Skip to main content

Theme Week Wrap-Up (Week 17)

AI generated oil painting of a Golden Eagle in a barren landscape
Below you'll find the highlights of my week's cinematic journey through Kazakhstan, with a few unexpected detours along the way. I found myself amidst illegal migrants in Moscow and among Kazakh eagle hunters in Mongolia, yet I still made it to Almaty and passed through some of Kazakhstan's remote villages. I've enjoyed this trip immensely and would love to visit this country someday. The movies were decent—not all were amazing, but Tulpan stood out with its unique atmosphere and unforgettable shots you won't find anywhere else. I still have a few more films on my list, so this trip might continue. We'll see. On with the movies!

Ayka (2018)is a harrowing and raw portrayal of an illegal immigrant's desperate struggle to survive in the brutal winter of Moscow. The film's gritty realism and unflinching depiction of poverty and resilience may leave a lasting impact on the viewers.

Racketeer (2007)takes you into the gritty underworld of post-Soviet Kazakhstan, following the rise of a young man in a world of crime. With stylish shots and intense moments, it offers a unique glimpse into the Kazakh gangster scene.

The Wounded Angel (2016) presents a bleak yet poignant exploration of the lives of four boys in a rural Kazakh village. The film's slow pace and stark visuals create a meditative atmosphere that reflects the harsh realities of life in post-Soviet Kazakhstan.

The Eagle Huntress (2016) is a visually stunning documentary that follows a young Kazakh girl in Mongolia as she breaks barriers to become the first female eagle hunter in her family. Despite its breathtaking scenery, the film's authenticity has been questioned, which might distract some viewers.

Tulpan (2008) offers a captivating glimpse into nomadic life on the Kazakh steppe, blending humor, tragedy, and breathtaking cinematography. The film’s charm lies in its realistic portrayal of a young man’s quest to find love and purpose in a harsh and remote environment.

Below you can find the 5 movies rated from best to worst. Click on the image for the review.

Have a great weekend everybody!
Tulpan movie review
Tulpan (2006) - My Score: 85/100
Ayka Movie Review
Ayka (2018) - My Score: 66/100
Racketeer movie review
Racketeer (2007) - My Score: 63/100
The Wounded Angel Movie Review
The Wounded Angel (2016) - My Score: 58/100
The Eagle Huntress Movie Review
The Eagle Huntress (2016) - My Score: 56/100


Scene of the Week - From Tulpan

Song of the Week - From Racketeer


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Frank Oz: From Worst to Best

I've finished my Frank Oz filmography a while back and hadn't had the time to post here the rank and some thoughts about his work. Let's try to refresh my memory and give you some of my opinions... man. Frank Oz is a true legend. At 81, he's not just a brilliant filmmaker but also a puppeteer and writer whose characters, from the Muppets to Sesame Street, have touched countless lives. His directing career is full of outstanding, entertaining movies; out of 14 films, there's really only one rotten apple in the bunch. I'm not sure if he's planning to make any more movies, but I'd love to see him try his hand at a serious drama, just to see him flex a different creative muscle. I wouldn't like to be that famous, I value my privacy. Mind you, Miss Piggy enjoys every moment of it. If it were not for me, she would spend all her time in the limelight. Frank OZ This is his entire fi...
Post a Comment
Click to read

Friendship (2024)

Plot Summary: Suburban dad Craig Waterman (Tim Robinson) becomes obsessed with new neighbor Austin Carmichael (Paul Rudd). A quirky bromance spirals into a cringe-filled, emotional unraveling as Craig struggles with boundaries and rejection. Director & Writer: Andrew DeYoung Producer(s): Raphael Margules, J.D. Lifshitz, Johnny Holland, Nick Weidenfeld Music: Keegan DeWitt Cinematography: Andy Rydzewski Editing: Sophie Corra Starring: Tim Robinson as Craig Waterman Paul Rudd as Austin Carmichael Kate Mara as Tami Waterman Jack Dylan Grazer as Steven Waterman Josh Segarra, Billy Bryk, Jason Veasey and others   ***SPOILER ALERT*** A Wild Ride into Unhinged Genius Alright, instant noodles, shrimp flavor, done. Now for the actual love letter to Friendship, that magnificent, fucked-up black comedy that quite literally brought Tim R...
Post a Comment
Click to read

