The Last Glacier
The Last Glacier

Movie spotlight

The Last Glacier

1984
Movie
84 min
French

A docudrama on the closing of the town of Schefferville. When Raoul loses his job at the mine because the operations are ending, he's been settled there for ten years with Carmen and their son. They're now forced to leave the town, leaving behind the traces of an ephemeral prosperity.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Director: Peter K. SmithGenres: Documentary, Nature

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand, detailing its formation, movement, and the impact of climate change on its existence. It provides a visual journey through the glacier's dramatic landscape and the surrounding environment. The film also touches upon the indigenous Maori legends associated with the glacier. It serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of natural wonders.

Critical Reception

While specific critical reviews from 1984 are scarce, 'The Last Glacier' was generally well-received for its stunning cinematography and its timely, albeit prescient, message about environmental change. Audiences appreciated its educational value and its immersive portrayal of a natural phenomenon. It is considered a significant documentary for its era in highlighting ecological concerns.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its breathtaking visuals and immersive exploration of the glacier.

  • Commended for its educational content and its early warnings about environmental shifts.

  • Noted for its effective use of narration to convey scientific and cultural information.

Google audience: Audience feedback is limited for this older documentary, but it is generally appreciated for its educational value and visually captivating depiction of a natural wonder. Viewers often highlight its effectiveness in showcasing the beauty and vulnerability of glaciers.

Fun Fact

The documentary employed time-lapse photography and extensive on-location filming to capture the dynamic nature of the Franz Josef Glacier over several years, providing rare footage of its shifts and changes.

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