The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world, and people living the hard life in the mountain villages are steeped in tradition, still living the way that their ancestors have for hundreds of years, surviving by collecting the abundant salt and trading it for grain and other necessary supplies for surviving the long winter. Himalaya focuses on the village of Dolpo in a troubled time; the village chief has died whilst on a salt caravan and the community allegiances are split, as the chief's father, Tinle, wishes old tradition to be upheld and for his grandson, Passang, to take the position of chief, the younger generation of the village wish to be lead by the arrogant and able Karma. The village salt caravan is split, with the older villagers following Tinle and traditional methods, and the younger following Karma and his youthful strength, Passang is torn between the love of his grandfather and the need for a father figure like Karma and through the following of the salt caravan we see their relationships developing and changing.
Himalaya is entirely shot on location in Nepal, and although it seems that it's hard not to make a beautiful film in such an inspiring part of the planet, Himalaya is visually incredible, really giving a sense of enormity of the mountains and the rugged nature of the terrain and the people. One of the most memorable scenes of recent cinema takes place as the caravan travels along a tiny crumbling trail high above a lake, crisp, sharp textures and vibrant colours draw you in and give immense feeling to the scene, piqued by the sense of danger as they slowly work their way along.
Excellent cinematography and direction, assisted by a great soundtrack, have lead to an essentially unmissable film, one of the best and most engaging movies about the region, truly an epic journey.
It also features lots of hairy yaks, it's yak-tastic.
Himalaya is entirely shot on location in Nepal, and although it seems that it's hard not to make a beautiful film in such an inspiring part of the planet, Himalaya is visually incredible, really giving a sense of enormity of the mountains and the rugged nature of the terrain and the people. One of the most memorable scenes of recent cinema takes place as the caravan travels along a tiny crumbling trail high above a lake, crisp, sharp textures and vibrant colours draw you in and give immense feeling to the scene, piqued by the sense of danger as they slowly work their way along.
Excellent cinematography and direction, assisted by a great soundtrack, have lead to an essentially unmissable film, one of the best and most engaging movies about the region, truly an epic journey.
It also features lots of hairy yaks, it's yak-tastic.