Posts Tagged ‘kazakhstan’

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September 22nd, 2008

Movie Review: Nomad

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008

This week as part of my research I rented the movie Nomad (2005). Starring Kuno Becker and Jay Hernandez, the movie presents a fictionalized historical epic about the formation of Kazakhstan. Under threat from hostile Jungar (Dzunghar) tribes in the 17th century, the native Kazakhs must band together to repel the invasion. A boy saved from death becomes the legendary Ablai Khan destined to unite the Kazakh tribes against their enemy.

Heavily subsidized by the Kazakh government in hopes of a Braveheart-style success, the movie falls short of its grand intentions. It still manages to entertain, however with several scenes of superior Kazakh horsemanship and sword battles. The production is slick and professional, and it should be noted that there are no computer effects used in this film. The vast battle scenes are filmed entirely through the use of extras. It recieved an “R” rating mostly due to a lot of sword slashing, stabbing, and one lost head. I watched it using subtitles and enjoyed the pleasing sounds of the Kazakh language, which is most closely related to Turkish. But unless you’re really into the history of Kazakhstan, it would be hard to recommend this film. Unfortunate because Kazakhstan desperately needs some good PR after the disaster of Borat. View a trailer of the movie here.

Note: Don’t confuse Kazakh with Cossack.

MDR

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The Amazing Race in Kazakhstan

Sunday, November 16th, 2008

Tonight the show The Amazing Race visited Kazakhstan! There were many opportunities for contestants to sample local culture, including a traditional meal, a meeting with Mongol warriors, and a demonstration of traditional Kazakh eagle hunting. However, as usual, the racers are all too focused on winning the money to truly connect with the culture. And as is characteristic of this show there was also a display of American ugliness, with contestants staggering about complaining about a lack of English speakers when they can’t get directions. Then of course they all chose to do something ridiculous like walk through town in a cow suit rather than learn to play a traditional Kazakh instrument. It’s almost painful to watch this show sometimes. Is it just me? The segment is sure to be posted soon at the official website if you are interested in a somewhat farcical taste of Kazakh culture.

MDR

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