The Black Hen

The Black Hen (also known as "Kalo Pothi" in Nepalese), directed by Min Bahadur Bham and debuted in 2015, is a poignant movie that gives you a glimpse into the lives of two young boys Khadka Raj Nepali and Sukra Raj Rokaya in a remote Nepalese village amidst the Maoist insurgency.

The beauty of this film is that it uses the backdrop of a significant historical event, the Nepalese Civil War or the Maoist Insurgency (1996-2006), to effectively tell a tale of friendship, loss, adventure, and life’s hard lessons. The perspective of politics and restoration from the lens of innocent children adds a unique charm to the narrative.

The movie begins in Mugu, one of the most impoverished districts of Nepal, in 2001. The village is fraught with uncertainty, fear, and difficulty due to the ongoing war. Despite the tumultuous times, the plot primarily revolves around the endearing friendship of two boys, Prakash and Kiran, played impressively by Khadka Raj Nepali and Sukra Raj Rokaya respectively. Their innocent camaraderie, shared dreams, and mutual struggles shine through the film's sombre themes.

The titular "Black Hen" is a living embodiment of the children’s hopes and dreams. When Prakash’s sister, Prkashi gives him a black hen that lays eggs, the young boys see an opportunity to make some money by selling the eggs, putting them on a path of earnest adventure and stark realizations.

Khadka Raj Nepali as Prakash delivers a compelling performance of a lower-caste Dalit boy, showcasing the hardships, indignities, and bias he must endure, with maturity well beyond his years. Sukra Raj Rokaya, as Kiran, offers a superb portrayal of a boy from a higher caste, navigating the conflicts of standing up for his friend and dealing with societal pressures that discourage their friendship. Jit Bahadur Malla, the third main cast member, takes us through a journey of hope and despair as Prakash's sister Prkashi’s husband, embroiled in the socio-political tensions of the time.

The cinematography by Aziz Zhambakiev deserves special mention. The wide-angle shots of the beautifully diverse and breathtakingly rugged terrains of the remote Nepalese village are mesmerizing. Shot almost entirely in natural light, the movie paints a vivid contrast between the bleakness of the insurgency and the strikingly stunning natural beauty of Nepal.

Director Min Bahadur Bham does an excellent job of exposing his viewers to a reality very few understand. The poverty, deprivation, and societal divisions brought on by the war are juxtaposed against human resilience and the innocence of childhood. The nuances of caste-based discrimination and the causes and effects of war are subtly yet powerfully portrayed.

This film beautifully captures the spirit of childhood in the face of adversity. The innocent mischief, dreams, aspirations, and learning through trial and error form the soul of this remarkable narrative. It’s a story narrated through the tender perspective of these two young boys, who, despite being children themselves, face harsh truths with remarkable courage, and find joy and hope amidst the chaos that surrounds them.

The Black Hen is also enhanced by an evocative soundtrack. It takes you on a journey through the highs and lows of the boys’ lives, filling the narrative with emotions that tug at your heartstrings.

This movie won the "Best Film" award in the Venice International Film Festival’s Critics’ Week section in 2015, bringing international attention to the socio-political issues of Nepal.

Overall, The Black Hen is a fascinating blend of historical context and personal narrative. It's a clear-eyed examination of the effects of war on the common people, class struggle, and the innocence of childhood amidst chaos, told through an engaging, emotionally layered, and rich narrative. This film proves to be a compelling watch for anyone interested in a realistic and touching portrayal of friendship and resilience in the face of severe adversity.