Former professional gambler, star of Slovenian TV ads, Flamenco guitar teacher and marathon swimmer Martin Strel is the antithesis of an athlete. He has a Santa Clause-like girth, and loves more than a drop of his home-brewed wine - he even drinks it during his marathon swims. At an age when most are looking at retirement fund plans, 52-year-old Strel attempted the seemingly impossible - to be the first person to swim the length of the Amazon River. Big River Man records Strel's 5,000 kilometre-plus journey. Narrated by his son Borut, this tremendously entertaining film has two distinct tones. Its first half is upbeat and amusing, as we watch Strel prepare for his feat. It shows this loveable and courageous Slovenian standing in his speedos, proudly displaying the aforementioned girth. You can't help but laugh as Strel is caught driving over-the-limit and then gets let off - he's a local hero, and even the cops love him. But the Amazon is no laughing matter. Strel faces an overload of dangers, including everything from alligators to the unforgiving sun. His greatest danger, however, is possibly himself - as he progresses on the swim, dehydration and a brain infection take their toll, and the hallucinating Strel finds his own heart of darkness. The doco's second half is considerably more serious, as it charts not only Strel's mental deterioration, but that of his navigator, Matthew Mohlke. Strel isn't swimming for his own glory, but rather to bring attention to the destruction of Amazon rainforests, and Mohlke sees his aquatic leader as a god-like figure.

Country: US    Genre: Documentary    Released: 2009   
Rating: M    Format: