On Saturday evening, I screened the Kazak film Tulpan, which had received a favourable review in the Friday edition of The Globe and Mail. The compliments proved merited and the film was enjoyable, albeit occasionally tedious. That tedium is part of the routine of nomadic sheep herders which comprises the rhythm of the film. Tulpan, the title character, is the only young woman in a three yurt village. She is not shown on-screen, except for a brief moment as she peers through curtains in the yurt. Asa, the protagonist, is the young man snubbed because of his big ears. After his reverse dowry of ten sheep and a chandelier is refused, he struggles to move forward.
The film alternates between comedy and drama. It’s not a film like Borat which makes fun of the Kazak culture but one that portrays the absurdity of living an agrarian existence on the steppe while receiving European culture via the radio. Asa must decide whether to relocate to the city and marry a woman that he has never met or remain with the family that his supported him. He also endeavours to earn the respect of his brother-in-law so that he may be entrusted with additional responsibilities and privileges.
The film is thoughtful and sentimental. The audience begins to appreciate Asa, his aspirations, and the simple pleasures of his life. It’s a good – but not excellent – film which and makes for a pleasant – although not memorable – evening. Mild recommendation. **