Suleiman Mountain

Suleiman Mountain is a 2017 drama film set in Kyrgyzstan, directed by Elizaveta Stishova and starring Talant Asanaliev, Gulsina Chotonova, and Daniel Daiyrbekov. The film, which is shot in Kyrgyz with English subtitles, is known for its distinctive cinematic style, barren natural landscapes, and immersive explorations of local culture.

The story, which unfolds against the background of the mythical Suleiman Mountain, immerses its audience in the everyday life and traditions of the Kyrgyz people, painting a riveting picture of both a mesmerizing but harsh physical environment and a complex social landscape marked by hardship, resilience, family bond, and superstitions.

The protagonist, a charismatic and manipulative petty hustler named Karabas, is brilliantly played by Talant Asanaliev. Karabas is a character who arouses a mixture of loathing and fascination, a man whose charm and vitality are counterbalanced by selfishness and irresponsibility. He lives a nomadic existence in the shadow of Suleiman Mountain alongside his deeply religious and devoted wife Turganbyubyu, convincingly portrayed by Gulsina Chotonova.

The film truly takes off when Karabas's long-lost son Uluk, a deaf-mute played by Daniel Daiyrbekov, shows up. The boy’s sudden entry into Karabas and Turganbyubyu’s lives causes imbalance and tension. The couple takes him in and tries to adapt to the presence of this strange new addition to their makeshift family. However, the delicate family dynamic is further disrupted when Karabas's previous wife, a fortune-teller and shaman, reappears in his life and claims her position in the family.

The story that unfolds is a powerful and emotionally charged drama of kinship, rivalry, and longing for belonging. Suleiman Mountain examines the complex dynamics of this unique family with a striking balance of love and struggle, faith, traditions, deceit, and redemption. Throughout the story, Karabas continues his hustling and is pulled in different directions by the three people he is closest to - a son striving for a sense of belonging and the two women in his life, both claiming the position of his wife in completely different ways. Each character is seeking their own form of assumption of normality in a world that is a far cry from what most people would consider "normal".

A major character in itself is the breathtakingly beautiful though harsh environment of Kyrgyzstan, filled with 'yurt' (traditional circular tents), bustling local bazaars, faith healers, and shamans. The mountainous landscape is as unforgiving as it is stunning, and the eponymous Suleiman Mountain, considered by many locals to be a sacred place filled with ancient spirits, looms in the background like a constant, silent observer of the unfolding human drama.

Relationships and passions flare up and simmer down in this unconventional family unit against the backdrop of a society deeply rooted in superstition and religious belief. Here, Stishova shows her talent in depicting Kyrgyzstan's unique blend of Islamic beliefs infused with pre-Islamic shamanistic practices.

The cinematography in Suleiman Mountain is a standout, with each frame lovingly composed to accentuate the raw beauty of Kyrgyzstan and effectively conveying the characters' isolation within the expansive landscape. The film is largely carried by its compelling cast, each actor delivers potent performances, bringing their deep and complex characters to life.

An intriguing blend of dark humor, human drama, and social commentary, Suleiman Mountain is a captivating piece of cinema that tells an unforgettable story of family, identity, love, and the inexorable pull of one’s own roots. Its narrative unfolds in tandem with the harsh realities and beautiful landscapes of this relatively unknown part of the world. The aesthetic grandeur of the locations perfectly complements the film’s emotionally close, character-driven narrative.

Suleiman Mountain is a rare gem that offers viewers a rich, textured glimpse into a culture and geography not often explored in cinema. Its story, at once personal, universal, and deeply rooted in its location, will leave a lasting impression on anyone who experiences its unique cinematic journey. It is a window to the humanity and complex relationships that exist in the simplest to the harshest conditions. Each character slowly unravels their depth in unthinkable situations while trying to find their standing in an ever-evolving family dynamic with a potent mix of drama, humor, and breathtaking visuals.