20130807: Documentary Film Review--Chasing Ice

Chasing Ice

1. American live action theatrical film, 75 minutes, released 2012.  The movie follows National Geographic photographer James Balog and his team as they documented in film the changes in northern hemisphere glaciers over time (in months and years).  The film was one of the better products of Balog's Extreme Ice Survey.
2. IMDB rated it 7.5/10.0 from 1,650 users.  My first rating on IMDB was for this film; I gave it a 10/10.
3. Rotten Tomatoes: the film scored a whopping great 96%.
4. This film was well-crafted: good early explanation of why the effort was made, clear illustrations of early technical problems that were subsequently overcome, and exceptional at presenting ongoing good results.
5. Many challenges were encountered and overcome during the project.  The first setups for cameras to take pictures over entire arctic winters did not go all that well, and sturdier components had to be found.  Balog experienced health problems from the climbing over rugged ice features.
6. The time lapse photography of glaciers over time (months at a time) was spectacular.  Many stills taken at intervals were assembled into short videos.  The impact of these videos (real photos, real locations, current time) was strong.
7. Five stars of five.

One line summary: I would recommend this to just about anyone; incredible camera work.

Cinematography: 10/10 Breathtaking.  Brilliant.  Inspired.

Sound: 10/10 No complaints.

Screenplay: 10/10 The story was engaging, and the arguments were made with care.  The editing of the film from its many sources was first class.

Acting: 10/10 Perhaps this does not apply.  The principal 'actors' were telling their own story.  They were not irritating, did explain things well, and advanced the story at a nice pace.

Special Effects: 10/10 There were graphics associated with the measurements and observations of the team.  These varied between competent and quite nice.