WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
If someone tell you something is not attainable, how does that move you inside? Does it cause you to retreat further into a shell where the sense of uselessness dwells, or does it motivate you to push that much harder to show that you have exactly what it takes to accomplish the impossible? Deep in Mongolia, the vast open steppes and monolithic peaks of the Altai Mountains contain such an individual, but not in the form one would normally expect, given the monumental undertaking that lies ahead. Her name is Aisholpan Nurgaiv, a plucky 13-year old girl who has but one dream–to become something traditionally reserved for men, passed down for generations from father to son–to become an Eagle Hunter.
The people of this region utilize majestic Golden Eagles that nest on the rocky hillsides making up the foothills of the Altai Mountain range to hunt for the much needed meat and fur the land can provide via fox and hare. To the hesitations and mostly flat out naysaying from the elders in her village, Aisholpan’s intrepid father, an Eagle Hunter trained by his father, takes it upon himself to teach his eager young daughter how to master one of the most revered skills the Mongol people know. From learning the basics using her father’s eagle, gaining ownership of her own, taking on every challenge in order to compete in the yearly tournament that determines the region’s best Eagle Hunter, to her first actual hunt, Aisholpan’s desire and fortitude are tested to their limits.
Next, my Mind:
Director/producer Otto Bell’s beautifully shot, pathos-filled, wonderfully inspirational documentary soars high on wings as strong and wide as the storied raptors the narrative boasts, while presenting the equally moving story of one young girl’s undying and determined quest to become the very first female Eagle Hunter in the history of the skill in Mongolia. The arid, sweeping landscapes of the Summer plains ultimately give way to the harsh, bitterly cold, snow and ice covered Winter mountainsides that make up the hunting grounds for these hearty Mongolian tribes, and viewing these breathtaking vistas only enhances the natural grace, powerful demeanor, and commanding presence the Golden Eagles embody, even as the innocent warmth in spirit and fervent dedication of a young girl aiming to defy all odds and overcome all doubts melts your heart throughout the film. This is a connection with nature to a truly amazing degree.
Thanks as well to the narration presented by “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” star Daisy Ridley, the 87-minutes taken by this project passes by with brisk, entertaining, awe-inspiring ease. As hinted above, the cinematography is incredible here, showcasing the Altai Mountain region with intent and visual prowess, lending such an indelible scope to Aisholpan’s tale. Her girlish smile and playful attitude often belies the sudden amount of seriousness she musters when it comes to all the lessons she needs to undertake in order to be what she so strongly seeks after, and it is no small thing to see her stand tall amidst men who believe she has no chance to succeed. Witnessing a proud father’s reaction to her success is also so greatly endearing. Then, there are the eagles themselves, and to view these gorgeous birds in action alone would be worth the film.
In total, “The Eagle Huntress” is a must-see documentary project in that, again, it is a poignant example of what can be accomplished when you put your mind to a goal, are willing to go at it wholeheartedly, and totally defy all the notions from others that what you seek cannot be done. It’s the triumph of the human spirit paired with the unmatched beauty of one of nature’s most elegant creatures.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
