Watch Map of the Human Heart

Map of the Human Heart is a 1992 romantic drama film directed by Vincent Ward. The movie is set during World War II and follows the journey of a half-Inuit boy named Avik who lives in the Arctic Circle. The film stars Jason Scott Lee as Avik alongside Anne Parillaud as Albertine, a French-Canadian woman whom Avik falls in love with, and Patrick Bergin as Walter Russell, an American pilot.

The story of Map of the Human Heart is told through the perspective of Avik, who recounts his experiences to a doctor many years later while recovering from a heart attack. The film intertwines elements of romance, war, and cultural identity to create a mesmerizing portrait of human emotions and experiences.

The movie begins with a young Avik living in the Arctic Circle with his grandfather. One day, a group of explorers arrives in their village, including Walter Russell, who takes an interest in Avik because of his skill with homemade sleds. Walter convinces Avik to join him on a journey to map the Arctic, and the two form a deep bond as they traverse the icy landscape. However, their journey is cut short when they are shot down by Japanese planes, and Avik is the only survivor.

After being rescued by Inuit hunters, Avik is taken to a Canadian hospital where he meets Albertine, a young nurse who is immediately drawn to him. The two strike up a friendship and soon become romantically involved, despite the disapproval of Albertine's father, who is a wealthy businessman. But their newfound happiness is short-lived when Avik is sent back to the Arctic to take care of his ailing grandfather.

The war continues to rage on, and Avik becomes caught up in the conflict when he joins a group of Canadian soldiers fighting against the Japanese. However, his experiences during the war are traumatic, and he returns home with a deep-seated sense of guilt and shame.

Map of the Human Heart is a stunningly beautiful film that features lush cinematography, evocative sound design and a sweeping musical score. But what truly makes the movie special is its exploration of themes such as cultural identity, love, loss, and redemption.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is its depiction of the Inuit way of life. Director Vincent Ward spent several years researching the culture and traditions of the Inuit people and worked extensively with Inuit advisors to ensure that their portrayal in the film was accurate and respectful. The movie is shot on location in Canada, Norway, and France, and the stunning landscapes provide a breathtaking backdrop to the story.

The performances in Map of the Human Heart are exceptional, with Jason Scott Lee turning in a deeply moving performance as Avik. He brings a sense of vulnerability and sensitivity to the character, making the audience feel invested in his journey. Anne Parillaud is equally impressive as Albertine, portraying her as a strong, independent woman who is unafraid to challenge societal norms. Patrick Bergin is also excellent as Walter Russell, imbuing him with a sense of charisma that makes it easy to see why Avik admires him so much.

Overall, Map of the Human Heart is a beautifully crafted film that tells a powerful story about the complexities of the human experience. It's a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and one that is definitely worth seeking out for anyone who loves poignant, character-driven drama.

Map of the Human Heart is a 1993 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 71.