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

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

Deep Cover (2025)

Plot Summary: An improv comedy teacher (Bryce Dallas Howard) and two of her students (Orlando Bloom, Nick Mohammed) are recruited by a corrupt cop (Sean Bean) to go undercover. They infiltrate London's criminal world, using their acting skills to catch a gang, only to find themselves deeper in danger and needing to improvise their way out. Director: Tom Kingsley Screenplay: Colin Trevorrow, Derek Connolly, Ben Ashenden, Alexander Owen Producers: Colin Trevorrow, Walter F. Parkes, Laurie MacDonald Music: Daniel Pemberton Cinematography: Will Hanke Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard as Kat Boyles Orlando Bloom as Marlon Swift Nick Mohammed as Hugh Sean Bean as DS Graham Billings Paddy Considine as Fly Ian McShane as Metcalfe Sonoya Mizuno as Shosh Studio / Distributor: Metronome Film Company, Parkes+MacDonald Image Nation / Amazon Prime Video ...
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

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

Moana 2 (2024)

Plot Summary: Moana, now a master wayfinder, sets sail with her new crew to restore the lost island Motufetu and reconnect ocean tribes. Directors: David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller Producers: Christina Chen, Yvett Merino (with Jennifer Lee credited on fandom) Screenplay: Written by Jared Bush & Dana Ledoux Miller; story by Bush, Miller & Bek Smith Starring (voice cast): Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana Dwayne Johnson as Maui Hualālai Chung as Moni Rose Matafeo as Loto David Fane as Kele Awhimai Fraser as Matangi Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Simea Alan Tudyk as Heihei Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui Nicole Scherzinger as Sina   ***SPOILER ALERT*** Back to the Ocean, But With Cautious Toes Saturday after lunch, full belly, and we hit play on Moana 2. If you’ve read my love letter to the first movie, you know it h...
Post a Comment
Click to read

Europe's Lithium Paradox (2025)

Plot Summary: This eye-opening documentary explores Europe's struggle to harness its own lithium resources for clean energy. Although rich in lithium reserves, the continent relies heavily on imports. The film examines environmental concerns, community resistance, and growing calls for sustainable and socially responsible mining practices. Director: Stijn van Baarle Presenter: Peter Tom Jones Production Company: Journeyman Pictures, Storyrunner, SIM² KU Leuven Runtime: 56 minutes Original Language: English Featuring: Peter Tom Jones (Self)   ***SPOILER ALERT*** First Impressions from the Portuguese Trenches Let me just say it straight: this documentary is a slap in the face. We’re being f*cked over. Our land, our hills, our Barroso, is getting auctioned off to some British company that plans to drill hole after miserable hole like it's a goddamn dartbo...
Post a Comment
Click to read