I don't know the full story to this production, and IMDb doesn't pay me enough per review to do a forensic investigation of each title. (Actually, they don't pay me anything per review, but who's counting?) However, based on the provenance of the players (Director mainly does TV work, the star Olsson mainly TV, etc etc) I am going to go out on a limb and say this was intended as a pilot. Not bad. Not bad at all. The Canuck Sci-Fi machine has produced some amazing stuff in the last few years (Eureka remains my fave) and there are some great ideas here with solid execution. Essentially, a sort of futuristic deep-cold LONGMIRE (see my review of the same name). Olsson is astonishing. Somewhere there is a casting director in Hollywood who will notice this and, in my view, great things lie ahead for him. Some uneven performances, notably Karan Oberoi as a Dudley Dooright sort of local cop. The script does not give Oberoi much to work with, the costume dept. gave him a uniform that is always too clean and too pressed for the story, and generally all his scenes tend to break the flow of the production. Nice to see Jon Slan, one of the godfathers of Canadian film, in the hopper. This "film" was nominated for a bunch of Canuck awards, and won a few, There are worse ways to spend a rainy afternoon.
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jeff5359025 October 2014Overall, entertaining. Not Academy award caliber, but good actors just same. My only real problem with the film is that it just ends. Just as the movie is winding up, it ends. The protagonist (Vic) seems that he is about to do something about all the bad in town (don't want to spoil too much) and then the movie ends. Poof, credits role. What?
If this was a pilot (as some of the other reviewers have stated), they should have said so somewhere. This is not a special forces kind of movie, it is more of the not-so-nice-guy turns into the protector of the town kind of movie.
Comically, the pictures on the movie cover are apparently scenes from some other movie, nothing shown actually happens in the movie. I am really confused why they show a post-apocalyptic "metropolis" when this is set in the wastes of Canada. -
kevinmorice29 October 2016I watched this 'movie' on a Saturday evening when nothing else was on, and I was pleasantly surprised with the quality. The script is good, the characters develop well, the complexity of the story starts moves along at a nice pace without rushing ... and then suddenly with absolutely no warning it just stops!
This was clearly made, and made well, as either a TV series pilot or as the first in a TV movie series (think Jesse Stone in a slightly sci-fi futuristic Canadian wilderness). But not having that warning going in left me hugely disappointed at the total lack of a conclusion. Obviously this wasn't picked up for some reason, but then it makes no real sense to have released it in its incomplete format. -
I just read all the reviews on IMDb and I have to say that from the people that gave it a 1 to the people that gave it a 10, I have to agree with most of what they say. This is a movie with good points and bad points. I gave it a 6 because of the fact that all the components were OK. That is hard to explain so let me give you a couple of examples. The acting was good - in some cases very good, but it was not great as the characters were not intended to be great. There were no real famous stars, but you felt you were watching very professional actors. The dialog was not exceptional, but it was very normal and normal is not bad. There are parts that are problems as said in the many of the reviews. My last example is that many people did not like the ending. I, on the other hand, will also say I did not like the ending, however, as ending's go these days it seems that for every good ending there are 10 that are not good. So to have one that one would not classify (at least in my mind) a bad ending, then it is again, OK. The movie was entertaining and yes at times you thought it might be an old western and at times really good science fiction. There are parts that if one would just watch that little bit, might end up thinking it was an adventure film, or a wilderness documentary, or a murder mystery, and yet, it was pretty much none of these to any real extent. I have never written a review like that as I have never seen a movie that fits into this category (which I can not think of a name for right now). Even basic terms seem not adequate to describe it. It is not a FEEL GOOD movie, but for sure not a TEAR JERKIER. It's not all that HAPPY and not all that SAD. I guess I might say that it was entertainment on a different level than most movies. I think that people that look for the big block busters and great stars and awesome special effects, have a hard time with this type of movie.I believe us older folks that have went thru silent moves up to the fantastic super movies of today, can appreciate both ends of the spectrum. So for all you older folks out there that can appreciate just a plain ordinary good movie - this one is well worth watching. Probably the most prominent thing I got from the reviews was that this would be one super pilot for a series. I believe that 100 percent. One last note: If I had read the reviews first I probably would not have watched the movie. And that would have been a loss I do feel.
