"South Pole Story") is a 1983 Japanese drama film directed by Koreyoshi Kurahara and starring Ken Takakura.

Its plot centers on the 1958 ill-fated Japanese scientific expedition to the South Pole, its dramatic rescue from the severe weather conditions on the return journey, the relationship between the scientists and their loyal and hard-working Sakhalin huskies, particularly the lead dogs Taro and Jiro, and the fates of the 15 dogs left behind to fend for themselves.

It was a big cinema hit, and held Japan's box office record for its homemade films until it was surpassed by Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke in 1997.

The original electronic score was created by Greek composer Vangelis, who had recently written music for Chariots of Fire and Blade Runner.

Eight of the fifteen sled dogs manage to break loose from their chains (Riki, Anko, Shiro, Jakku, Deri, Kuma, Taro, and Jiro), while the other seven starve.

He, along with the two dog-handlers Ushioda and Ochi, recover the frozen corpses of the seven chained dogs, but are surprised to discover that eight others have broken loose.

American Humane withheld its "No Animals Were Harmed" disclaimer, rating the film "Unacceptable" due to what it regarded as deliberate cruelty on the set.

[4] The director responded that the emotions shown by the dogs during the film were painstakingly captured and then edited into the relevant parts.

[3] In 2006, Antarctica's plot was adapted into the American Disney live-action film remake Eight Below, which is dedicated to the memory of the director Koreyoshi Kurahara.

A 2011 Japanese television drama series titled Nankyoku Tairiku centers on Japan's first expedition to Antarctica in 1958.

The original score to Antarctica was composed, arranged, produced and performed by Greek artist Vangelis.