Watch Antarctica: A Year on Ice

Antarctica: A Year on Ice is a breathtaking documentary film that takes viewers into the icy wilderness of the southernmost continent. Directed and filmed by Anthony Powell, the movie provides a unique perspective on life in Antarctica, capturing its stunning beauty, extreme weather conditions, and the daily struggles of those who work and live there.

The film follows the lives of several individuals who have come to Antarctica to work at various research stations. These include scientists, technicians, mechanics, and other support staff, all of whom play a critical role in studying the region's biology, environment, and climate.

The movie is divided into four parts, each representing a different season of the year. The first part, which covers the winter season, shows just how brutal and unforgiving the Antarctic environment can be. With temperatures dropping to as low as -80 degrees Celsius, the film shows how the researchers must battle the elements to keep their stations up and running.

From there, the movie moves on to the spring and summer months, where we see the continent come to life. As the ice recedes, seals, whales, and penguins begin to emerge from their icy habitats, creating a vibrant and bustling ecosystem. We see the researchers conduct experiments and gather data, all the while avoiding the dangers that come with living among wild animals in such a remote and unforgiving environment.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of time-lapse photography. Powell's cameras have captured some of the most stunning images of the aurora australis (southern lights), which can only be seen from this part of the world. We see the lights dance and shimmer across the sky, a sight that will leave viewers in awe.

Throughout the movie, Powell also explores the lives and personalities of the people working in Antarctica. From the station cook who must prepare gourmet meals on a shoestring budget, to the adventurers who climb the highest peaks, we gain a fascinating insight into their world. We learn about the challenges they face, from homesickness to medical emergencies in this remote location, and the camaraderie that binds them together.

The film is also a meditation on time and space. With no daylight or night-time variations, many of the researchers working on the continent lose track of time, and are forced to find new ways to mark the passage of months and years. Powell uses time-lapse techniques to capture the slow march of seasons, highlighting the stillness and emptiness of the winter months, and the frenetic energy of the summer as the melting snow makes way for life.

Antarctica: A Year on Ice is a remarkable and aesthetically striking film that combines stunning natural cinematography with an engaging and thoughtful narrative. It offers a remarkable insight into one of the most remote and unknown places on earth, and the dedicated people who work tirelessly to study and protect it.

The movie features a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack by composer Simon Lambros, which enhances the film's overall atmosphere of otherworldly wonder. Whether you are an academic with a passion for science or simply someone who loves nature documentaries, this film is a must-watch.

It is a triumph of documentary filmmaking, showcasing the tenacity, heroism and perseverance of the human spirit, and celebrating the awe-inspiring resilience of nature in the face of extreme adversity. Antarctica: A Year on Ice is a visual feast, capturing the majesty and scale of this unspoilt continent, and the incredible people drawn to an existence in this extremity of our planet.

Antarctica: A Year on Ice is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 69.