At the Edge of the World

the story is unbelievable and the chances taken are out of this world. it's nice to see regular people willing to volunteer for what they think is right, even though their resources are inadequate and the powers-that-be don't want them out there. also nice not be treated like an idiot,movie put me on the ships and then let me be part of the experience - it's not for those who need spoon-feeding. liked the analysis in the 'external reviews' link. music great except for part when two sing. thankfully, something i can enjoy with my kids. why do these people have to risk their lives in the Antarctica ocean? why don't the governments enforce the laws?

"At the Edge of the World" is an unscripted, timeless, documentary window into an otherwise unseen, often harrowing, ongoing morality play on the frigid Ross Sea. What would you do? The director Dan Stone includes you as a member of the everyman and every-woman crew. Events unfold and tell the saga of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's two flimsy, non ice-burg rated ships. On a shoe string budget, the Farely Mowat and the Robert Hunter clash with the mighty Nisshin Maru and its supporting armada. At a million dollars a whale and a thousand butchered last year alone, all appropriate strategies and tactics are resourcefully applied to end the hunts.

With a self stylized Jolly Roger on the bow and a skeleton crew of 50, mostly volunteers from 15 countries and various expertise take on the odyssey. Seasoned and steady hand Sea Shepherd founder, Captain Paul Watson (co founder of Greenpeace and a former member) marshals his forces. Young archetypal fellow Captain Alex Cornelissen, the dedicated crew and on shore media contacts are not simply there to bear witness. Intervention between the so called research ship with harpoon at the ready and the whales swimming in the internationally recognized and protected, but until now unpatroled sanctuary, is the only course of action. This is a law enforcement organization and effort.

Having never an injury or death caused to either side, the crew of scruffy raiders fearlessly set out in zodiacs and use all manner of stink and smoke bombs and propeller foulers. Artfully executed precision maneuvers run interference and set up some metal grinding, ship to ship broad side contact caused by the whalers. The risks are unbelievable.

"At the Edge of the World" is more than a simple anti-whaling documentary, it gets out of its own way. An eye opening, subtle, authentic and complete film, it stays with you long after you are on dry land. With its breath taking cinematography and jaw dropping footage, the film is about individual empowerment. The Sea Shepherd crew are the heroes in all of us. It is about what you can do (with regards to anything in life) or not. It's your choice. What will you do?

Dan Stone's film, "At the Edge of the World", is a sincerely inspiring documentary of a heroic journey set forth by the under-supported, under-funded Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. The organization's volunteer crew members, from all types of backgrounds and professions, risk their lives in hopes of protecting the illegally hunted whales that are located in the vast Antarctic ocean territory.

The film captures modern-day true-life heroes engaging together in their efforts to stave off the Japanese hunting vessels that are under the guise of 'research' in order to illegally slaughter whales for profit. A strong sense of purpose and group-member support among all those involved comes across clearly on screen.

Following the courageous, passionate, and determined crew members, are the just as brave, bold, and courageous cameramen who capture the heroic actions on film - some moments of which are hair raising! Also as captivating, and nothing less than breathtaking, is the cinematography of the vast Antarctic landscape, its majestic icebergs, crystal blue waters, and its beautiful wildlife.

Enhancing the film's emotive quality is the music selection. The soundtrack creates the perfect atmosphere for each scene in which the music is placed. Nothing is over or under done.

"At the Edge of the World" is a film that is a must-see on the big screen due to the expansive landscape, action scenes, and cinematography; and is also one I am sure to purchase when released to DVD in order to have it on hand for viewing whenever in need of a boost of inspiration.

I am not anti-Watson, in fact I find him admirable insofar as his activism goes, a small effort focused primarily on saving cutsie animals rather than addressing root causes. Not that isn't what most of environmentalism has been about since its inception. However, I was hoping for something in this film--mainly a story of some sort. While this film is very beautiful visually with lots of striking images of the antarctic ocean, the events captured in the film are rather dull--it reminds me more of an extended whale wars episode than a feature film. There is much too much crew whining about this and that, just like the show. I suppose it's included to create some drama, since the film is mostly about running about the ocean looking for a whaling ship target, but after a while the whine does grate on the nerves. Not unlike the show, which is also why I never really watched an episode of that show all the way through. Frankly, Deadliest Catch was more engaging...

So back to this film. If its great images of the antarctic ocean, this is your film. However, if you want to learn about the activism of the Sea Shepherd Society and learn about the crew beyond their griping, a more entertaining, story based take on the Sea Shepherd can be had in these other films: Confessions of an Eco- Terrorist and Eco-Pirate.

This is the chronicle of Operation Leviathan (2006-07), the third campaign of Sea Shepherd against the illegal Japanese commercial slaughter of whales in The Antarctic Whale Sanctuary.

Operation Leviathan was one of the more "true" campaigns, before all the hype from Whale Wars and so on hit the mass media. I say true in the sense of having less resources available and the will to do what's right guided only by your heart rather than publicity and public opinion.

In a personal note, I find very strange how some people call this terrorism. Odd terrorists these are, who seek the defense of life and don't hurt any living creature. If you want to see terrorism, go to any abattoir or farm (see Conklin Dairy Farms videos). Simply put, the USA government created a state of paranoia since 9/11 in order to control citizens, get rid of civil rights and take out of the scene any dissident who put life over other state interests (money). I can only assume that those who shout terrorism are either brainwashed or part of the government.

Apart from that, to call those who fight to preserve life terrorists is not only an insult to any intelligent creature and all the billions of animals who are absurdly put through unspeakable suffering and murdered with no regret, but to every single person who was hurt or died because of real terrorist attacks.

This film is for people who aren't afraid to see the truth. It will be inspirational and spirit lifting to know that there are still heroes alive fighting for a greater good without looking for anything in return.