

The true story about legendary explorer Thor Heyerdahl and his epic crossing of the Pacific on a balsa wood raft in 1947, in an effort to prove it was possible for South Americans to settle in Polynesia in pre-Columbian times.
Practical Effects
They actually built and sailed a balsa raft. Twice.
Cinematography
Ocean cinematography that'll give you thalassophobia.
Acting
Pål Sverre Hagen's stubborn jaw could cut glass.

Director
Joachim Rønning
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The 1947 expedition filmed itself, winning the first-ever Oscar for Best Documentary Feature in 1951. This 2012 version shot two rafts simultaneously — one for open ocean, one for close-ups.
Heyerdahl's theory about South American settlement was largely discredited by DNA evidence, but the film sidesteps this to preserve his heroic narrative. Awkward!