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iantrader30 March 2018Yes, I really was thinking writer/director here but, no, apparently not.
It's a good semi-who-dun-it type of movie right up to the ends when it just stops! Yep. Nothing more to say but a total waste of 2 hours. Whether the writers thought they were being clever or the director thought it was artsy, who knows but all of them fail miserably in any attempt at story.
Or maybe we've just missed the sequel. Yeah, let's assume there's a sequel. Somewhere.
But really, WFT! -
viligeidiot28 March 2013This was a pilot for a TV series and was O.K., not the massive, breathtaking, wonderful production the top SEVEN reviews are gushing about and have OBVIOUSLY come from either people associated with the production or have some stake in it's continued(?) success.
For example, there's even a review from some guy in POLAND who's English is spot on and come ON get real people, there's no way this ever reached Polish TV, rental shops or whatever.... if you're going to post fake reviews, at least make them SEEM legit!
For a semi-scifi story, it's interesting enough and the acting is TV quality at best but it was better than a lot of the schlock that's being tossed our way these days. If it ever gets picked up for a full run, it might catch on for the plain fact that there IS so much garbage out there but I'm not holding my breath waiting for it to become a reality.... it just wasn't THAT engaging. -
reborn-illuminati12 May 2014**some spoiler** Seriously, whoever rated this movie up to 6-7, must have watched a different movie. This is a kind of movie that takes away some valuable time from your life. The IMDb rating is totally misleading. The story is childish.I would not recommend this movie to anyone. And the ending, well felt like suddenly they ran out of their budget and decided to finish the movie. Shocking. Some of the acting was good, but some substance has to be there. The plot is so common and predictable, most people would find hard to watch till the end. Seriously, why would united nations allow a cage match to happen between a customs officer and a crook when they know that one them are going to die. The more I think about , why would anyone make a movie with such weak script, I become more bewildered.
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sacushman12 January 2013As a stand alone movie, I can see how "Borealis" may be slightly disappointing. As the pilot for a new series though, it's awesome. Why? It leaves one wanting more.
In an all-too-near future, the arctic icecap has melted, opening the way for new trade routes, oil fields, mining operations, and other untapped resources for the international community to squabble over. At the center of it all is Vic's bar. Owned by a former cage fighter and now the customs agent for the Canadian government, the bar is the center of life in an emerging frontier town.
Like many sci-fi shows, "Borealis" owes much to the genre of Westerns. The characters include a likable town drunk, a good-hearted prostitute, native Inuit, and a couple characters vying for the role of lawman, including Vic. But, it comes with a definite 21st century spin, including an American archaeologist funded by the Russians, an activist biologist determined to protect and document what remains of the arctic ecosystem, and an enigmatic international diplomat.
While the premise relies on climate change, the show doesn't get bogged down in preaching about the global warming we are currently causing. It moves along at a fast pace, with murder, fights and intrigue as nations, corporations and Vic all try to establish dominance in this new frontier. And since it's in the near future, advances in technology are evident, but not distracting or far beyond our current comprehension.
What really sets this apart from other Canadian sci-fi and fantasy is the acting and writing. The cast is excellent, and the main characters are entirely believable. Ty Olsson's understated energy really carries the pilot, but I also found myself wanting to see more of and know more about the characters played by Bryan Dick, Michelle Harrison, Greyston Holt and Christine Horne.
To me, fiction is most successful when the characters come alive in your mind and you want to continue their stories. In that, "Borealis" completely succeeds. And I sincerely hope that a network such as Space or Syfy feels the same way, and will use this movie as the pilot of a series, as it seems intended to be. -
baassbooster10 May 2014No punishment for murder over Territorial claims,is crap and utter crap and even more crap over more crap. Although acting is solid i can't say the same about script and other nonsense that happens across this pilot. Sorry for my bad English.
