various film-goers branding it as boring, worst-ever, etc
margaret and david much kinder and more influential
the film opens with the main character performing
trying to impress tulpan's parents with his sea stories
he exaggerating beyond belief, they bored witless
apparently she is not interested - his ears are too big
tulpan is never seen but remains central to the film
as askhat then resumes life at home on the steppes
he is staying with his sister, husband and young family
the eldest boy obsessed with his radio and the outside world
the middle child a girl with the need to sing at every opportunity
the youngest child a toddler constantly moving and hitting things
a lot of the film showing the father tending to his flock of sheep
the size of his herd a sign of his success in this barren place
but it's hard, unforgiving work - most lambs are stillborn
animals in a way taking a major role in this film
some hilarious scenes with some cavorting donkeys
and a camel that has followed a visiting vet for 100km
despairing with it's calf perched on his motorcycle's sidecar
a funny scene in itself and worthy of a single long take
many like this effectively showing the isolation of this place
sandstorms and even tornadoes frequent visitors as well
askhat has a friend with a ramshackle vehicle and some obsessions
mainly photos of women's breasts and the music of boney m
more hilarious scenes whenever boni visits in his jalopy
at one point me thinking it could be scene from mad max
totally unintentional i'm sure but similar characters and settings
the dilemma for askhat is that he cannot win the heart of tulpan
his sailor background not working and he is not a herdsman
and as such is held in disdain by his brother-in-law
though his sister loves him dearly - another sad moment
as askhat decides to leave with his friend to travel the world
some unforgettable scenes as he heads off in the dust
but he recognises the love of his sister and decides to stay
all in all a very simple storyline but that is the appeal
these people are leading very simple lives in this place
one heart-wrenching scene showing the birth of a lamb
the real deal here - nothing acted, faked or implied
we all hoping desperately it will be one that will survive
especially as it is askhat that has found it and has to assist
so a turning point in his own life as he passes this test
all very moving really - and so appropriate in the film
the whole experience of the entire film quite touching
anybody who found it boring is not looking very hard
there is so much going on - and also much to learn
me thinking this is how life is for a lot of people
leading simple lives in a harsh environment
we've got a lot to be thankful for...
