The Great Alone

The Great Alone is a mystifying documentary, a striking survival story, a sports saga, and a poignant tale of father and son relationships. This exciting and in-depth film from the year 2015 is helmed by Greg Kohs and is centered around the intensely passionate lives of father-son duo, Dick Mackey and Lance Mackey, both of whom are enshrined in the legendary annals of dog-sledding history.

Director Greg Kohs masterfully weaves a picturesque and gripping tale about Lance Mackey, his valiant struggles, and his astounding triumphs. Viewers are introduced to Lance, who is a four-time winner of the 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. But Lance's journey is far from simple; his life is interlaced with obstacles, trials, and an ironclad determination to overcome them all.

The film intricately explores Lance's youth, the influence of his father, the legendary Dick Mackey, and his mother Kathy, a determined nurse who influenced Lance's character. The viewers are gently allowed a peek into Lance's upbringing, his home in Alaska's outback, and his early-on exposure to the gravitating world of dog-sledding.

We see Lance's battles against cancer and substance abuse, the low points in his life where he teetered on the brink of despair and loss. Yet, the movie doesn't dwell in the gloom. It highlights an indomitable spirit, a rare quality that Lance shares with his father. It is the story of Lance rising from his tribulations, nursing his health and his soul back to a place where he could once again chase his dreams with his tenacious dog team.

The film is, at points, a love song to the sport of dog-sledding. It profoundly showcases the strong bonds between the Mushers - Lance and his father, and their canine companions. It exhibits the grueling and arduous nature of the Iditarod race, the raw determination required to endure, and the sheer grit exhibited by both two-legged and four-legged participants in this race.

The Great Alone puts a spotlight on the gruelling Iditarod Race, simultaneously intriguing and daunting. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is a spectacular and rigorous annual long-distance sled dog race run in early March from Anchorage to Nome. Laden with numerous challenges and rigorous race conditions, the Iditarod Race is considered "The Last Great Race on Earth."

Lance's father, Dick Mackey, himself an exceptional dog musher and Iditarod's co-founder, won the race in 1978 by just one second, creating a record. Lance grew up with dog-sledding and race stories, which shaped his character and life values. This sublimely created movie showcases how Lance, despite countless hurdles, aims to follow his father's footsteps and forges his path towards an equally, if not more, stellar legacy.

On the technical front, the cinematography is breath-taking. The audience gets a stunning view of Alaska's snowy landscapes, the untamed wilderness, the isolating cold, the wide-open skies - all of which adds a visually remarkable layer to this already engaging storyline. The incredible footage of the races, the close-up shots of the dogs in action, and the depiction of the intense struggle for survival in Arctic conditions are unique aspects that add to the 'edge-of-the-seat' experience.

Also worth noting is the meticulous attention to detail with which this documentary is crafted. It provides in-depth insights into the life of Lance, focusing not only on his triumphs but also on his struggles, thereby painting a wholesome and very human picture of the protagonist.

In conclusion, The Great Alone is an engaging, thrilling, and deeply human film that explores the boundaries of human determination, resilience, and the beautiful bond between man and his dog. A tribute to the Mackey family's legacy, the sport of dog-sledding, and the determined spirits that dare to brave "The Last Great Race on Earth", it is a captivating flick worth watching.