Gornyi luk

I find it quite hard (pun intended) to put this film in a particular box. Not being familiar with Kazakhstani cinema, I couldn't tell where it sits in that context. It's no doubt a comedy for the whole family, even though it handles the subject of sex quite directly. Then again, the playful way it does that is a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of modern Western material that is either much more heavy-handed or conversely rather prudish. This is more akin to a 1970s coming of age film, in that sense.

Bit of an enigma, this one. Harsh, somewhat impoverished surroundings are met with colorful, almost surreal costumes and scenery. Addresses serious subjects while still having a lightheartedness about it. As I said, hard to classify on multiple levels, but it fits together.

Good acting all around, nothing too pretentious, which is exactly why it works so well. All the kids come across really natural, so good directing. Esil Amantay stands out in particular.

The story is not too big and doesn't need to be; it's effective and entertaining. Some of it is a bit unbalanced, and the final resolution is not that easy to believe, which is my main gripe. However I thoroughly enjoyed this, and I left the cinema with a smile.