This is one of the most bizarre documentaries I've ever seen. Its not a well made film by any means. It looks rather amateur and it is edited and executed like they've just cracked the box open on Final Cut Pro. But the strange thing about this doco is that it's entirely compelling. It chronicles one middle-aged man's determination to swim the length of the Amazon river... a fete never attempted. Its a river full of countless dangers; piranha, anacondas, alligators, parasites, whirlpools and Amazonian natives to name just some. The film begins in a very hokey manner which basically has it's subject, Martin Strel, prancing around like a drunken imbecile. I found this irritating as if they're declaring to the world "We're from Slovenia, aren't we weird?"... but once the marathon swim begins, the movie is captivating. As days begin to meld into each other the story begins to resemble something from Apocalypse Now as Strel slowly slips into madness and delirium. A lot of the editing is forced and unnecessary but the overall journey is well worth watching. As the end credits began to roll it was strange to see Olivia Newton-John's name pop up as a producer. I am guessing she came on board after the fact to help fund it's distribution. Whatever... its a really peculiar movie!

I have read the reviews for a wide number of movies on this site, and felt myself agreeing with them, until now. This movie alone made me create and account and speak my mind.First off, yes, the movie is about Martin being overweight and embarking on the most dangerous swimming trek known to man. That alone could make the movie, however everyone is missing the most important message of this film.Although the Navigator Matt gets on peoples nerves and goes a little insane, but..... for a moment, he understands what it's all for. The Amazon forest is one of the last " perfect " places on earth untouched by mankind's disgusting industry. As Martins son narrates he tells everyone that in the year 2020, there will be no more Rain Forest, no more Amazon. That makes you wonder, then what do we do ?.Although the Amazon is dangerous and is not tamed by man, it is the perfect view of the utopia that is Earth. Martin is bringing this to everyone's attention. Martin might not be Michael Moore when it comes to his documentary style, but I have more respect for a man that embarks on that physical adventure then for someone that instead knocks on doors and get's on peoples nerves. The movie is about bringing the awareness to our environment, and doing what everyone is afraid to do.As Martin says when he swimming in the water looking at the beauty around him, everyone could benefit from being in this environment. No noise, no harassment, just the sound of the forest, and perfect harmony. And what happens when that is taken away ?, where then will you go, and what will you do to truly feel free ?. All in all, the movie is a great watch, however you need to take something from it, not just forget it happened.

Big River Man is fantastic movie documenting something that many actors have not done it even in the movie. Martin Strel is one of the greatest heroes of modern age but unfortunately, he will be forgotten very quickly. Quality of the movie is extremely good and the movie is not boring for one single second. This movie is not for people who think about Amazon as a holiday destination but as the only unspoilt and undamaged area on this planet.To people who do not like, I would suggest them to stick with Hollywood and Tom Cruise style movies. If you do not like the movie then do not watch documentary movies.I'm sure that many people would like to see more Martin Strel movies.

I recently attended a screening of Big River Man at the ICA in London, the film was Directed and shot by John Maringouin (won best cinematographer award at Sundance 2009) follows Martin Strel as he attempts to cover 3,375 miles of the Amazon River in what is being billed as the world's longest swim. What a treat! Easily the best doc I've seen since Man on Wire, Big River Man is a wonderful, very funny, insightful epic road (substitute river) movie on what is still one of the last great unknown frontiers, the mighty Amazon River and the jungle it meanders through. Martin Strel and his son and project manager/PR publicist Borut Strel attended the screening and did a Q&A afterwards, they were both very charming, honest and open in their answers and amazingly modest, since the film pulled no punches, was brutally honest as they fought dozens of physical and psychological barriers to complete their incredible quest of endurance, simply an epic human endeavour. I found this film to be one of the most enjoyable films I've watched in recent years and would urge you to make your best efforts to see it, giving it my highest recommendation to all and everyone to see it since Let The Right One In. Funny fact, the film listed Olivia Newton-John as one of its executive producers (yes Grease), hat's off to her, her money was truly well invested here. Regards Ray Brady - London based indie feature director.