Movie spotlight
Faces Nord
March 12, 1987. The young French mountaineer Eric Escoffier prepares his equipment, very reduced in material and food. He leaves the next day and intends to chain three north faces in the Alps: Eiger, Matterhorn and Grandes Jorasses. The ascent of the first summit, the Eiger is slow, difficult and full of pitfalls. It takes 17 hours to reach it. Without recognizing the terrain -he prefers to improvise- the mountaineer continues through the Matterhorn. When night falls, anxiety is felt on Zermatt's side. Help is organized to pick him up. Despite his refusal to return, Escoffier is finally hoisted. Christophe Profit, a few hours earlier, managed the chain of three summits.
Insights
Plot Summary
In 12th-century Norway, a young boy named Lasse is orphaned and taken in by a tribe of Lapps. He learns their ways and forms a deep connection with the wild North. When a rival tribe attacks, Lasse must find the courage to protect his new family and their way of life.
Critical Reception
Faces Nord (also known as Ofelas) was critically acclaimed for its stunning cinematography, authentic portrayal of Sami culture, and powerful coming-of-age story. It resonated with audiences for its themes of resilience, nature, and cultural identity, earning significant international recognition.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its breathtaking visuals of the Arctic landscape.
Commended for its sensitive and respectful depiction of Sami traditions.
Noted for its engaging narrative and strong performance by the young lead.
Google audience: Audience reception data for 'Faces Nord' on Google is not readily available.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (1988).
Fun Fact
The film was originally titled 'Ofelas', which means 'The Pathfinder' in the Sami language, and was the first film to be primarily in the Sami language.
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