Thanks for your reading.Thanks for nothing with reminding me about junk words
Baassbooster
Who's the Man? is a 1993 comedy film, directed by Ted Demme, in his feature film directing debut. The film stars Yo! MTV Raps hosts Doctor Dré and Ed Lover as its two main protagonists., it features dozens of cameo appearances from some of the top rap/hip-hop acts of the time, including (though not limited to) Busta Rhymes, Eric B., House of Pain, Ice-T, Kris Kross, Queen Latifah, KRS-One and Run-D.M.C.. This film is also the feature film debut of Terrence Howard.
Disregard last post -
bs0929711 May 2014This film should server as an example of how not to make a film. The acting was below average. The plot and storyline and point to it all, was nonexistent. The music score lacked emotion and depth. Perhaps, a TV series could go into all the various directions they tried to explore in this film, in a coherent way. However, this film failed to do so.
It would have helped if the film makers picked a few key points and created a full story from there, but that's asking too much apparently. Please listen film makers, of this movie and others. We, the audience, don't require you to make a movie that has a million complex unexplored angles. All we ask for is that you make it entertaining. After all this is supposed to be entertainment. Films should not be made to enrage the viewers for being kind enough to watch your film. The reason we do not flock to the theaters as we once did, is because film makers don't make movies worth paying to see anymore.
I gave it a 1 out of 10, not because it was the lowest possible score, but because the creators of this movie went through pain-staking work to intentionally make a film that failed on every imaginable level. Viewers, save your time and do something more exciting, like watching grass grow. I hope this review saves you 90mins of your life. Happy hunting, from "Witness Protection" survivor Bob. -
calicea3012 January 2013I had brought up Borealis to one of its cast members. Ty Olsson back in November. I had seen a clip of it online. My first thought was wow never seen this movie. Looks intriguing. Plus Ty is a wonderful actor who in my opinion deserves way more recognition. After that, Ty requested fans to start promoting and spreading the word. Borealis finally aired Jan. 11, 2013. To me it was worth the wait. Superb cast, great premise, pacing, characters, scenery. Very interesting. It really has potential. Seeing it go to series would be so awesome. I really hope BellMediaPr, SpaceChannel and SyFy will pick it up. Shows like these need to be recognized and given a chance. I hope they listen to us fans. Because we won't give up. We support the actors and give them much appreciation. I really hope that in due time we will see Borealis's second episode and so on.
Thank you. -
rolfhu15 February 2021I was surprised how you get into the story, not boring at all. I mean, there is the usual Russians are bad, Canadian soso and Americans the greatest. Especially at the end with "Rocky" in it. Lol. But then, bum...... Nothing, film ends and ends really shi... ty. This would be a good start for a TV show. But at a stand alone movie, no well done.
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westsideschl15 May 2014Negatives: 1. Lots of several second black screen scenes as if the editor didn't know how to fill empty space. Speaking of editing, the scenes jumped so much I had nightmares afterwards with kangaroos in them. Really poor disjointed directing. 2. A storyline that seemed to not have any direction - as if several writers collaborated with no consensus as to what the central theme should be. Was it commentary about humans depleting resources; was it saving polar bears & foxes; was it corporate greed; was it political corruption; was it a hole-in-the-wall booze/sex joint; was it the bad Russians (as usual); was it cage fighting. 3. Acting? As to be expected since 95% of everyone's resumes consisted of TV shorts/series. 4. Research on the critical subject matter of resource depletion. Not even remotely likely that in thirty years all of Earth's oil, gas and minerals are in one remote spot in Canada. 5. Other research. Anti-gravity is available fun room in this remote Canadian bar!! I'm afraid they'll have to go a lot further into the Universe to find it - if even possible. 6. Cheap CGI scene repeated nauseously over and over of a background burning of something in two localities with airships hauling the same thing in the same spot overhead. The rest of the movie consisted of some shipping containers converted into living establishments.
