cinematography, great acting, engaging characters and plot and a totally
serene, scene-setting musical score make Himalaya one of the best foreign
language films I've seen. Himalaya Purta is a Nepali film where the splendor
of Nepal is the star of an adventure movie surrounding the Dolpo people of
high passes. Filmed in Nepali with English subtitles; the subtitles do not
detract at all from the enjoyment of this film.
It's caravan time in Dolpo, high in the Himalayas of Nepal. The villagers
must trek for days across the high passes with laden yaks to trade their salt
for grain before the winter snows. But when Karma (Gurgon Kyap) returns to
the village with the body of Lhakpa, leader of the caravan and son of the old
chief Tinle (Thinlen Lhondup), Tinle can't accept his son's death being an
accident and blames Karma. Karma is accepted by the tribe as a de facto
leader, but his disregard for the Lama's prayers and prediction makes the
tribal elder uncomfortable. The conflict divides the village into two
factions, with both men deciding to make the same journey separately. Tinle
and Karma struggle for leadership of the caravan and engage in a broader
struggle between the old traditional Dolpo values and new pragmatism.
Tensions finally come to a head when Karma and Tinle's two caravans cross
paths high up in the Himalayas.
None of the people in the film are professional actors, leading to incredibly
naturalistic performances. It's like watching people do what they normally
do, only with cameras around them. The Dolpo have strong spirits, simple
virtues, vitality, courage, and ingenuity. Their deep spirituality
(Buddhism) runs like a river through their lives in the harsh, desolate
climate of the Himalayas. Their lives may be hard but they are joyful
people. They face life and death with a refreshing equanimity.
Himalaya Putra is a truly magic film. It beautifully melds the storytelling
and plot within the of best documentary style. The story doesn't move
quickly, but is it very engrossing. The film tells a compelling adventure
story without the benefits of special effects, chase scenes, or bare breasts.
This is a sure-fire family alternative to the empty-headed big summer
releases. Director Eric Valli combines the breathtaking scenery of the high
Himalaya and the interesting characteristics of the Nepalese people into a
must see movie.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars (out of 4)