Kelin (2009)

A feature film from Kazakhstan that tells a story without words. There’s some shamanistic chanting, but it’s not dialogue in the traditional sense and it’s not subtitled, because its function is clear. Dir. Ermek Tursunov uses film's unique ability to communicate in a way that can be silent without being taciturn, quiet yet simultaneously bursting with meaning.
On the surface it’s the tale of a woman, but in reality it’s the tale of all humanity. Whether beautifully adorned or stripped naked she embodies the human soul laid bare, characterised by compassion and need.
The instrumentation that accompanies the age-old drama includes throat singing, wind instruments, chimes and Jew’s harp. It adds an evocative and complementary aura to the mesmerizing imagery.
There’s some customs that I could only guess at the meaning of, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment of the whole. Kelin is something special.

4 cold distances out of 5