WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Coping with impairment. We are never prepared to handle that which comes along and drastically impacts our ability to carry out even the most basic of daily functions, especially physically, if the means to do so are suddenly, unexpectedly ripped away from us. Far too easy to enter into supposition that “nothing bad will ever happen to me”, the potential realities otherwise loom large whether we acknowledge it or not. Therefore, if such circumstance arises, will we deal with it in denial, or find a way to rise above it? In a remote Himalayan village, there resides a vibrant girl named Chuskit (Jigmet Dewa Lhamo). Full of youthful vigor, she only longs to enjoy every day that which she’s been blessed with through her family.
However, on a trip out and about, the unpredictable occurs in the form of an accident that ultimately leaves her crippled and unable to walk. With such a radical change in her very existence now becoming her actuality, Chuskit still strives to seek going to school and hanging with her friends Angmo (Stanzin Ngidon) and Deskit (Stanzin Igda). While her doting but concerned parents Sonam (SS Wangchuk) and Tsering (Yanchen Dolma) plus her brother Stobdan (Padma Chospel) cultivate hope that their daughter and sister will indeed accomplish a successful return to school despite her condition, Chuskit’s highly traditional grandfather Dorje (Morup Namgyal) has other, restrictive notions and hesitations. Willful and frustrated, Chuskit aims to conquer all doubts and inspire a village to unite.
Next, my Mind:
Another wonderfully family-friendly feature film making its Texas premier at the 2019 Dallas Fort Worth South Asian Film Festival sponsored by Toyota USA, this magnificently enthralling indie effort from writer/director Priya Ramasubban soars smoothly upon the wings of smile-inducing, feel-good whimsey, engaging character development, and impactful human drama in sharing a narrative about one young girl’s journey of re-discovery, physical challenge, and the ongoing battle between those immersed in old school heritage and tradition vs. those who have more progressive minds when it comes to her goal to be as normal as possible despite the unforeseen events that have landed her in a state of disability. Brought about by true events based on conversations Ramasubban had with her own sister Vidya, who worked in Ladakh for 10 years and was integral in seeing a 9-year old child named Sonam with cerebral palsy find a new means to get to school across the unforgiving Himalayan terrain, the story is a tale of overcoming the odds, bucking cultural norms, convincing doubters of what is possible, relying on those who support us to step up, and finding the way to bring about changes that not only benefit us, but all those around us.
This critic really never grows tired of themes such as these getting explored in film, especially when executed with the gorgeous precision and quality presented here, as in this day and age of so much disorder and overt turmoil, it’s refreshing to take in a film that doesn’t weigh you down, but rather lifts you up and reminds you that there actually IS hope and positive happenings out there, more so ones that spring from initially hard circumstances as is depicted here. Additionally, I admire that the film doesn’t just let the good things come about without there being expected obstacles along the way for the character of Chuskit to encounter, as it only makes her take that much more realistic and believable. We’ve all faced, in some form, someone who had old school concepts to insert into a situation we’re in while perhaps ourselves and others have more contemporary mindsets that clash with them. Yet, it becomes the beauty of reconciliation, realization, acceptance of new truths and, in the end, the power and strength of unconditional love, family, and community bonds that win out, giving the film its heartwarming, happy tear-inducing finale. It’s simply grounded in this thing we call life, which by far is not always smooth or unfolding they way we desire. But, finding the best ways through it transcend the difficulties and can alter our own lives and those of anyone else in our sphere of influence.
Visually, the film is shot with intent and purpose in embracing not just the characters themselves, but fully encompassing the raw natural splendor of the Himalayas and the surrounding countryside. It’s truly breathtaking and honestly made me want to move there, with the majestic mountains, pristine skies, clear streams, and other magical vistas we are treated to. Now, there is also the reality of how harsh and literally uneven the land can be, portrayed in the challenges of Chuskit being able to return to school while being wheelchair bound. The equally well produced theme music from Mathias Duplessy adds its flowing tones to the visuals here as well. We come to the true gem of this film next, though, via the film debut of its bubbly, glowingly charismatic lead actress Lhamo in the role of Chuskit, a young girl so filled with the joy of life and the love of family who finds herself in an unanticipated state of being after an accident causes her to lose the use of her legs. Now having no choice but to be stuck inside the family home with the only primary company being her orthodox grandfather who sees her future as he believes is best, resistant to any other changes Chuskit’s family would aim to provide her to improve things and get her more involved again in school, with friends, and in life. Becoming more and more frustrated and insistent in her own wishes, Chuskit finds some temporary relief in the efforts put forth by her parents, industrious brother, and the local doctor to get her out of the house. As events come to a head, it turns into a totally amazing series of proactive unity that sees Chuskit’s joy return in spades and bring new elation to a society. Lhamo is so endearing, energetic, emotive, and convincing, honestly stealing every scene she’s in with a winning smile and personality.
Primary co-starring roles come from Namgyal as Chuskit’s opinionated, dogmatic, borderline domineering at times grandfather Dorje, who is truly coming from a place of unquestionable love and genuine care for Chuskit, but is stuck in old ways that aren’t translating to the modern age his granddaughter resides in, nor really “seeing” how the circumstances she faces are effecting her dreams and desires, Wangchuk as Chuskit’s hard-working father Sonam who only wishes to see his daughter excel in spite of her handicap, Dolman as Chuskit’s mother Tsering who has more than her fair share of confrontations and arguments with Dorje about Chuskit’s needs, Chospel as Chuskit’s brother who becomes paramount in helping his sister realize a way to get out of the home and experience life again, and Satyadeep Misra as Chuskit’s doctor Ahmad who also becomes instrumental in seeing Chuskit freed from her 4-walled “prison”. Additional appearances come from Ngidon and Igda as Chuskit’s best friends Angmo and Deskit, who dutifully stand by their friend throughout her state of affairs, and Tsetan Angchok as a family neighbor Norbu, who acts as a perfect foil to Dorje’s stubbornness when dealing with his ideas about Chuskit’s care.
In total, “Chuskit” is one of those indie film projects that is very much classified as a “must-see” for its positive messages, realistic tone and execution, perfectly shot visuals, and depth of humanity that it portrays that is, as stated above, so needed currently. It should also be a beacon of awareness for all of us to realize the ongoing needs of the disabled across the globe, to focus even more on helping make their lives just as fulfilling as anyone else’s, and simply to show them they aren’t alone or forgotten. In the context of this film, we’ve all heard the concept of “it takes a village…”, but sometimes, it only takes on inspiring soul to invoke change that benefits all and the compassionate understanding given in return to see it through.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
