The Story of the Weeping Camel
by Byambasuren Davaa, Luigi Falorni
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Amgaabazar Gonson, Chimed Ohin, Ikhbayar Amgaabazar, Janchiv Ayurzana, Zeveljamz NyamDirector: Byambasuren Davaa, Luigi Falorni
Brand: NEW Line Home Video
Writer: Byambasuren Davaa
Writer: Luigi Falorni
Producer: Benigna von Keyserlingk
Producer: Claudia Gladziejewski
Producer: Evi Stangassinger
Writer: Batbayar Davgadorj
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); English (Dubbed)
Format: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Surround Sound, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.77:1
Running Time: 87 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-01-25
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: New Line Home Video
Movie Reviews of The Story of the Weeping Camel
Movie Review: The Harsh Reality of the Gobi Desert with Poignant Solution
Summary: 5 Stars
A visual impression of the environment in the southern Mongolian Gobi desert would be a sandy foreground with tall mountains in the far horizon topped with an endless blue sky. Storms appear with short notice and without consideration of the people inhabiting the desert. Populations in this remote location, where modern technology and monetary system do not apply, must find alternative means for continued existence. Sheep farming and camel breeding are the main means of trade as the earth is too exhausted to farm. The comfort of continual running water or electricity available from the flip of a switch is something of a fantasy. Despite these hardships, the people of the Gobi desert remain in this harsh environment living by their ancient traditions, which the elderly pass down to younger generations.
The Italian, Luigi Falorni, and Mongolian, Byambasuren Davaa, filmmaker with German film background ventured to the unsympathetic land of the Gobi desert where they intended to capture the truth of the people living in this sandy place. The two filmmakers began their shooting in the spring, after the severe winter, as they decided on capturing the life of a family consisting of four different generations living together in a couple of tent-like structures. Daily chores around their home are being immortalized by the camera, which depicts a life style with very little external stimuli. All members of the family tend to the sheep and camels, as children are taught from an early age to help with the chores. Several situations display the family members' awareness of nature's phenomenon, as they have to handle camel births and prepare for stormy weather.
Unintentionally, Falorni and Davaa stumble upon a spectacular story, which they were fortunate to transmit to the world through their documentary. The story within the documentary begins at the end of a camel birthing season when one of the camels, Ingen Temee, rejects its white offspring, Botok, after a two day long labor. Images of other camels embracing their young colts pass on the affectionate nature of the camels, which increases the emotional pain depicted as Ingen Temee rejects Botok. The little white colt is in constant hunger as the mother refuses to let him feed, which will cause much sadness among the viewers. However, to the people of Gobi desert the camel has more than affectionate value. The value of the camel is illustrated the use of the camel, as the camel provides transportation, milk, rope, and even toys for children. In essence, the camel is a means of survival. In order to prevent the young colt from dying the family decides to send Dude, a young teen, and his much younger brother, Ugna, on a 50 kilometer journey on camel to return with a violinist in order to hold a old traditional ceremony.
The journey for the violinist turns out to be an eye-boggling adventure for Ugna, as he discovers the wonders of television. Ugna cannot take his eyes off this square piece of technology that he discovered at some close neighbors home, a days camel ride away. When the two brothers continue to their destination Ugna asks Dude what a television would cost. Dude responds, "about 50 sheep, but then you would also need electricity." This displays the authenticity of the story and the value system by which they live.
Eventually the two boys return from their long journey, which leads the viewers to one of the most amazing events in history where the power of music will carry over to another species. This leaves the viewer wondering over the scientific approach to the world. However, it also brings a warm and poignant feeling that remains within the audience long after the film is over.
The Story of the Weeping Camel is in some aspects a dreary cinematic experience, but it has to be slow and monotonous compared to western living. As mentioned before, very little external stimuli is provided to the people in the film. The only means of communication with the outside world is a battery-operated radio, which does not work through most of the film, as they do not have batteries. In the stillness and the seemingly endless desert the audience will experience a truly genuine culture. This culture sheds some light on our high-technological society, as it probably will make most of the viewers feel a little embarrassed about our daily complaints when the cable does not work, or if electricity is accidentally shut off.
Summary of The Story of the Weeping Camel
STORY OF THE WEEPING CAMEL - DVD MovieThis breathtaking blend of documentary and fiction filmmaking provides an unobtrusive glimpse into the relationships, rituals, and livelihood of a four-generation family of nomadic shepherds in the Gobi desert of South Mongolia. It is birthing season for the family?s herd of camels and after several healthy foals are born, the last birth is difficult. With quiet perseverance, the family helps to deliver a rare white colt, which the mother camel quickly rejects and refuses to nurse. With growing concern for the colt?s survival, the family decides to employ a nomadic singing ritual to coax the mother into nurturing her young. They send the two eldest sons on a journey to the nearest village to fetch a musician for the "hoos ritual." The story unfolds gently, sensitive to the rhythms of desert life while honoring its real-life actors. This modest yet magnificent film is the graduation project of film students Byambasuren Davaa and Luigi Falorni, extending beyond the tale of a camel and colt to explore the fragility and beauty of an ancient way of life. Rated PG for some mild thematic content. (Ages 8 and older) --Lynn Gibson
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