Norbu is a horse thief living in 1923 China. When he is caught stealing from the tribe, he, his wife and child, are exiled forever.
That has to be the shortest synopsis for a film on this entire blog. The narrative is very thin, and as the film progresses it gets further and further from 'an actual story'. There is no way of telling what time of day it is, how far these events occur apart, or even how far away these places are from each other. If it wasn't for the card in the introduction stating the year and place, it would be impossible to identify otherwise. 'The Horse Thief' truly feels like a film that could be set outside time and space.
The film focuses on man's interactions with nature, and man's belief of god. Being both primitive and religious, the film focuses on their basic human needs, while simultaneously questioning their existence. Nature is conveyed by the slaughter of animals, the vast landscapes, and the family's interaction with the countryside. Religion is conveyed through sacred objects/animals, ceremonies and society's view on existence. 'The Horse Thief' hits on something touching and profound, which few films manage to do.
It's a film which is quite unlike anything I've seen. It's great and refreshing in many aspects however the plot is confusing, the first child has an painfully high voice, and no characters are particularly likeable. The film is magnificent in beauty, and is not one to be missed, if solely for the strange journey it takes you on.
TO CONCLUDE
A weird but pleasing film, both primitive and near silent.
SCORE
75
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