Wolf Totem (2015)

During China's Cultural Revolution, a young urban student is sent to live with Mongolian herders, where he adopts a wolf cub.

Director:

Jean-Jacques Annaud

Writers:

Jiang Rong (based on the novel by), Alain Godard (screenplay)

Stars:

Shaofeng Feng, Shawn Dou, Ankhnyam Ragchaa

19 wins & 16 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview:
Shaofeng Feng	...	Chen Zhen
Shawn Dou	...	Yang Ke
Ankhnyam Ragchaa	...	Gasma (as Ankhnyam Rachaa)
Zhusheng Yin	...	Bao Shunghi
Baasanjav Mijid	...	Bilig (as Basen Zhabu)
Gexige Baoyin	...	Batu (as Baoyingexige)
Tumenbayaer	...	Shartseren
Xilindule	...	Petit Bayar
Hai-Long Bao	...	Lamjav

Storyline

In 1967, a young Beijing student, Chen Zhen, is sent to live among the nomadic herdsmen of Inner Mongolia. Caught between the advance of civilization from the south and the nomads' traditional enemies - the marauding wolves - to the north; humans and animals, residents and invaders alike, struggle to find their true place in the world.

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Plot Keywords:

inner mongolia | wolf | china | tradition versus modernity | wolf cub | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for disturbing images and violence involving animals, and for brief sexuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

Shaofeng Feng fell from the horse in the first day of filming Wolf Totem (2015). During the film-making, he was also bitten or scratched by wolf occasionally.

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Connections

Referenced in At the Movies: Cannes Film Festival 2013 (2013)

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Soundtracks

Song Of Redemption
Composed by Yong Huang
Lyrics & Performed by Feng Wang

User Reviews

Destined for obscurity, but it deserves better

It saddens me that this film will not receive a wider audience. With an English title of "Wolf Totem" very few outside of France or China will be tempted to see it, but it is their loss.

Wolf Totem manages to bring to the big screen the majesty and mystery of wolves. But it is much more than a National Geographic or Animal Planet documentary. (Although those in themselves would be a great success.) It also invites us into the world of Inner Mongolia and tells a compelling tale of human love and loss. This is not Le Renard et L'infant (The Fox and the Child). It succeeds in telling a much grander tale. The acting is all very believable and unlike the usual over-the-top soap opera-esque fare available in most Chinese cinema.

But come for the wolves. I could howl their praises all night long.

Details

Official Sites:

Mars Distribution [France] Official Facebook

Country:

China France

Language:

Mandarin Mongolian

Release Date:

19 February 2015 (China)

Also Known As:

Wolf Totem

Filming Locations:

Xilingol Grassland, Inner Mongolia, China

Box Office

Budget:

$38,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$210,591

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$125,837,070

Company Credits

Production Co:

China Film Group Corporation (CFGC), Reperage, Beijing Forbidden City Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

121 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1