Svet-Ake (2010) Reviews

• The movie is far better than its negative comments

  diane-342017-07-09

  Diane and I just viewed this marvellous film from Kyrgyzstan and although it was simple by Hollywood standards it was infinitely more engrossing. No, The Light Thief has nothing that would hold the interest of a pre-adolescent; it is a caring, sensitive film that delves into a number of human emotions that are far too deep for Hollywood script writers. I must allow my comments to end at this point because of the simplicity of the script; the script is simple not because it is childish, no it is infinitely more profound than my simple words can explain. In fact, the script éxplores complex issues that are beyond that which Western viewers are comfortable. These issues are not complex but they demand a degree of appreciation that overly sophisticated audiences today are, perhaps, incapable.

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• Disappointing and depressing

  samradion2012-01-07

  I bought this after having read the write-up and back of the box expecting an uplifting, humorous and heartwarming tale. It is none of these things. The film carries on at a slow pace and gets progressively darker. Just when you think it's all going to turn around and have a positive ending it pulls the rug out from under you and ends on an extremely miserable and unpleasant note. If the back of the box said "an exploration of the futility of existence in impoverished Kyrgyzstan" You would at least know what you were getting. All that stuff in the write-up about light love and laughter is not really true as the ending of this film smashes any of the humanity that goes before it. If I'd had a better expectation of the film I probably would have enjoyed it more but it's practically sold as a comedy and is in fact a tragedy.

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• Simple but effective modern day parable from Kyrgyzstan

  t-dooley-69-3869162016-01-17

  Made in 2010 this is a simple story off good versus evil. An electrician in a windswept village in Kyrgyzstan is known as 'Mr Light' as he brings light where there is darkness. The only thing is that everyone seems to be dirt poor and so can not afford the high energy prices. So he just connects them up and then the electricity company gets miffed and he loses his job. Mixed up we have corrupt politics, exploitation and friends who are only out to abuse trust. This is written, directed and starring Aktan Arym Kubat who is very effective and brings the mild mannered electrician to fully realised life. Now this is slow in places and is not a 'feel good' movie but it does have its moments and is one of those films where it about the journey and not the destination; and at 76 minutes it does not really out stay its welcome but will not be to everyone's taste and is one where you will not get any more on repeated viewings so one for the rental option I would suggest.

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