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First off I would like to say that this shows title is totally inadequate for what we are offered...I'll explain that in a few lines down. The following is for general information for all about the importance of the Arctic and its mineral wealth, but especially aimed at 'Kiosk <1' because they couldn't be bothered to do a bit of research before making a silly comment. 1) A 2008 United States Geological Survey estimates that areas north of the Arctic Circle have 90 billion barrels of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil (and 44 billion barrels of natural gas liquids ) in 25 geologically defined areas thought to have potential for petroleum. This represents 13% of the undiscovered oil in the world. Of the estimated totals, more than half of the undiscovered oil resources are estimated to occur in just three geologic provinces - Arctic Alaska, the Amerasian Basin, and the East Greenland Rift Basins. 2) It was around 2008 when Russia suddenly started shouting to the world that America had conned them into selling Alaska to them. And this just happened to occur when it had been found that Alaska had a huge untapped oil reserve. I think 'Survival Code' is based upon this but its a touchy subject and, the Cold War (literally) is still bubbling under the snow and ice there.
Okay, back to the inadequate show title. Yes I am saying show because this was a Pilot episode being tried out (the ending style makes my assumption point even stronger). Everything from the way it was shot, with what was used to film it etc and etc it was/is the same as is done with your average weekly TV series. It, for me at least, had very strong associations in the type of story and depiction of things as 'Dominion' and 'Killjoys'. Two of my favourite Sci-Fi series. Don't know why it wasn't picked up (offered about to any interested party) but it was definitely NOT a film/movie. I think it would have been a very enjoyable series and the actors and their characters were all perfect (so important to have a connected balanced cast). -
Leofwine_draca3 September 2016SURVIVAL CODE was a TV movie originally conceived as a pilot episode of a new show, BOREALIS. The show was never picked up so the viewer is left with this oddly lightweight film that takes a great deal of time setting up various characters in a specific location and then just randomly ends having only cleared up one or two sub-plots. It's an unsatisfying viewing experience, one which made me wonder why I'd bothered when it came to an end.
This low budget effort is a Canadian movie set in the icy Canadian wastes. The story is about various factions fighting over land rights. Although it is set in the future, the science fiction aspects of the story are kept to a bare minimum, no doubt due to budgetary restraints. The characterisation is okay even though the movie lacks big name or even recognisable stars. Bizarrely, some random scenes of cage fighting have been inserted into the mix in order to 'up' the action quotient. It's not an entirely successful choice. -
nogodnomasters13 October 2018In the year 2045 the Arctic ice cap is gone revealing a some kind of archipelago. Borealis is an international somewhat Canadian controlled settlement. with various nations doing mineral and oil explorations. Vic (Ty Olsson) is a customs agent and bar owner, the only past time. The bar is also the setting for prostitutes, of which we only know one (Cristina Rosato).
The plot was all over the place and the end doesn't tie anything together, if it really needed to be tied together. There is a dead Norwegian archeologist tossed from a helicopter. He has a six inch spike. The Russians are performing an archeological dig to show the Russians were here centuries earlier giving them a "national sovereignty claim." Exactly how that works, I don't know. Allison (Michelle Harrison) is a naturalist for the Canadian government protecting endangered species, especially from the Russians or "Vodka retards" as she calls them. There is also an American archeologist who never finds anything and I am not sure about his motive. The bar complex, made from old shipping containers has a "zip grab" an anti-gravity holding room. The Canadian military has a presence as does a representative from the League of Nations, which has apparently replaced the UN. They are often referred to it as "the L-O-N" in the film. There is also a place for cage matches to the death. Vic is a former boxer, as was one of the Russians...guess where this goes. It also seems Vic was dead at one time and brought back to life, something he can do with a series of injections, which doesn't blend into the film too well. And there is an old legend about a headless man, a theme which pops up from time to time...why? I don't know. Oh yes, there is also a drug called "ghost meth" that made a Mongolian go berserk...clearly a Russian plot.
