This Chinese film is one that I found featured in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, obviously I never knew anything about it before reading the book, but it was rated well by critics, I hoped it would be another worthy title from it. Basically in Tibet, Norbu (Rigzin Tseshang) is a devout Buddhist, the only way he can support his wife Dolma (Jiji Dan) and their child Tashi (Jamco Jayang) is to be a highwayman, stealing horses. He is charged with stealing from the temple, inexplicable as he gives a lot of his money to them, he and his family are banished. Reduced to poverty and marginalized, Norbu and his family are forced to struggle against the harsh terrain and the elements of the desert landscape. There is nothing they can do for their beloved son when he becomes deathly ill, Tashi dies of a fever, and Norbu is repenting. But he is given a purpose when Dolma gives birth to a second son, he focuses all his attention to keeping them alive, he attempts to seek re-admission to the clan for his wife and child. Also starring Daiba as Granny, Drashi as Grandfather and Gaoba as Nowre. Director Tian Zhuangzhuang has good cinematic technique, the film has hardly any foreign dialogue, only small exchanges, most of the film is made up of images of the Tibetan plains, the horse stealing, indigenous animals, and colourful tribal traditions and activities, it is a surprisingly interesting drama. Good!
Review of The Horse Thief
