Mountain Patrol (Kekeexili)
Picture:
C+ Sound: B- Extras: C- Film: B-
Poachers
will kill as many animals as they can, no matter how endangered they become,
just to get their money. This too rarely
goes challenged, but in Lu Chang’s 2004 film Mountain Patrol (Kekeexili), they make the mistake of crossing the
sacred land of Kekeexili to hunt antelope.
Without even bothering to consult the Chinese Government, a group of
vigilante’s form a defense group to stop the poachers to the point of catching
and even killing them.
Of
course, there are the elements and how bad they can get, becoming an obstacle
that does not play favorites and will destroy anyone, man or animal. The story is told with the device of having a
reporter go in to find out what is happening for a story, but he too gets more
than he bargains for. Writer/director
Chang has heart, soul and patience with his actors and his script is more well
thought out than expected. The film has
great moments of silence and beauty, as well as brutality of all kinds. No less than National Geographic got involved
with Sony in backing and promoting this fine film. A fine film all around with Chang a promising
director to keep an eye on.
The
anamorphically enhanced 2.35 X 1 image is consistent, but has detail issues
throughout. However, color is consistent
and the print is a good one.
Cinematographer Cao Yu definitely shoots for a big screen presentation
without regard to lame home video needs.
It cannot escape the shadow of Lawrence
Of Arabia, but it does feel like we are somewhere we have not been
before. The Chinese and French Dolby
Digital 5.1 mix options are not bad, with subtle surrounds throughout and clear
dialogue. There are no extras except
previews for other Sony Pictures Classics releases on DVD.
- Nicholas Sheffo
