The lack of accuracy in the calculation of longitude had caused the death of countless sailors. In 1714 Parliament, worried by the loss of British ships and mindful to the military advantage of knowing where one was at sea, offered a £20,000 prize to anyone who could accurately measure longitude. This is the story of John Harrison, a brilliant carpenter, whose timepieces solved the problem that had long defeated the scientists, it was a hard fought victory and Harrison was forced to endure pover find out more...

After a rather long and semi-interesting introduction dealing with Shackleton's family life and his attempts to raise money for the expedition the movie really kicks off when the expedition starts. Awesome scenery and high jinxs on the seas and ice as the shipwrecked crew survive almost 2 years in horrendous conditions without one death. Although the movie misses out on the problems landing on Elephant Island, much of the essence of the boat trip to South Georgia (eg running out of freshwater) a find out more...