Eight Below Details

[Highly rated reviewer]

superb

this film is superb. the story begins at an Antarctic research station, where we are introduced to Jerry played by Paul Walker, who is a dog sledder-guide and the best friend of eight irresistible sled dogs, led by trusty Old Jack and loyal Maya.

The staff must evacuate the research station, because a dangerous storm is coming.

the crunch comes however, when they do not have room in the plane for the dogs, but promise to come back and get them as soon as possible.

Although Jerry wants to stay with the dogs, his boss won't let him, telling him that his frostbite is just too bad.

The dogs are eventually left on their own to fend for themselves, but chained up, in this frozen underworld, whilst Jerry returns to the USA, unable to shake his guilt over leaving the dogs.

the film then alternates between showing the dogs' struggles to survive alone, and Jerry's efforts to rescue them.

the dogs struggle to survive on their own, in the most inhospitable of conditions. Freeing themselves from their chains, is just the first of many obstacles the dogs face.

As you can imagine, finding food and staying warm are also extremely difficult - and they face some external threats, as well.

it is actually based on a true story, where Jerry frantically tries to raise money, so that he can return to Antarctica to save them.

Jerry is faced with the blind indifference, of the base commanders, and even his friends, are disinterested in the dogs' fate.

No one is the slightest bit interested in taking a risk, and returning to pick them up.

It was shot in Canada, Norway and Greenland, and the photography is superb.

well worth renting out, to see the outcome of this fantastic film.

Really great picture

I loved this movie; it was uplifting and a really enjoyable film. My five year old daughter wanted to stop watching it early on as it did drag for her at the beginning but we stuck with it and she watched it all - mesmorised by the dogs. Unfortunately she cried when it finished but I am still glad she watched it as not every movie can end 100% happy. I'd recommend it to anyone.