbelievable scenery. True story of mountain climbers attempting a new climb and getting into trouble. Amazing self rescue. Very realistic. You will never forget it.
Not every group watches movies during their week with us. Most find at least one movie night is a fun way to relax after a day of paddling. We do not pick the movies but we have noticed a preference for outdoor adventure movies. After all that is what most people come to Alaska for. This list of top 10 is our favorites that fit this genre.
No. 5: Grizzly Man. Timothy Treadwell gets eaten by a bear...
Comments: I have seen this movie many many times and see new things each time. It has grown on me. Yes, he is nuts but I have come to think that Werner Herzog, the filmmaker, is every bit as crazy. Anyway, the scenery and footage is incredible and the movie always generates great discussion on how people should relate to dangerous animals.
The criteria is Alaska, reminds us of Alaska, or outdoor fun and adventure...
No. 6: Fly Away Home. This is just about the cutest movie in the world. A little girl flies her flock of geese to freedom. I am getting teary eyed writing about it...
North to Alaska. OK, so this is not great cinematography. But it is John Wayne and it is a story about the Alaska gold rush. Stay with me. The movie picks get better from here.
