The Norwegian critics haven't been too kind to this movie, but it is much better than the critics would have you believe. It was a fascinating and thoroughly interesting film, about a great man who lived a highly prominent life. I liked the scope, and that they focused not only on one major achievement, but gave time to all of Amundsen's accomplishments. It reminded me a bit of Richard Attenborough's Chaplin (1992) starring Robert Downey Jr. in the way it was told, and I liked that it was done in this way.
Pål Sverre Hagen was great in the lead role. The film rests on his shoulders and he was impressive. He captured the weight of the character, and was particularly successful in portraying Amundsen as a middle aged man. He was totally believable. I don't normally gush about Norwegian actor's, like most I tend to focus on the American and British actors, but Pål was a real star in this film. He captured a lot just with glances, without even speaking.
As perfect as most of Amundsen's achievements were, this film showed that a great man has to be ruthless at times to bring about such success. That single focus to succeed and relentless pursuit, was captured well in the film.
I will also applaud the director for not spoon feeding the audience. He didn't spell everything out, and he trusted the audience to be active participants in the telling of this story.
When you get that "natural high" feeling after watching a film, you know you've watched something good.
