Antarctica

Introduction

“Nankyoku Monogatari” (literally “South Pole Story”), internationally also known as “Antarctica”, is a 1983 Japanese film directed by Koreyoshi Kurahara and with original music by Vangelis. The film is based on the true story of the tragic loss ánd rescue of a group of sled dogs on a Japanese polar expedition base on Antarctica in 1958. When the film premiered on the 23rd of July 1983 in Japan it quickly became the most popular Japanese film ever, selling 14 million tickets at the box office, a record it held until 1997. The film also played in French cinemas in 1985, attracting over half a million visitors. Nankyoku Monogatari won awards at the Japan Academy festival and Mainichi Film concours.

On the 5th and 6th of October 1984 a special edition of Nankyoku Monogatari was broadcast on television in Japan, which due to its extended length of 175 minutes was broadcast in two parts. This version however does not include more or different music compared to the theatrical release. As director Kurahara was a great admirer of Vangelis’ music he pursued him to contribute music to his film, and despite a busy schedule Vangelis accepted the commission as he liked the film very much.

As is more often the case when Vangelis scores a film, the music heard in the film differs from the soundtrack album. In case of Antarctica this means that the film contains more and unique themes that are not included on the album, whereas the soundtrack album includes most of the themes of the film, but in longer and more complete versions.

A blu-ray of the film has been released in Japan, France and Italy, but unfortunately neither includes English subtitles. There is however a DVD release in Hong Kong that does include English subtitles, making this version the preferred option for audiences outside of the countries with a blu-ray release. The Japanese DVD release contains bonus material not found anywhere else, including a ‘making of’ documentary that has a short interview with and improviation by Vangelis in a studio in Paris.

In 2006 Disney adapted the screenplay of Nankyoku Monogatari and produced a remake titled “Eight Below”, directed by Frank Marshall.

Details and credits

Title: Nankyoku Monogatari (Antarctica)
Country: Japan
Year: 1983
Length: 143 minutes
Directed by Koreyoshi Kurahara.
Written by: Tatsuo Nogami, Susumu Saji, Toshirô Ishidô and Koreyoshi Kurahara.
Music composed, arranged, produced and performed by Vangelis.
Cinematography by Akira Shiizuka.
Edited by Akira Suzuki Koreyoshi Kurahara.
Producers: Masato Hara, Akira Yoshioka, Masaru Kakutani, Tomohiro Kaiyama, Koretsugo Kurahara, Tsuneyuki Morishima and Juichi Tanaka.
Executive Producers: Hisashi Hieda, Hiroshi Furuoka, Haruo Shikanai and Koreyoshi Kurahara.

Cast

Ken Takakura - Akira Ushioda
Tsunehiko Watase - Kenjirō Ochi
Eiji Okada - Chief Ozawa
Masako Natsume - Keiko Kitazawa
Keiko Oginome - Asako Shimura
Takeshi Kusaka – Takeshi Moriiwa
Shigeru Kōyama - Horigome Taichō
Satoshi Yamamura – Tatsuo Iwakiri
Jun Etō - Tokumitsu Taiin
Kōichi Satō - Toda Taichō
Shin Kishida - Kissaten Master
Takeshi Ōbayashi - Nonomiya Taichō
Shinji Kanai - Ozaki Taichō

Media

Blu-ray

2013 Pony Canyon Japan (Japanese subtitles only)
2015 Carlotta Films 720766 France (French subtitles only)
2023 Sinister Film 625531 Italy (Italian subtitles only)

DVD

2001 Pony Video PCBC 50118 Japan (2DVD with bonus material, including ‘The Making Of Antarctica’ with short Vangelis interview)
2006 CN Entertainment Ltd. DCN 0069 Hong Kong (includes English subtitles)
2014 Quadrifoglio Production & Management QF4066 Italy (Italian subtitles only)
2015 Carlotta Films 720766 France (French subtitles only)
2018 Sinister Film 082459 Italy (Italian subtitles only)
2023 Sinister Film 625524 Italy (Italian subtitles only)

VHS

Outside of Japan the film was scarcely released on VHS, and when so such editions were shortened and dubbed in foreign language. The Italian VHS is interesting for completists as it is the only release that does not fade out the ‘Theme From Antarctica’ playing over the end titles, revealing that the piece is actually some 2 minutes longer than the album version! Besides that it contains a couple of cues not heard in any other version of the film.

Synopsis

The story begins in 1958, as the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition prepares for its first winter mission in Antarctica. The team, led by the determined and compassionate Professor Ushioda, includes a diverse group of scientists, technicians, and support staff. Among them are the expedition’s doctor, a radio operator, and a young biologist named Akira. The team also brings along 15 Sakhalin Huskies, who are trained to pull sleds and assist in the harsh polar environment. As the expedition sets up its base, Showa Station, the members face the extreme challenges of the Antarctic winter: blizzards, isolation, and the constant threat of frostbite and equipment failure. The film vividly portrays the daily struggles and small triumphs of the team, as well as the camaraderie that develops among them. The dogs become beloved members of the group, known for their loyalty, strength, and gentle nature.

However, as the winter progresses, the team receives orders to evacuate the base due to worsening weather conditions and logistical issues. The evacuation is rushed, and in the chaos, the team is forced to leave the dogs behind, tied to a post with a short supply of food. The decision is heartbreaking, but the team believes they will return for the dogs as soon as possible. The film then shifts to the perspective of Taro and Jiro, who are left to fend for themselves in the frozen wilderness. The audience witnesses their struggle for survival: the dwindling food supply, the relentless cold, and the constant threat of predators. Despite the odds, the dogs remain loyal to each other and to the memory of their human companions, waiting patiently for their return.

Back in Japan, the expedition members are haunted by their decision to leave the dogs behind. They face public criticism and personal guilt, but they are determined to return to Antarctica to rescue the dogs. However, the harsh Antarctic conditions and bureaucratic delays make the rescue mission seem impossible. The climax of the film occurs when, after months of waiting, a new expedition finally returns to Showa Station. The team is overjoyed to find that two dogs, Taro and Jiro, have survived against all odds. The dogs, though weakened, recognize their human friends and greet them with wagging tails and joyful barks. The emotional reunion is a testament to the bond between humans and animals, and to the resilience of life in even the most extreme conditions.

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