Themes: Man's Best Friend, Survival in the Wilderness
Main Cast: Ken Takakura, Tsunehiko Watase, Eiji Okada, Masako Natsume, Takeshi Kusaka
Release Year: 1984
Country: JP
Run Time: 137 minutes
Plot
Somewhat reminiscent of The Incredible Journey and Milo and Otis -- though much harsher in its approach -- Antarctica focusses in on a team of sled dogs, owned by a team of snowbound Japanese researchers. A relief team is long overdue, forcing the dogs to fend for themselves. Eight of the dogs break free from their chains, roaming the Antarctic wastes in search of food and shelter. Only two of the dogs survive the ordeal, indication enough that this film is not specifically designed for the family trade. Based on a true story, Antarctica was a box-office smash in Japan, though this success was not repeated when the film was distributed internationally. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
