Amundsen is a Norwegian film, released on 15 February 2019, that details the life of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. It was directed by Espen Sandberg and was distributed in Norway by SF Studios.
Flying in an Arctic storm, elderly Roald Amundsen’s plane crashes, stranding him and his companions. Waiting for news while the world assumes he has died, his brother Leon recounts the explorer’s life story to Roald’s Alaskan lover Bess Magids.
As boys, Roald and Leon are enchanted by the unknown poles on a globe. As young men, they pioneer a route through the Northwest Passage. Despite his accomplishments, other explorers still look down upon Roald for showing respect to Inuit people. Robert Falcon Scott briefly congratulates him, but would rather talk with politicians.
The Amundsens decide to join the race to the North Pole, securing funding by promising to prioritise science over speed. News arrives that Frederick Cook has reached the Pole, an unproven claim that nonetheless dismays Roald. He decides to head for the South Pole instead, but keeps the new plan secret. As he sets sail, he reveals the truth to his crew who all support the change, and a letter is delivered to the King declaring he will eventually make good on his promised scientific expedition to the North.
In Antarctica, Amundsen dismisses some of his crew who think his relentless push is reckless. The remainder succeed in reaching the Pole, where they plant a Norwegian flag and leave a courteous note for Scott.