Much more than just a bear attack

Rating: 9/10 (4 February 2016)

The direction of this movie is stunning. The movie starts with an attack that is the most exciting since Last of the Mohicans. One is really placed in the thick of things with the expert cinematography and direction. The bear attack is unbearably terrifying.
Story: There is more to the story than just making it home after being mauled and left for dead. It has a significant Native American aspect. Politically correct in handling the Native American portrayals for a 21st century movie, the villains, murderers of women and children and rapists are mostly the French soldiers and trappers and the main bad guy is named Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). The only thing I didn't like about the story is why only 2 of them went out to look for Fitzgerald. Also the fight scene at the end was just overkill. Made it end in a formula Western way when it should have been above than that.
Acting: Acting is generally good. Leonardo is convincing in his pain hunger and suffering in the snow and freezing water. Give him an Oscar just for the physical hardship alone. The mainly British supporting cast is good too. Will Poulter is good as the kind of dimwit. The main problem with the casting is that some of them look alike. Better to have had some with different colored hair and no beard for some. The Captain and Fitzgerald look a bit alike. Tom Hardy as the villain mumbles. Couldn't understand most of what he said. Unnecessary to have such a thick accent when the others were speaking more or less normally.
A gut wrenching and exciting film.