1915: Legend of the Gurkhas

"Regrettably, '1915: Legend of the Gurkhas' falls short in every aspect, leaving viewers disheartened. Despite the evident dedication poured into its production design, the film flounders under amateurish direction and lackluster performances, failing to capitalize on its promising premise. While occasional flashes of brilliance shine through in the cinematography, the director's inconsistent grasp on shot composition and pacing detracts from its overall impact. The result is a squandered opportunity that drains not only resources but also valuable time and money. Save yourself the inevitable disappointment and opt for a more rewarding cinematic experience elsewhere."

I feel like it's wrong to judge 1915: Legend of the Gurkhas. On the one hand there is clearly an attempt at something that is a little beyond the usual of a routine cinematic war movie as it ventures into the no man's land of films like Johnny Got His Gun or even All Quiet on the Western Front. On the other, a low budget and awkward direction prove to be major distractions to what is clearly a thoughtful film, even if some of the ideas are muddy.

Gurkha soldier Kulbir Thapa (Samir Gurung) is in yet another pointless battle in the trenches of World War I but seems to be suffering something of a mental lapse as he stops fighting in the middle of it all and ends up the sole survivor from his troop, trapped among the enemy fortifications where he must find his way back to his own side. That he ends up getting many of his mates killed while he is haunted by...something...for...reasons... is one of the main difficulties and why I had such trouble with his character. Another being he basically grunts the entire time (to be fair, he's been shot) even when he's trying to sneak through the enemy lines which struck me as borderline suicidal. I think there is some sort of meditation on pacifism being tried in all this but it begs the question how did he get to be a soldier in the first place if that was his nature?

There are many interesting concepts that are entertained but never seem to be focused let alone resolved, perhaps the brief running time prevented them from being properly fleshed out but it ultimately left me unsatisfied. A real near miss but probably worth seeing anyway as at least it tried something different.

"1915: Legend of the Gurkhas" is a captivating war drama that offers a poignant exploration of courage and resilience, beautifully capturing the essence of Gurkha valour through the true story of Rifleman Kulbir Thapa. The film excels in its portrayal of the psychological and physical challenges faced by soldiers in World War I, delivering a narrative that is both intense and moving. The performances are commendable, with Samir Gurung delivering a particularly compelling portrayal of Thapa, bringing depth and authenticity to the character. The cinematography is visually striking, capturing the haunting landscapes of the battlefield and enhancing the immersive experience. Overall, the film is a powerful tribute to the legendary Gurkhas, shedding light on a significant historical moment with sensitivity and reverence. A must-watch for history enthusiasts and those who appreciate wartime dramas with heart and substance.

Despite the efforts of everyone involved in the movie there is so much more to improve. Giving a lot of grace to the director the performance was not very gripping as an audience. Due to factors such as acting and sometimes the story itself. Through out the movie it's very very easy to get distracted. I really much enjoy psychological drama however as an audience I would have liked it if the character's were more complex and complicated. Especially the main characters, would have liked it more if they had layers and layers to them. However, I appreciate the flowers it has given to the well deserved Gurkha's.

1915 is a powerful and emotional tribute to the bravery of the Gurkha soldiers, bringing to life the incredible story of Kulbir Thapa-the first Gurkha recipient of the Victoria Cross. The film tells his journey with heart and pride, honoring a part of history that deserves much more recognition. What makes this film even more special is that it was made possible through crowd funding, showing how deeply people connected with the story and wanted it told. It's inspiring to see Nepali cinema take on such an ambitious and meaningful project. The visuals, the performances, and the emotional weight all come together beautifully. This film is a proud moment for Nepali storytelling and is absolutely worth watching-for both its historical importance and emotional impact.