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Big River Man

  • 2009
  • 1h 40m
IMDb RATING
7.3/10
1.6K
YOUR RATING
Martin Strel in Big River Man (2009)
Documentary

Martin Strel attempts to cover 3,375 miles of the Amazon River, the longest continuous swim in history.Martin Strel attempts to cover 3,375 miles of the Amazon River, the longest continuous swim in history.Martin Strel attempts to cover 3,375 miles of the Amazon River, the longest continuous swim in history.

  • Director
    • John Maringouin
  • Stars
    • Matthew Mohlke
    • Borut Strel
    • Martin Strel
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.3/10
    1.6K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • John Maringouin
    • Stars
      • Matthew Mohlke
      • Borut Strel
      • Martin Strel
    • 9User reviews
    • 25Critic reviews
    • 68Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win & 5 nominations total

    Photos12

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    Top cast3

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    Matthew Mohlke
    • Self
    Borut Strel
    Martin Strel
    • Self
    • Director
      • John Maringouin
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews9

    7.31.6K
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    Featured reviews

    10beltyne

    Breath taking

    I have read the reviews for a wide number of movies on this site, and felt myself agreeing with them, until now. This movie alone made me create and account and speak my mind.

    First off, yes, the movie is about Martin being overweight and embarking on the most dangerous swimming trek known to man. That alone could make the movie, however everyone is missing the most important message of this film.

    Although the Navigator Matt gets on peoples nerves and goes a little insane, but..... for a moment, he understands what it's all for. The Amazon forest is one of the last " perfect " places on earth untouched by mankind's disgusting industry. As Martins son narrates he tells everyone that in the year 2020, there will be no more Rain Forest, no more Amazon. That makes you wonder, then what do we do ?.

    Although the Amazon is dangerous and is not tamed by man, it is the perfect view of the utopia that is Earth. Martin is bringing this to everyone's attention. Martin might not be Michael Moore when it comes to his documentary style, but I have more respect for a man that embarks on that physical adventure then for someone that instead knocks on doors and get's on peoples nerves. The movie is about bringing the awareness to our environment, and doing what everyone is afraid to do.

    As Martin says when he swimming in the water looking at the beauty around him, everyone could benefit from being in this environment. No noise, no harassment, just the sound of the forest, and perfect harmony. And what happens when that is taken away ?, where then will you go, and what will you do to truly feel free ?. All in all, the movie is a great watch, however you need to take something from it, not just forget it happened.
    8Jeremy_Urquhart

    Surprisingly great

    This was like Heart of Darkness meets Fitzcarraldo meets a Herzog nature documentary meets a Herzog person-focused documentary (I.e, Grizzly Man or Little Dieter Needs to Fly).

    Plus it's also really funny and with a sense of heart and genuine emotion, and with one of the most entertaining yet enigmatic documentary subjects in recent memory. It wasn't afraid to discuss more serious subject matter (mainly in terms of environmental issues) from time to time, too. The balance between all these elements was surprisingly strong.

    It is a little sloppy in presentation and editing, which extends to the low quality of the voiceover audio, too. But in a way, the less than amazing presentation kind of adds to the film's unique charm. Genuinely didn't know whether it was a mockumentary or real the whole time as well...
    bRAdY-01

    Big River Man is a wonderful film - Go and see it and tell your friends too!

    I recently attended a screening of Big River Man at the ICA in London, the film was Directed and shot by John Maringouin (won best cinematographer award at Sundance 2009) follows Martin Strel as he attempts to cover 3,375 miles of the Amazon River in what is being billed as the world's longest swim. What a treat! Easily the best doc I've seen since Man on Wire, Big River Man is a wonderful, very funny, insightful epic road (substitute river) movie on what is still one of the last great unknown frontiers, the mighty Amazon River and the jungle it meanders through. Martin Strel and his son and project manager/PR publicist Borut Strel attended the screening and did a Q&A afterwards, they were both very charming, honest and open in their answers and amazingly modest, since the film pulled no punches, was brutally honest as they fought dozens of physical and psychological barriers to complete their incredible quest of endurance, simply an epic human endeavour. I found this film to be one of the most enjoyable films I've watched in recent years and would urge you to make your best efforts to see it, giving it my highest recommendation to all and everyone to see it since Let The Right One In. Funny fact, the film listed Olivia Newton-John as one of its executive producers (yes Grease), hat's off to her, her money was truly well invested here. Regards Ray Brady - London based indie feature director.
    10loumiles-25568

    Best documentary ever

    Big river man, a truly great movie, about a truly great man. Superman exists, and this movie proves it, its funny its sad, and a film that truly moved me. BRM is also a very spiritual film, truth is far stranger then fiction, old and young will love this triumph of a film. Flawless
    10atosic

    Great movie

    Big River Man is fantastic movie documenting something that many actors have not done it even in the movie. Martin Strel is one of the greatest heroes of modern age but unfortunately, he will be forgotten very quickly. Quality of the movie is extremely good and the movie is not boring for one single second. This movie is not for people who think about Amazon as a holiday destination but as the only unspoilt and undamaged area on this planet.

    To people who do not like, I would suggest them to stick with Hollywood and Tom Cruise style movies. If you do not like the movie then do not watch documentary movies.

    I'm sure that many people would like to see more Martin Strel movies.

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    Related interests

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    Documentary

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Goofs
      A title card says, "Day 66 / Easter Sunday / April 7, 2007". April 7, 2007 was a Saturday.
    • Connections
      Referenced in Film Junk Podcast: Episode 217: Fighting and Best Worst Movie (2009)
    • Soundtracks
      Switchblade
      Written by Billy Schwartz, Robert Gordon, Richard Gottehrer, Rob Stoner,

      Link Wray (as Fred L. Wray), Howie Wyeth

      Performed by Link Wray

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • January 16, 2009 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Человек Большой реки
    • Filming locations
      • Amazon River, Brazil
    • Production companies
      • Self Pictures
      • Brooklyn Reptyle Productions
      • Earthworks Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 40m(100 min)
    • Color
      • Color

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