Watching this film is like taking a journey through the land of the Kurds, at the border of Iran and Iraq. It is also like visiting another world. I found it stunning, wild. The unusual characters who scream at each other instead of talking, the music, the crazy situations, the weather-beaten faces and soulful eyes, and that scenery of rugged mountains and vast terrain covered in icy snow. It's tragic because of their lives -- the harsh weather conditions, deprivation, and the nomadic lives they are forced to lead as Saddam Hussein unleashes bombs and chemical weapons upon them. Yet, it's comic -- and yes, the comedy is intentional. I'm specifying that because of viewers here who have written the strangest reviews about this film.
Mostly American viewers, they admit that it is difficult for Americans -- those Americans who don't watch foreign films or even atypical slow-moving American films -- to appreciate this film, and demonstrate that by calling it boring, or unintentionally funny, or pointless. Most of those viewers end their reviews by commenting that only those interested in the Middle East would enjoy this film. But I think anyone who is capable of empathy with people from a different culture and a far away land whose lives are filled with hardship and pain would find this film valuable. Or anyone who is able to let go of all the ideas about how films "should" be made and western notions about the way plots and subjects should be treated.
It's a learning experience, but it's enjoyable to watch. I loved the characters. I loved the scenes in which the women were working or burying their dead -- it showed their tremendous strength. I loved the scenery and the children.
If you see this film, make sure to watch the director interview in the special features -- he explains a lot about why he filmed in the snow and how humour and music are so important to the Kurds. The director knew what he was doing. I think he did it quite well. It was a film that made me laugh and cry and helped me to understand more of what Kurdish life is like. I'd watch it again, and I hope to see more films of this type.
Mostly American viewers, they admit that it is difficult for Americans -- those Americans who don't watch foreign films or even atypical slow-moving American films -- to appreciate this film, and demonstrate that by calling it boring, or unintentionally funny, or pointless. Most of those viewers end their reviews by commenting that only those interested in the Middle East would enjoy this film. But I think anyone who is capable of empathy with people from a different culture and a far away land whose lives are filled with hardship and pain would find this film valuable. Or anyone who is able to let go of all the ideas about how films "should" be made and western notions about the way plots and subjects should be treated.
It's a learning experience, but it's enjoyable to watch. I loved the characters. I loved the scenes in which the women were working or burying their dead -- it showed their tremendous strength. I loved the scenery and the children.
If you see this film, make sure to watch the director interview in the special features -- he explains a lot about why he filmed in the snow and how humour and music are so important to the Kurds. The director knew what he was doing. I think he did it quite well. It was a film that made me laugh and cry and helped me to understand more of what Kurdish life is like. I'd watch it again, and I hope to see more films of this type.