Film

What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases


Nine Lives (1957)

Director: Arne Skouen

Average user rating
No reviews

Movie review

From Time Out Film Guide

Skouen's Oscar-nominated film, based on David Howarth's book We Die Alone, tells the story of Jan Baalsrud, the only survivor of a betrayed commando raid in Northern Norway who made a daring escape to Sweden. Baalsrud was wounded in the foot, suffered from frost bite and snow blindness, and nearly starved. He hid out in a snow cave for over a month and ended up lopping off his own toes to stop the gangrene spreading. With the help of doughty, Nazi-hating Norwegians he keeps ahead of his pursuers, swimming across fjords, clambering up mountains and skiing cross country. It's an extraordinary tale of courage and resilience. Ironically, the more extreme the conditions, the more beautiful the landscapes become. Skouen, an acclaimed journalist as well as a film-maker, treats his material in terse, phlegmatic fashion. The understatement here makes Scott of the Antarctic look like an exhibitionist.

Author: GM

Time Out Film Guide


What do you think?
Post your review now

clear rating
Min 1 star. Zero stars will be treated as unrated.

*mandatory fields





Top Stories

Ridley Scott interview

Ridley Scott interview

Director Ridley Scott tells Cath Clarke why he's making a science fiction comeback

Cannes Film Festival 2012: half-time report

Cannes Film Festival 2012: half-time report

Dave Calhoun reports on the hits, misses and a shocking new masterpiece from Michael Haneke

Wes Anderson interview

Wes Anderson interview

Cath Clarke talks to the director of Cannes's opening film

Open-air movies in London

Open-air movies in London

Cath Clarke rounds up this summer's crop of outdoor film screenings

The 100 best French films

The 100 best French films

In honour of Cannes, we reveal the best French films of all time

Ken Loach interview

Ken Loach interview

Ken Loach talks to us about his Cannes Film Festival entry 'The Angels' Share'