this italian russian endeavor be a lost treasure and one of the great historical drama . the movie be really a dream of general nobile and a survivor and command officer of the italia and a dirigible that meet with disaster in a grand artic exploration during the mussolini era . it be about the psychology of guilt and accountability and and leadership . beyond the human psychological profile of the film and it capture the harsh and expansive grandeur of nature well than almost any movie i have see . the cinematography of the artic be unlikely to be ever meet again with the computer generate film of today . the russian ice breaker ship which rescue the italian crew survivor require no special effect and remain a challenge for today movie producer to emulate . sean connery and claudia cardinale and peter finch and the rest of the cast give very fine act performance . ennio morricone compose one of his great score . as great a a film composer he be and he still be not remember for one of his most haunting composition in this film . it be a shame this film be not recognize perhaps in part due to it russian influence in a hollywood dominate market . it be a bit rough around the edge ( mean edit and direct could be smoother ) but in term of great film making and it rarely get well . when you watch it a couple time and you begin to appreciate the beauty and human drama of this film .