Backdrop preview Into the White backdrop
Into the White

Into the White (2012)

Mar 09, 2012 1h 44m War Action Drama

Based on a true story. On 27 April 1940, Luftwaffe pilot Horst Schopis' Heinkel 111 bomber is shot down near Grotli by an RAF Blackburn Skua L2940 fighter, which then crash-lands. The surviving German and English crew members begin to shoot at each other, but later find themselves huddled up in the same cabin. In order to survive the harsh winter in the Norwegian wilderness, they have to stand together. An unlikely, lifelong friendship blossoms.

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Directed by Petter Næss

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Petter Næss
Producer
  • Valerie Saunders
  • Peter Aalbæk Jensen

Reviews

CinemaSerf
7/10

I started watching this with some trepidation. It really does smack of a made-for-television movie with a production that is very heavily reliant on some not very distinguished CGI. The narrative, though, is quite strong and the acting delivers well enough as we discover the true story of a dogfight that sees both crews stranded in the snowy Norwegian wilderness. Forced to share an handily located log cabin, the initially hostile crews have to learn to tolerate and co-operate with each other as the hostile Arctic winter creates a perilous and claustrophobic environment for all. I was probably half way in before I realised that "Gunner Smith" actually was Rupert Grint, and he is probably the only cast member I had heard of, but David Kross ("Schwartz") and Florian Lukas ("Schopis") also work quite well to create an effective atmosphere as they vie for the best end of their hut. Their arguments about the merits of the war gradually start to become replaced by the realisation that they have much more in common than keeping them apart and in the end - and that denouement is never really in doubt - we see a fitting conclusion. This is a story about human endurance, but it is also about just how ordinary people can be indoctrinated, and equally how by association, they can use their own common sense and decency to over-ride this catechesis. This punches somewhat above it's weight, and is a great deal better than I was expecting. Maybe a bit too long, but worth a watch.

Sep 3, 2022

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Into the White 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 Petter Næss 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 2012, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Into the White took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 161 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
  • The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The film contains approximately 2108 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2012, when this film is released:
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Into the White shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Predator, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Into the White subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers explore similar territory, Into the White stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: March 9, 2012
  • Runtime: 1h 44m
  • Revenue: $712,216

Where to Watch

fuboTV
Mangolia Selects Amazon Channel
Warriors and Gangsters Amazon Channel