Khadak (2006)

Set in the frozen steppes of Mongolia, a young nomad confronted with his destiny after animals fall victim to a plague which threatens to eradicate nomadism.

Directors:

Peter Brosens, Jessica Woodworth

Writers:

Peter Brosens, Jessica Woodworth (screenplay)

Stars:

Batzul Khayankhyarvaa, Tsetsegee Byamba, Banzar Damchaa

16 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview:
Batzul Khayankhyarvaa	...	Bagi
Tsetsegee Byamba	...	Zolzaya
Banzar Damchaa	...	Grandfather
Tserendarizav Dashnyam	...	Shamaness
Dugarsuren Dagvadorj	...	Mother
Uuriintuya Enkhtaivan	...	Naraa
Otgontogos Namsrai	...	Doctor
Gereisukh Otgon	...	Nurse
Bat-Erdene Damdinsuren	...	Zolzaya's Brother

Storyline

Magical realism, epilepsy, and the steppes of Mongolia. A pilot dies. His son Bagi, who, like his father, has epilepsy, grows up on the steppes, herding sheep, subject to fits. A plague among the animals forces the family off their land to a city where Bagi gets a mining job. His seizures become more frequent and bring visions in this wasteland of strip mining, factories, and rubble. He falls in with a troupe of student performers after saving the life of one of their number. As the crisis of his people deepens - herders without flocks - Bagi uses the visions to seek direction. Can he save his people, and can he find love?

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Plot Keywords:

steppes | plague | epilepsy | vision | mongolia | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Belgium Germany Netherlands

Language:

Mongolian

Release Date:

21 February 2007 (Belgium)

Also Known As:

Khadak - Die Farbe des Himmels

Filming Locations:

Mongolia

Box Office

Budget:

€3,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$1,983 (USA) (12 October 2007)

Gross:

$1,983 (USA) (12 October 2007)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bo Films, Centre du Cinéma et de l'Audiovisuel et des Télédistributeurs Wallons, Cinéart

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Goofs

In the shots where the Shamaness is smashing the liquor bottles on the ground, several of them bounce, or just break into a few pieces, but the sound effect is still that of a bottle shattering to bits.

User Reviews

An emotional journey that captures the soul of Mongolian culture and tradition

A true work of art. An emotional journey that captures the soul of Mongolian culture and tradition while posing important questions on the dilemma facing traditional Mongolian values by the destruction of Mongolians most precious treasure, their land, by international mining operations.

Beautifully crafted scene's and soul shaking audio design tell much of the story that has been left unverbalized. The directors have done an amazing job of researching Mongolian culture, society, social changes, etc. and show a true appreciation for Mongolia's heritage.

The directors use of a generally unexperienced cast, with the exception of a few of Mongolia's best, had astounding results. The actors who played the main characters Bagi and Zolzaya were flawless, especially considering they have never acted before.

Reading the synopsis and interviews with the directors afterwards may help some not familiar with Mongolia to better understand some of the deeper meaning and symbolism embedded in this film.

10 out of 10!