MovieChat Forums > The Last Alaskans (2015) Discussion > Getting hard to watch because of the mel...

Getting hard to watch because of the melancholy

posted 8 years ago by kbarada
6 replies | jump to latest

I really like this program and its documentary-like style. It is the most real of all the reality based programs that are everywhere on television now.

However, the melancholy caused by being the last Alaskans to live in the refuge is almost overpowering. It is the end of the road for all of them. As Heimo says often, in 100 years there will be no trace left of their existence and way of life there. They all sincerely express their sense of sadness in very poignant ways as they come to realize that the end of their way of life is rapidly coming to an end. Most seem to prefer to die out there than ever leave.

So sad and dispiriting.

[–] wickedkittiesmom 8 years ago

The "way of life" of many peoples, cultures and other animals (humans are animals) around the world are coming to an end.

I will never let you part, for you are always in my heart: MJ
turn to page 394: Snape

[–] neon-29 8 years ago

So if they are melancholy and lack excitement, but you want excitement on the show, you realize you're asking them to falsely inject excitement unorganically right? Personally I don't want another MTV fake reality show, I want this series to maintain its current course and show us what it's really like.

That emotion and mood you're talking about is real, and commonly felt up there. It's why suicide rates are high in areas with extremely long "days". It's real, and I hope they don't mess that up by producing constructed issues for the people in the show.

[–] kbarada 8 years ago

Neon, I'm not sure where you are getting that I want excitement or for it to be like another fake reality show. You must not have understood when I said I really like this program and its documentary-like style. It is the most real of all the reality based programs that are everywhere on television now.

It is getting hard to watch because the melancholy is transferring from the last Alaskans to the viewer, especially us older ones. The last Alaskans have lived in the refuge most of their lives and they are nearing the end of an exceptional life and lifestyle. The feeling comes across due to having empathy with them. If you could think outside of yourself for a moment, you should be able to see that.

[–] neon-29 8 years ago

It's likely I didn't understand, though not likely due to a self-centered perspective, but I appreciation the clarification either way. Good to hear you're not looking for them to make a change, just appreciating the emotions it's passing on to the viewer, which I think is the hallmark of a good show.

It's true, they seem to have lived amazing lives. And it builds on both arguments evenly, both for living in an environment like that, and against it. There's certain aspects of the lifestyle I would absolutely love, but certain aspects that would be too difficult for me. I wish there was an easy way to go out and experience that life for just a year or two. I think anyone who would have that life experience under their belt would be all the better for it in any situation they were to encounter from then on.

[–] hiways 8 years ago

Better then The Alaskan Bush family show.

[–] krich-18550 8 years ago

There's a feeling of sadness in the way they live so isolated. They could live in the city permanently but appear to enjoy the freedom their lifestyle gives them.
Won't even watch the fake, fabricated Alaskan Bush Family. The only other show that compares to Last Alaskans is Life Below Zero.