The setting feels like the Old West located on an alien planet. Allison was the most colorful character, while the rest were shades of gray, perhaps a reflection of this world. Supplies are delivered by CG zeppelins which appear in every scene. When the film ended, I was scratching my head. Is that it? "Rocky IV?"
This appears to be some sort of TV pilot, for a series I won't watch. The DVD cover leads one to believe the film is some sort of Arctic battle in the snow, which is incorrect. That scene never happened.
Okay as a low expectation sci-fi rental.
Parental Guide: F-bomb, sex. No nudity or brief nudity. -
whookares8 May 2014I too am at a loss with the reviews by the first 7 people and agree they must be associated to the movie somehow and have a stake in "gushing" over it. Shows like this have an agenda and a way of pushing it on people but then people who are more than likely associated with the show feel the need to come on here and skew the rating. Why not let the intended viewer decide without you folks helping it along. I'm sure they would be the first ones to howl at obvious conflict of interest in pushing a product.
Acting was just blah and what you would expect from an average TV show about a future that everyone seems to think is inevitable. How original the future is cold, so very cold and resources are scarce. The end is nigh unless we repent and lower our carbon footprint.
I just don't see this show standing out in a crowd of other shows that tell us we need to change our ways or else. -
charlottekinzie-974-7632716 January 2013This show is about as close to perfect as a pilot can get. It's futuristic enough to be interesting but keeps it real. The acting is stellar. It's really got some of Canada's greatest talent in it.
Ty Olsson and Michelle Harrison had some delicious tension! It's funny, wise, exciting - there's a lot of be pleased with.
I've wanted to love a Canadian TV show for a very long time. Honestly? I'm a little shocked that "Borealis" hasn't been picked up.
People need to see this. Canadians need to see a that a Canadian Television show can be this kind of quality. This is the kind of production that sets a high standard.
If you missed it on the SPACE channel - it's streaming on spacecast.com -
teslavate9 May 2014I am afraid I either missed something or my copy of the movie was incomplete as the ending made no sense to me. It was more like this was a pilot designed to have the story line carried on in a series that never got off the ground. I gave it a 5 because I found the ending like finishing a huge meal and still being starved when you finish it. I really enjoyed the story line and the acting as well as the background and idea but I don't think it ever all came together to effect a proper ending, at least on the rental copy I had. I was waiting for the whole think to come together to see who was pulling whose strings, who was the League of nations lady working for and why, Who was actually bringing in the new purple pills and why, who were the other concerns operating in the area besides Russians, Norwegians and Canadians and what were they after. Did the Canadian soldier (Lieutenant)ever figure out what side he was on and what was the League lady and her soldiers really after? There were so many unanswered questions that I felt cheated in the end. Perhaps there was a series to go with this movie but I am not aware of it and it surely does not answer that question either. All and all I give it a 7 for the acting, technical movie making and story line but the lack of a coherent ending and many questions left unanswered sadly brought it down to a 5 in my book. If they ever made or make a series or 2nd half I would definitely watch it though as the movie had a lot of potential that was never used.
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pinkdolphingh12 January 2013Since I have only got to catch pieces of this show, what I have seen was amazingly plotted and I would very much like to see the US allowed the opportunity to view a series that meets the criteria that most of those in my network look for - escape from the everyday with an adventurous edge. Please talk to our SciFi channel and see if we can't work something out maybe? Any negotiations on behalf of our SCIFI FANS would be well worth the investment! Please BRING THIS TO US! AMAZING CAST and fantastic storyline! Keep it Coming! Characters appear realistic and plots possible. This TV Network should be proud of their acceptance of this work, I very much like to see those things that brush with what could possibly happen in the future. This series receives an A+ for Action, A+ for characterization, A+ for Plot with continuation possibilities and the list could go on and on. This show would be a good competitor in receiving excellent ratings in the US - This is WHAT WE LOOK FOR!
