Cast
View All
Ben Schnetzer
as Russ Sheppard
Emerald MacDonald
as Miranda Atatahak
Booboo Stewart
as Kyle Aviak
Paul Nutarariaq
as Zach
Ricky Marty-Pahtaykan
as Adam Kikpak
Tantoo Cardinal
as Janace
Eric Schweig
as Harry
Will Sasso
as Mike Johnston
Anna Lambe
as Spring (Winter Kuliktana Blais)
Fred Bailey
as Roger
Miali Buscemi
as Lenore
Brad Fraser
as Tanner
James Takkiruq
as Vinny (David "Goalie" Topilak)
Simon Nattaq
as Sam
Madeline Ivalu
as Lena
Crew
Director
- Miranda de Pencier
Writer
- Moira Walley-Beckett
- Graham Yost
Producer
- Zanne Devine
- Alethea Arnaquq-Baril
- Miranda de Pencier
- Damon D'Oliveira
- Stacey Aglok MacDonald
Reviews
SWITCH.
In order to play lacrosse, these kids are making significant sacrifices, and some of those will catch up with them, and all of those will define them. 'The Grizzlies' might be incredibly tacky to the point that I sometimes even rolled my eyes, but the heart of this story absolutely shines through. It really loses its way when it tries to be an inspirational sports drama, but when it focuses on the Inuit community, its people, and the troubles they face, this film gives you every reason to smile and even shed a tear.
- Joel Kalkopf
Read Joel's full article...
https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-the-grizzlies-freedom-writers-meets-mighty-ducks
Mar 18, 2021
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Grizzlies examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Miranda de Pencier brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Grizzlies took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 106 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 158 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 53 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Grizzlies shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Behind Enemy Lines, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Grizzlies subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Reader and Untraceable explore similar territory, The Grizzlies stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 19, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 46m