Straw (2025)

Plot Summary: Janiyah Wiltkinson (Taraji P. Henson), a desperate single mother of a seriously ill daughter, spirals through eviction, job loss, and tragedy in one catastrophic day. In a last-ditch attempt to get medicine, she starts a bank standoff — but a shocking twist reveals her daughter actually died hours earlier, and Janiyah has been dissociating from reality. Eventually, with support from a bank manager and detective, she surrenders peacefully amid growing public sympathy. Director & Writer: Tyler Perry Producer(s): Tyler Perry Cinematography: Justyn Moro Music: Dara Taylor Editing: Nick Coker Cast: Taraji P. Henson as Janiyah Wiltkinson Sherri Shepherd as Nicole (bank manager) Teyana Taylor as Detective Raymond Sinbad as Benny Glynn Turman as Richard (Janiyah’s boss) Rockmond Dunbar as Chief Wilson Ashley Versher as Tessa  ...
Post a Comment
Click to read

The Shrouds (2024)

Plot Summary: Tech entrepreneur Karsh (Vincent Cassel) creates a system—GraveTech—that lets mourners watch their loved ones decompose in real time. After some shrouds are mysteriously hacked and vandalized, he digs into a disturbing cyber conspiracy involving grief, surveillance, and obsession. Director & Writer: David Cronenberg Producer(s): Saïd Ben Saïd, Martin Katz, Anthony Vaccarello Music: Howard Shore Cinematography: Douglas Koch Editing: Christopher Donaldson Starring: Vincent Cassel as Karsh Diane Kruger as Becca / Terry / Hunny Guy Pearce as Maury Sandrine Holt as Soo‑Min ***SPOILER ALERT*** The Return of Cronenberg… and Preset C F: Guess who's back? After a 10-year hiatus on this blog, Preset C is joining us to review the latest Cronenberg movie, The Shrouds. And you know what else is coming back with him? So...
Post a Comment
Click to read

Mountainhead (2025)

Plot Summary: Four ultra‑rich tech moguls retreat to a secluded mountain estate as a global AI‑triggered crisis unravels. Their poker weekend turns into a sickening display of arrogance, panic, and slapstick betrayal as they scramble to save face, fortune, and friends. Director & Writer: Jesse Armstrong Music: Nicholas Britell Cinematography: Marcel Zyskind Editor: Mark Davies, Bill Henry Starring: Steve Carell as Randall Garrett Jason Schwartzman as Hugo "Souper" Van Yalk Cory Michael Smith as Venis "Ven" Parish Ramy Youssef as Jeff Abredazi   ***SPOILER ALERT*** First Impressions: Tech Titans and Tedium Okay, another fresh pick! This time, an HBO movie with Steve Carell and Jason Schwartzman, and two other guys I honestly couldn’t name. After peeking at the trailer, I thought Mountainhead might be fun and interesting. The...
Post a Comment
Click to read

Echo Valley (2025)

Plot Summary: Grieving widow Kate Garrett (J. Moore) struggles to keep her Pennsylvania horse farm afloat after losing her wife. When her estranged, drug-addicted daughter Claire (S. Sweeney) returns bloodied and in distress, a gripping thriller unfolds as Kate fights to protect her child, confronting escalating danger, moral dilemmas, and the lengths a mother will go to save her kids. Director: Michael Pearce Screenplay: Brad Ingelsby Producers: Brad Ingelsby, Ridley Scott, Michael Pruss, Kevin J. Walsh Music: Jed Kurzel Cinematography: Benjamin Kračun Starring: Julianne Moore as Kate Garrett Sydney Sweeney as Claire Garrett Domhnall Gleeson as Jackie Kyle MacLachlan as Richard Garrett Fiona Shaw as Jessie Oliver Edmund Donovan as Ryan   ***SPOILER ALERT*** Cheese, Wine and Echo Valley Alright, so picture this. It’s a ...
Post a Comment
Click to read