The Grizzlies

102 min | 18 Mar 2021

Suicide themes and coarse language

In this inspiring true story, a group of Inuit students in a small, struggling Arctic community is changed forever through the power of sport.

Based on a true story, The Grizzlies is more than the usual triumph through sports story, for it doesn’t shy away from moving depictions of the poverty and isolation characteristic of too many northern communities. When first-time teacher Russ Shepherd comes to Kugluktuk, he brings preconceived notions about northern life and no little hubris about his self imposed mission to bring about change. An interconnected chain of dramatic incidents, however (and some quieter cross-cultural corrections) lead Russ to understand that education is a two-way street. Initially, the hastily built lacrosse team seems mild after-school fun, but soon becomes the lightening rod for the community’s differing views on its future. Driven by remarkable performances by the young Nunavut-based cast, and seeded with unassailable authenticity because of it’s dramatic location, The Grizzlies proves to be one of the most unexpectedly affirming films of the year.

Director
Miranda de Pencier
Cast
Will Sasso, Tantoo Cardinal, Fred Bailey, Seth Burke, Mary Buscemi, Colton Clause
Genre
Biography, Drama
Rating
M (Suicide themes and coarse language)
Release Date
18 March 2021
Runtime
102 min
Language
English, Inuktitut