Happy People: A Year in the Taiga

"Happy People: A Year in the Taiga" is the latest in a series of nature documentaries by Werner Herzog (here with co-direction by Dimitry Vasyokov), this one chronicling life in a Siberian village over a twelve-month period. Bakhta is located alongside the Yenisei River in the Taiga Forest, and the inhabitants there have been eking out an existence under some pretty challenging conditions for centuries now (this is Siberia, after all). We watch as they make preparations for trapping, build cabins in the wilderness, fashion out canoes from old tree trunks, fish in the river, fend off bears and mosquitoes, and store up supplies for the brutal winter to come. For this is life as it is lived in one of the most misbegotten outposts of civilization. As Herzog himself says, these people resemble early Man from a distant ice age. And, yet, as the title implies, the inhabitants of Bakhta are far from unhappy with their lot.

This is reflected most in the many wise and canny observations about the value of hard work and the cyclical nature of life emanating from one of the town's most seasoned citizens, a sort of rural philosopher who's been trapping in that area ever since the Communist government dropped him off and left him to fend for himself more than forty years ago. It is his commentary, more than even Herzog's own voice-over narration, that draws the viewer into this strange and unfamiliar world, one that is striking in both its harshness and its stark beauty (the image of a massive river of thawing ice heading swiftly northward during the spring is not one that will be easily forgotten).

This isn't Herzog's most innovative work by a long shot, but if anthropological studies are your preferred fare, this movie will surely fit the bill.

However, a warning may be in order for the hypersensitive viewer: this is NOT a movie that comes with the proviso, "No animals were harmed in the making of this film."

I watched this film during an Australian heatwave - good choice!

Definitely helped cool me down. Witnessing a Siberian winter has that effect on you. I really loved the simple, yet inspiring way of life these people had. No radio, no TV, no internet, no phone - just man and dog vs an endless wilderness. There's something quite appealing about that. It's doubtful I'll ever experience that kind of solitude, but it was great living vicariously through these tough Russian trappers!

I wouldn't recommend the film for vegans or vegetarians though, as it depicts an old traditional way of life - living off the land, hunting animals, and using the landscape to survive, make a living. It was emotional watching the old war veteran break down talking about the war too; nevermind the amazing dog who ran 150km non-stop in the snow to get home - pass me the tissues!

I loved the leisurely pace of the film. It never felt boring and was thoroughly interesting throughout. I can't help but think my own Grandfather, who was a hunter and bushman would've enjoyed seeing his Russian equivalents and their unique methods for overcoming challenges.

These people really put my own first world problems in perspective. Definitely recommend to those needing a slower pace of life, or who are stressed out or anxious. Probably my favourite Herzog film to date.

Happy People: A Year in the Taiga (2010)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

This documentary was co-directed and narrated by Werner Herzog but it didn't gather as much attention as some of the filmmaker's previous films, which is a shame because this here is another winner. The film covers a full year with several trappers as we see what they seasonal lives are all about. This includes various traps that they must make, issues they face in the wilderness and some of the most fascinating stuff dealing with them living in the bitter cold winters where temperatures reach fifty-below zero. HAPPY PEOPLE: A YEAR IN THE TAIGA is a really good film and nothing short of what you've come to expect from Herzog. From what I've read, co-director Dmitry Vasyukov actually spent the time in Bakhtia, Russia and the footage was then turned over to Herzog. Even though the famed Germany director wasn't actually on the ground, this here still comes across as his film and it contains that certain love and joy that some of his best work has. This film is yet another in a long line of films that take a look at people living in horrid condition yet being completely happy in their environment. Herzog has always been able to take "off" characters and make them seem normal. That's what happens here as we track these trappers as they go from one hunt to another while having to deal with nature and come up with creative ways to trap and live. Herzog offers up his typical great narration but the real people are certainly the stars here as we get to really know them and understand why they love doing what they do.

The documentary is following people living in the wilderness of Russia, not Soviet Union as someone had commented. Soviet Union is long gone.It is a reminder to all of us how little people need to live life in joy. I did not get an impression that people are struggling, it might seem they struggle to those who are used to the modern conveniences, which do make our lives easier, but not happier. I would not compare it to the Man vs.Wild documentary. The theme of the documentary: the purpose is life is joy, the basis of life is freedom. People are simply living in this remote part of a vast Russia and are content with their lives. This documentary is must see, a refreshing sight on the purpose of life. I would compare it to another documentary "Agafia's Taiga Life"that brings so many questions and answers about life to those who are seeking it. Sometime we just need to get away from the craziness of modern life with such documentaries to get a fresher perspective on life. It is also educational for many Americans who know very little about Russia.

If you like Werner Herzog then this film won't disappoint. His style is simple, honest and transparent. He gives you a clear sense of the reality of what most people would perceive to be a harsh way of life in the Russian Taiga. We see humans who are connected to the cycles of nature, to the animals, the forest and to their traditions. There is a quiet wisdom and deep joy in this way of life and the film serves as a powerful contrast to virtually every other piece of media being made today. The film is like poem to a way of life that now seems like a distant dream. It is beautifully shot, with vignettes that look like they are living paintings; Russian characters from the time of Tolstoy or Dostoyevesky.