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sinischism15 February 2021What a complete waste and how incredibly despicable that the 90 minutes of this film was very good, gritty, good action, interesting plot, good acting, only to have it essentially cut off at the 90 minute mark in a blink of an eye, with ZERO questions/plot clarifications or even any sort of subtle possible resolutions inferred or involved (the only thing I can think of is that there is a part 2 out there somewhere or in the works?)
Just so disgusted with how the directors/company thought they could get away with this. This was at least a solid 7 in my my mind, but because the ending was so completely abrupt and left the viewer with absolutely NOTHING in terms of any answers as concerns every and any single plot item, I feel even a four is being generous.
Truly sad, as this could have been phenomenal and a high end sci-fi/action/thriller but instead it looks like the production company spent too much money on those useless and pointless high-end shots of blimps circling the compound instead of resolving or furthering the plot to at least some sort of reasonable ending. Man, I am so extremely disappointed and I GUARANTEE you will be too.
Could have/should have been great. Instead, it was merely a tease and ended up being half a film.
SMH -
lmacklem112 January 2013Borealis has everything we've come to expect from a great Canadian television series: Great acting, writing, setting, and attention to detail. It also has great action sequences. All the characters are well-developed. The basic premise of international interests fighting over the few remaining oil and mineral deposits in the Arctic in the near future resonates with many of today's political and environmental conflicts. It's fitting that this area is presided over by a Canadian - Vic Carboneau trying to keep the peace while running his own bar/hotel/brothel and acting as the resident customs agent. The main cast includes Ty Olsson, Michelle Harrison, Patrick Gallagher, Cristina Rosato, Bryan Dick, Terry Chen, and Christine Horne. The biggest question is why this didn't proceed to series from this very, very promising pilot...
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michaelpardus21 January 2013I watched it like a movie. After I finished it, instantly I was looking for more. I was so engaged that now I need to know what happens next! Characters are not overwritten and exaggerated. Plot is interesting. Scenery creates nice climate and setting. SF part is not overwhelming but that is good in this case. Main role is well played and overall cast is spot on.
I hope this show will pick up and become a full series. From the balance it delivers (not to flashy) and good (so far) script I predict strong fan base really soon.
Good show. Watch it now! -
skoyles17 January 2016I recorded this movie and kept it for viewing on one of those days when my IQ would be mensurable only in negative numbers as I occasionally watch SyFy Channel movies or anything from The Asylum; junk food for the lazy mind, but this was from neither of the sources mentioned and was an excellent motion picture. The cast was fine, the writing and its unusual premise were top notch. The characters were three dimensional and uniformly interesting. I cared for these people and for their believable near future situation. Perhaps I am having a stupid day but the plot contained surprises that followed from preceding scenes. The violence was necessary to the plot and only the language is a bit much but that seems to be normal these day. If, as I suspect, this was a pilot film for an unrealized series it is a minor tragedy that it was not picked up. On its own it can stand proudly and is a credit to all involved.
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It seems that quite a few reviewers nailed this 'movie' for an incoherent story that leaves many questions up in the air.
While the 'movie' aired last year, it was never meant as a standalone movie (despite being released for TV as such). It was supposed to be a pilot for a series.
As such, its potential was never accomplished. Ty Olsson is a decent action hero and while the rest of the cast were relatively unknown, many of them had potential.
I found the episode to be intriguing and a bit nicer than the likes of 'Defiance' for example. What I love about it is that it doesn't pretend to more than it is.
When talking Sci-Fi, I'm fairly fed-up with humanoid 'aliens' that are nothing more than exaggerations of human traits rather than really 'alien' and whose purpose is to make the human race look profound and complex.
Borealis felt, shortly, like a breath of fresh air. I still hope for a revival.