The Eagle Huntress

Every not and then even in these times of made up stuff and the same actors playing many parts there comes a real story with real people. An absolutely beautiful movie that brought tears to my eyes from the first scene. This movie makes Falcon hunting look like a baby sport. Some of the greatest animals in the world the Eagles used to hunt in Mongolia. A tradition going back centuries that is for men only. And a young girl comes up and proves she is as good as the men. A progressive society in Mongolia that perhaps many other countries should mimic. The music by Sia I will never forget and the moral I will try to remember forever. Take heart, let your senses soar and enjoy this great movie.

The Eagle Huntress is a true soul candy. An inspiring story beautifully filmed. It is very interesting to see how different life is in the Altai mountains, unaffected by time and the modern world and yet, the people seem to be happy and get by despite living in harsh conditions. It is also the story of hope, dreams and change of tradition. A young girl who wishes to become the first eagle huntress and breaks traditions that are hundreds of years old. Her loving father fully supports here on her journeys and the bond between them is truly touching. It would be a shame to lose more words over it since it would be best if you start watching it a soon as possible. You will not regret it.

The subject of this documentary is Aisholpan Nurgaiv: a thirteen-year old girl from a nomadic, indigenous family in Mongolia. Her family, like others in her community, maintain a tradition in teaching the male members to capture a young eagle and train it to hunt for food and fur for the family. Aisholpan has an usually high interest and an inherent talent for such ventures herself thereby being the only known female in her community to ask to follow the path of the male lineage.

The sunny, winter mountainous scenery are a joy to the eye. Stunning vistas and aerial views are a gift to the viewer who can see the beauty without having to feel the cold temperatures.

The narrative of the documentary is pleasing though it has only minimal conflict and struggle (mostly against nature). In some ways, it is predictable. The final song to conclude the film is beautiful. But to choose it to round out this film seems to trivialize the experience through the perspective of western feminism. The movie is so much more than that.

The film is mostly a special father-daughter bonding experience. Aisholpan's amiable personality wins over her father, her community, and the audience. In fact, her father's support - and those of other family members - are paramount in her ability to break with tradition and do it so well. She never needs to be pushy, rebellious or troublesome. Her serenity is as much a strength as her abilities in eagle-training and hunting. This is seen in her day-to-day interactions at school and at home.

The special bond between the two is best seen when they are riding side-by-side on horseback each holding their hunting eagles on their right arm. The horses are riding in perfect unison. Add that to the magnificent background and it's a vision that's unforgettable. - dbamateurcritic

Beyond the story, which is one of the most moving and inspiring ones that I've seen in a very long time, the photography and music took this movie to a level of perfection! You could hear everyone in the audience laugh, hold their breath and applaud throughout the movie. I think this film should be shown in every school. Both girls and boys will be empowered by this movie. They will be riveted to their seat. Everyone, no matter how confident, will feel inspired to do more, try more, reach higher. The innate bravery of this young girl and her belief that anything is possible, mixed with a father's complete support and love for his child is moving, exciting and was a very special experience. Please do not miss Eagle Huntress.

What can I say more than the reviewer/user prior? This is truly a wonderful film. I saw it on the last day of our International Film Festival and somehow the word must have 'got around' as the cinema was well filled! As the previous writer noted, the relationship between the locals and the film-makers must have been excellent. I noted carefully the credits on its conclusion and most seem to be Euro/Anglo names - again interesting, that alone adds credit.

The blurbs prior made much of the negative attitudes of the traditional people, but a tremendous joy of this film is that the father was totally behind and with his 13-yr old all the way. The empathy and shared loved of the task and each other was greatly inspiring. He was a tremendous teacher. The context of the piece with its daily and dramatic challenges with almost none of 1st World intervention (okay - they had trucks, wore jeans, sweat-shirts etc at the school, but today nowhere in the world is cut off from some 'western' features, is it?) I think one class shown was in beginner English.

A viewer should not miss the deep but never forced spiritual/religious impetus. Is this part of world of 'old Islam' does anyone know?