Wow, that last comment read a lot more into the film than I think was intended. Ulzhan is no slave. She is life and hope. She is the nagging voice inside that says "live!" when everything else is death and despair. This film most was appropriately titled Ulzhan. Even though we don't meet her until far into the film, her role is not lessened. It's important to feel his despair before she enters.
When I saw this film at a French film festival in Virginia, the audience was silent at the end not because we didn't like the film, but because of it's weight and in wonder. I imagine the end of the story depends on whether you are a glass is half-full or half-empty kind of person.
This film is one of my all time favorites.
When I saw this film at a French film festival in Virginia, the audience was silent at the end not because we didn't like the film, but because of it's weight and in wonder. I imagine the end of the story depends on whether you are a glass is half-full or half-empty kind of person.
This film is one of my all time favorites.