Kekexili (2004)

User Rating:

7.8/10   

Director:

Chuan Lu

Writer:

Chuan Lu (writer)

Release Date:

1 October 2004 (China)

Genre:

Action | Drama

Tagline:

One man will risk everything to save innocence

Plot:

A moving true story about volunteers protecting antelope against poachers in the severe mountains of Tibet.

Plot Keywords:

Antelope | Poacher | Journalist | Volunteer | Tibet

Awards:

9 wins & 11 nominations

Cast

Duobuji	...	Ri Tai
Zhang Lei	...	Ga Yu
Liang Qi	...	Liu Dong
Xueying Zhao	...	Leng Xue
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Zhanlin Ma

Directed by
Chuan Lu

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Chuan Lu		writer

Produced by
Yang Du	....	producer
Zhonglei Wang	....	producer

Original Music by
Lao Zai

Cinematography by
Yu Cao

Visual Effects by
Mark A. Kolars	....	compositing supervisor (uncredited)

Other crew
Winston Emano	....	publicist
David Magdael	....	publicist
Anne Stulz	....	publicist (uncredited)

Production Companies

• Columbia Pictures
• Huayi Brothers
• National Geographic World Films

Distributors

• Axiom Films (2006) (UK) (theatrical)
• Huayi Brothers (2004) (China) (theatrical)
• IDP Distribution (2006) (USA) (theatrical)
• Rézo Films (2006) (France) (theatrical)
• Columbia TriStar Films de Argentina (2006) (Argentina) (all media)
• LK-TEL (2006) (Argentina) (DVD)
• LK-TEL (2006) (Argentina) (VHS)
• Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Also Known As:

Kekexili: Mountain Patrol (International: English title)
Mountain Patrol (International: English title)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for violence and disturbing images, brief sexuality and language.

Runtime:

China:85 min | USA:90 min | Argentina:98 min

Country:

China | Hong Kong

Language:

Mandarin | Tibetan

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

UK:15 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | France:U | Finland:K-15 | Argentina:Atp | Iceland:12 | USA:Not Rated | Australia:M | Taiwan:PG-12 | USA:PG-13 | Singapore:PG | Hong Kong:IIB

Filming Locations:

China

Company:

Columbia Pictures

...selflessly fighting with courage and honour will not go vain...

'Kekexili' was completely different from what I expected. Well, honestly speaking, I didn't know what to expect so my expectation was built up from the Chinese movies I'd already seen and looking at the poster, I thought it was an action movie...but i was pleasantly surprised.

This is one of the few movies today that show how simple film-making stands out. Technically speaking, special effects weren't overdone, background score was kept to a minimum, no unnecessary subplot and it sticks to the point.

To sum up the plot, 'Kekexili' is about a group of patrols who are in search of poachers. We are briefly introduced into the lives of the penniless patrols, how passionate they are about protecting the endangered antelopes, their selfless deeds and sacrifice (yes, even their lives) and their strength and courage.

Chuan Lu's direction is outstanding and he remarkably tells us this sensitive story. The actors breathe into their characters, making you forget that they are actors. Cinematography is fantastic and we also get the feel that the climate (snow, wind etc), the haunting mountains and the city are characters themselves.

Being an animal lover myself, I was very moved by 'Kekexili' as a felt for all the characters and their passion and courage really touched me. However, I wouldn't say this is only restricted to animal lovers because 'Kekexili's about selflessly fighting with courage, honour and passion (without giving up) for something you believe in because the effort will not go in vain.