Wo der Himmel die Erde berührt (2000)

Director:

Frank Müller

Writer:

Frank Müller (writer)

Release Date:

23 March 2000 (Germany)

Genre:

Documentary

Plot:

Documentary feature about Kyrgyzstan, the home of the poet Tschingis Aitmatov and his characters, encounters with nomads, kyrgyzsian traditions and the impressive scenery. |

Awards:

2 wins & 1 nomination

Also Known As:

Where the Sky Meets the Land (USA)

Runtime:

USA:85 min

Country:

Germany

Language:

English | Kyrgyz

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Germany:6

Filming Locations:

Kyrgyzstan

Carefully paced documentary brings you to a culture in flux.

I saw this with English sub-titles, and with the translated title, "Where The Sky Meets the Land". This is not a fast moving movie, but the pace is exactly correct for entering these people's word. Having never been to Kirgizstan (or any place like it), I found the vistas both breathtaking to see and interesting to consider.

Nothing is blatantly explained. The audience witnesses daily life, and that is that. An example is a scene of a young boy going through a ritual marking the end of infancy. We see the toddler brought forward with his legs tied (much in the manner that the animals are hobbled). At the appropriate point in the ceremony, the ropes are severed, and the toddler is run around to all the people -- free for the first time to walk among them (though too young to be quite capable of doing so on his own). To the film makers' credit, the audience can tell exactly what is happening, and no commentary is given nor needed.

Without announcing any agenda, the film allows you to witness a whole culture undergoing change after remaining static for centuries. We see how the influence of the West affects the herdsmen/women. The West brings a new way of life, and frees one from following herds with their collapsible yurts (round tent-like structures), but also has negatives.

The movie did convey an opinion, but did so quietly. The viewer is generally left to find their own meaning from the elements that the film makers chose to give us. The movie's lack of preachiness and gorgeous camera work get my hearty approval.