Encounters at the End of the World: A Review

By:  Andrew – JC2

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to live in Antarctica? Good thing that the documentary by Werner Herzog, Encounters at the End of the World, provides all the answers you need regarding the day-to-day basis of people who work at the south pole.

With scientific research being held there, it’s not surprising that Antarctica is filled with scientists and construction workers. Researchers from different fields of expertise gathered to observe various phenomena, from seals feeding cycles to gigantic icebergs traveling north. Construction workers are there to provide all the facilities needed for the research program.

When first arriving, survival training is mandatory, as it helps them to deal with some dangerous situations that could happen in the land of penguins, like whiteout conditions – where the strong wind of ice visually blinds workers. Afterwards, every expert travels to different parts of Antarctica, depending on their research fields. They are doing a series of experiments, such as taking samples of seals milk, expecting to meet new discoveries.

I’d strongly recommend this documentary to high school students, as it educates them about what people are doing in Antarctica and might motivate them to pursue a career to do research there, in the Antarctic zone.