Watch True North
- NR
- 2006
- 1 hr 36 min
-
6.8 (1,113)
True North is a gripping drama from 2006 directed by Steve Hudson. The movie revolves around the lives of a group of Scottish fishermen who are struggling to keep their industry afloat. The film stars Peter Mullan, Martin Compston, and Gary Lewis in prominent roles. The story starts with a group of young fishermen, including the protagonist, Sean (Martin Compston), arriving in a port city in Norway. It is a harsh, bitter winter, and they have come to work on the fishing trawlers. Though the pay is good, the working conditions are dangerous and grueling. Sean struggles with feelings of loneliness and isolation as he tries to fit in with his colleagues.
The group's boss, Hansen (Gary Lewis), is a cold and intimidating figure, who controls the fishing trawler with an iron grip. He is insensitive to the arduous working conditions his employees face, and he views them as just a means to an end. Hansen's callousness is only matched by his son-in-law, Dodd (Peter Mullan), who works as a deckhand with the rest of the crew.
As the story progresses, tensions rise on the boat. The long hours and harsh working conditions take their toll on the crew, and they begin to lash out at each other. Sean, especially, finds it hard to keep up with the pace and the demands of the job. As the boat heads further north into the Arctic, the men soon discover that their greatest challenge is yet to come.
The film's strength lies in its excellent cast and writing. Peter Mullan gives a phenomenal performance as Dodd, a man consumed by bitterness and regret. His character is complex and layered, and he brings a depth of emotion to his scenes that is impressive. Martin Compston, too, shines as Sean, the young fisherman who becomes increasingly disillusioned with his job and his colleagues. In many ways, he is the heart of the film, and his journey is both compelling and heart-wrenching.
Gary Lewis is equally impressive as Hansen, the demanding boss who is indifferent to the suffering of his employees. He brings a chilliness to the character that is eerie and unsettling. The supporting cast is solid as well, with each actor bringing a unique energy and personality to their roles.
One of the film's strengths is its cinematography. The harsh beauty of the Norwegian landscape is captured in stunning detail, and the images of the fishing trawler battling the elements are both haunting and awe-inspiring. The score by Alex Heffes also deserves praise, as it perfectly captures the film's ominous and foreboding mood.
Overall, True North is a gripping drama that immerses the viewer in the harsh and unforgiving world of Scottish fishermen. It is a film that explores themes of isolation, despair, and survival, and it does so with skill and artistry. The performances are excellent, the story is engaging, and the visuals are captivating. It is a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas and powerful storytelling.
True North is a 2006 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.