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Nomad the Warrior
Reviewed by Aly Weisman (July 2007)
Directors: Sergei Bodrov, Ivan Passer
Starring: Jay Hernandez, Kuno Becker, Jason Scott Lee
Studio: Ibrus, Weinstein Company
Had anyone ever heard of the nation Kazakhstan before Sacha Baron Cohen so famously made fun of it in his hit 2006 film, Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan? What Borat did to embarrass Kazakhstan, Nomad the Warrior has done to attempt to reclaim the nation's dignity.
Beautifully set in the desert territory bordering China and Russia in the 1700s, Nomad the Warrior is the epic tale of Mansur (Kuno Becker), a prophet child born to fight for and unite the Kazakh tribes against the fierce Jungar tribe from Mongolia. As Mansur grows up under the guidance of Oraz the Wise (Jason Scott Lee), he becomes the strongest warrior, followed closely in competitive camaraderie by his best friend, Erali (Jay Hernandez). Complications arise when the friends fall in love with the same girl, and both quietly fight for her affection while battling the enemy.
Based on a true time in history, Nomad the Warrior is full of battle scenes. Although they often look staged, have sound affects that sometimes seem misguided, and rely on slow motion and montage editing to convey the depth of a battle, this film will be a treat for die-hard action fans. The love story is enough to also keep non-fight fans intrigued as is the emotional sub-plot of a brave warrior who doesn't have the courage to say "I love you."
The actors give both the emotional and physical scenes their all, and do a good job of establishing relationships and motivation when it is missing from the script. The young actors are as pleasing to the eye as the sprawling desert landscape. With beautiful cinematography, glowing sunsets and sharp moonlight, chiseled features abound.
The film's plotline might not always make sense, but the truly epic tale whose universal themes of brotherhood, betrayal, love and family pack the picture with punch. Is it enough to restore pride to the Kazakh nation? If the answer lies in watching a protagonist avoid thousands of arrows while upside-down on a horse at full gallop, then maybe. Ultimately, though, the glorious nation may still be in need of something else to "make benefit." |
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