Happy People

Image courtesy filmschoolrejects.com

This is a documentary on the lives of people in Bakhtia, an area in Siberia. With a population of 300, and accessible only through helicopter and boat, its inhabitants are mostly trappers. Directed by Werner Herzog who also provides the voice over, we are taken through all seasons in this isolated, rugged, and merciless place. These are the people who have lived here for generations, and have learnt how to endure and survive in this almost inhospitable place. This is true Man Vs Wild. What is a telephone? What is the internet?

Gennady Solovyev  is the main character who we follow through most of the documentary. Gennady takes us through how he survives in this wilderness using the most basic of necessities and tools (most of which he builds from scratch). We go through one full year, observing Gennady go about his work .He chooses a tree, examines its fibers, deems it fit for building a ski and then chops it down. Using basic carpentry tools and techniques passed on for generations, he creates a pair of skis for his travels. Factory made ones will not last this place, he declares. We also understand how the Koolyomka works(a deadfall trap).

Building the Koolyomka

The age- old bond between dog and man is explored well here. "You are no hunter without your dog", says Gennady. And it rings very true. It is beautiful to observe these loyal beings work with man, as they have, for generations and generations. The images of Gennady's loyal dog making its way across the frozen nothingness, as Gennady makes his way home, will make a lasting impact.

Image courtesy fandor.com

It is also amazing to observe the hardened, man against the elements Gennady reminisce about a sad incident involving one of his dogs and a bear. Side topic: Do you know why dogs turn around in circles before lying down? Read this. More on dogs.

Gennady also becomes philosophical and bestows his wisdom of the ages to us, sometimes borne out of solitude and contemplation. Stripping out the nonsense, he declares that here, it is about who outsmarts whom.

There are moments of family time, and the celebration of Christmas, too. The stark reality of depression and alcoholism, which is a reality in these places is also presented, although briefly here.

Warner weaves this documentary around solitude, industry, resilience, fortitude, and the delicate balance between man and nature. Although I felt that the romance of happiness may not be adequately conveyed/ portrayed here, this is a good watch. The least we can do is to appreciate the ways of these people, and remind ourselves 'how much' is 'too much', and how our mindless ways are crippling the planet, like nothing else in the history of its existence.

*I do not own any of these images. All pictures courtesy their respective owners*


With Love, from Russia.