This Oscar-nominated Norwegian film follows explorer Thor Heyerdahl on a journey across the Pacific Ocean on a small balsa-wood raft. In it, he has to overcome sharks, stormy waters, and his own fears.
I had skimmed by this on Netflix, but had always decided to skip it because the Metascore wasn't that high. 63? I'll pass; I'll just watch a best picture winner. Man, was I wrong. Don't let an critic reviews fool you - Kon-Tiki is a must-see.
First off, the acting is great. From Thor's character to the rest of his crewmen, everyone showed a great deal of emotion and struggle on the course of their expedition. Whether leaving their wife or six-month-old baby behind, all had reasons to be homesick, which was clearly noticeable by all the hurt in their eyes.
Also, it is really exciting. This is a true story, so the events are actually realistic, unlike many of the adventures in films such as Life of Pi. Thor and his crew battle both sharks and rough waves, and each time, their raft is far from unscathed. This is more than just a drama.
The only reason I didn't give it higher was that it was pretty abrupt in the beginning. Thor decides to make the journey within the first ten minutes, so it seems without much motive there.
Lastly, don't let anyone under the age of ten or eleven watch this. There is a shark scene that is intense and shows some blood and guts. If an under-ten-year-old is not squeamish or easily-bothered at all, it may be fine, but I'd recommend that they not watch it yet.
I had skimmed by this on Netflix, but had always decided to skip it because the Metascore wasn't that high. 63? I'll pass; I'll just watch a best picture winner. Man, was I wrong. Don't let an critic reviews fool you - Kon-Tiki is a must-see.
First off, the acting is great. From Thor's character to the rest of his crewmen, everyone showed a great deal of emotion and struggle on the course of their expedition. Whether leaving their wife or six-month-old baby behind, all had reasons to be homesick, which was clearly noticeable by all the hurt in their eyes.
Also, it is really exciting. This is a true story, so the events are actually realistic, unlike many of the adventures in films such as Life of Pi. Thor and his crew battle both sharks and rough waves, and each time, their raft is far from unscathed. This is more than just a drama.
The only reason I didn't give it higher was that it was pretty abrupt in the beginning. Thor decides to make the journey within the first ten minutes, so it seems without much motive there.
Lastly, don't let anyone under the age of ten or eleven watch this. There is a shark scene that is intense and shows some blood and guts. If an under-ten-year-old is not squeamish or easily-bothered at all, it may be fine, but I'd recommend that they not watch it yet.