An other-worldly journey through the limits of human endurance. Martin's first endurance swim was to escape from his abusive father and it is a ritual he seems to repeat on a grander and grander scale, driven on maniacally in the end. At the beginning it looks as though he is in pursuit of fame and acclaim but as the journey goes on it seems as though he may actually be fleeing from the inescapable. On a couple of occasions he abandons large civic receptions arranged for him and swims away out into the night, only a small support boat with a friend with a torch in tow. This documentary is a fascinating manifestation of inner turmoil battled with super-human determination and played out in a savagely beautiful environment.

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.