Ordeal in the Arctic (1993 TV Movie) User Reviews

Exciting-but not gripping

[martin_humble · 5/10 · 8 November 2001]

With only a minor flaws this movie is rather well-made, exciting and enjoyable. Richard Chamberlain plays the leading character well. Sad is that the movie doesn´t work all the way. Something is lacking. It is noticeable that the budget is quite low, but it all adds up to a good film. 5/10

Realistic downed plane rescue ...............

[merklekranz · 6/10 · 21 September 2009]

Because the story actually happened, those that demand a certain amount of realism, will not be disappointed. It is quite easy to sensationalize, or add things to enhance the drama in this type of film. Fortunately none of that happens, and "Ordeal in the Arctic" sticks with the facts. Richard Chamberlin gives a heartfelt performance as the guilt ridden pilot. The rest of the crew and passengers are simply heads in the snow, slowly freezing to death. The rescue effort overcomes difficult obstacles, and never doubts their success. Most dialog is aimed at keeping alive, and the overwhelming desperation of the situation is portrayed to perfection. - MERK

Forgotten Tagline: "A True Story"

[daniel-kyle · 19 September 2004]

What many may not realize - in that some do not find the "film" exciting - is that the entire story is true and actually happened. In 1991 a Canadian Hercules transport plane en route to CFB Alert crashed less than 10 miles from the military airport near the North Pole (the most northern settlement in the World) as a result of crew error in the landing approach. Due to extreme weather conditions, search and rescue could not land near the downed plane, and overland rescue vehicles were thwarted by a chasm between the base and crash site. Rescue jumpers also made several attempts, but could not see the ground with flares so had to wait as well. As a result, it took over 32 hours to rescue the survivors from sub-zero temperatures. Originally, 3 of the 18 passengers died on impact, 2 were severely injured and could not be moved to shelter, and the remainder tried to stay warm in the tail section with little clothing to protect them. The 26-year old female Doctor on board attempted to keep morale high during the ordeal, even though some were distraught and had serious injuries. She had no medical gear to treat the wounded. During the 32 hours, 2 more died from injury and cold, including the pilot, Capt. John Couch, who had braved the weather to tend to those left outside while giving up his own jacket to keep one of them warm. By the time of rescue, once the weather finally cleared, 5 of the 18 on board had died. In short, a gripping story: 10/10

Too little action and bland performances

[hughie522-202-65469 · 4/10 · 5 February 2015]

This movie was a chore to sit through. The first half hour was entertaining but the last hour was very tedious and predictable. I think cutting back between the downed aircraft and the rescue teams was a mistake and the movie would have been better served focusing on just one plot. As for the actors, none of them delivered memorable performances. As the leads, Richard Chamberlain and and Catherine Mary Stewart were bland and I found Melanie Mayron's character to be particularly annoying. I will probably not watch this movie again, not when there are better titles like 'Alive' (1993) and 'Flight of the Phoenix' (1965) to choose from.

A good Canadian movie

[camman82 · 8/10 · 5 November 2006]

What people tend to forget was that this was a made for TV movie and a completely true story. I was just out of the Canadian Military when this happened and remember watching every news broadcast that I could on it as well as the inquest report done after. I also know one of the actors in the film and he was telling me that it was important to keep it as true as possible to the events as they happened. I did notice some flaws like when they leave they were at CFB Edmonton. I noticed that because I have flown out of CFB Edmonton and recognized the terminal. I also found that there was to much light used in the filming because that far north at that time of year it is completely black. It is all in all a damn good Canadian movie and I would recommend it for your video collection.

Great movie of its time

[Zohaib_Author · 10/10 · 13 August 2020]

I can't recommend anyone to watch this movie now as the GFX are outdated. But i am here to write a review of this movie because back in 1999 it was a blockbuster movie for me. I used to watch it almost every week and I used to show it to every guest that came to my house. It was a great movie. The ordeal was pretty real and at that time, the effects seems great too. Even though i cant stand the GFX and the set now but at that time it was a special movie and holds a special place in my heart.

No Holywood Hype

[hjtoby · 9/10 · 18 November 2020]

No Hollywood hype. What you see is what happened. The story is unvarnished and brutal in its simplicity. Ordinary people caught in a life or death struggle in a hostile environment, and digging deep to help each other survive. I used to show this movie to my 8th Grade students and you could hear a pin drop.

More than a disaster movie

[steeleronaldr · 10/10 · 16 July 2022]

I'm a fan of Catherine Mary Stewart and guess you can add Richard Chamberlain and Scott Hylands. Here a cargo plane transferring troops and personal to another base crashes and the fight for survival during subzero temperature's and no medical supplies. Chamberlain gives a masterful performance for his character Capt. John Couch. Catherine Mary Stewart is also effective as Capt Wilma De Groot a medical doctor who uses her up attitude and whatever means to keep the wounded alive as rescue attempts continue to fail with each attempt.

I personally love this movie cause it takes a disaster and adds such a true story that keeps your attention throughout. The special effects aren't grand and at times the acting gets a bit cliched but in all ot still holds up. It is however a tad bit dated but the story itself prevails in the end. With a strong supporting cast this movie does deliver.

I watch this movie at least 6-8 times a year and never grow tired of it. Having a low budget doesn't help on terms of quality but again the story makes up for it.