OK, so I didn’t actually make any resolutions at all about film watching, but I feel like writing about it, so I will.
Tulpan is a Kazakh/Russian/German/Polish/Swiss/Italian production about a young man, Asa, returning to the Kazakh Hunger Steppe after a spell in the Russian Navy. In order to fulfil his dream of becoming a herder with his own flock and white yurt complete with satellite TV, Asa must woo literally the only girl for miles around – the eponymous Tulpan. Unfortunately, she doesn’t like his big ears. Or something.
As far as plots go, that’s about it. Not much to write home about. But despite, or perhaps because of, the lack of a substantial plot, I really enjoyed this film. For me, it was intensely evocative. There were lots of long, uncut scenes, focussing on showing the landscape, the animals, the way of life and the family relationships. All uncrowded by extraneous dialogue, complex plots or fast paced action. And it was this, that drew me in. It also allowed me to relate to the characters as people, rather than plot devices, and by the end of the film I felt real sympathy for all of them.
If you’re squeamish about animal husbandry and bodily functions, this might not be a film for you. If you can’t bear foreign language films (the film is in Russian and Kazakh, I watched it subbed into English), this film won’t be for you. If you crave exciting action sequences and thrilling, twisting plots, this film won’t be for you. But if you want to spend some time out seeing the beauty of the Steppe and almost feeling like you’re there, living among the characters, go for it. You won’t be disappointed.
My 2011 Resolutions 