This is a fascinating real-life story about an extraordinary man and his crew, Ernest Shackleton and the sea crew of “The Endurance”. Shackleton planned his 1914 journey to be the first expedition to cross the Antarctic continent but instead his ship was beset by massive ice and eventually crushed. The story of his will to ensure his men’s survival and the oppression of the human spirit makes for one great story in this documentary, replete with photographs and actual film footage of the men and of the expedition. “By endurance we conquer” was Shackleton’s family motto and by it he persevered and put down a possible mutiny, as one man rebelled against his authority.
Liam Neeson does a splendid job in narrating this documentary, and the viewer will be amazed by the overwhelming and sheer number of obstacles Shackleton and his men had to overcome to survive. He set out for glory and instead became a compassionate leader which his men looked up to. The time moved quickly as I screened this DVD and many viewers will enjoy it immensely. It has some interesting bonus features as well, including a brief documentary of the heirs of the men who endured the hardship. They share their thoughts and comments at a gathering at the Museum of Natural History in New York to honor Shackleton and his crew. We gladly award our Dove “Family-Approved” Seal to this DVD. You will not have to “endure” this documentary, it will be a viewing pleasure!