Chang

Chang: A Drama of the Wilderness is a unique classic film that beautifully interweaves documentary and dramatic narratives to create a riveting exploration of the human struggle against nature. Released in 1927, it is a product of the creative collaboration of Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, the same dynamic duo who would later cement their legendary status in Hollywood by bringing us the cultural phenomenon that is "King Kong."

Set in the jungles of Siam, now known as Thailand, the film is an extraordinary chronicle of a farmer named Kru and his family as they strive to survive in an unforgiving environment infested with wild beasts. The narrative remarkably demonstrates the man versus nature conflict to fuel the thrilling adventure that unfolded. There, life for Kru is a relentless battle of survival, not against foes of his own kind, but against the wild animals that inhabit the vicinity.

Defending a small clearance in the jungle which they call home, Kru, his wife, Chantui, and their children deal with the daily menaces of leopards, tigers, and the movie's namesake, a towering, aggressive, elephant named Chang. The film depicts their extraordinary lives as they employ rudimentary defenses from bamboo watchtowers to homemade rifles to ward off the fierce predators prowling around their huts at night.

Levels of danger escalate within Chang when we see a herd of elephants rampaging through the family's rice paddies, putting the survival of Kru and his family at risk as the destruction of their essential crop could lead to starvation. These episodes create a tension so genuinely palpable, drawing audiences further into the scene and magnifying the scale of the everyday trials encountered by our protagonists.

Chang does not just document nature's brutality. It enlightens us about a part of the world where the daily grind isn't just a metaphorical 'jungle,' but a real one. The film generously adds a dose of education, enlightening audiences about the customs and way of life in remote Siam. These include scenes revealing their various hunting strategies, agricultural practices, and their relationship with the natural world.

From a technical perspective, Chang is a testament to cinematic photography of the silent era, pushing boundaries of filmmaking to new horizons. The result is a series of breath-taking, visually stunning and authentic wildlife sequences capturing the majesty and unpredictability of the jungle and its inhabitants. Pak Duj, a monkey featured in the film, provides a bit of comic relief, including a scene where he mocks a tiger, which is both humorous and astounding in terms of the level of tact involved in its capture.

The fluid intersection of reality and fiction works remarkably well because the film pioneers are careful never to mock or belittle the people they depict. The intertitles, written by Achmed Abdullah, are respectful, avoiding the condescension that sometimes characterized the Western view of the East during this period.

The film was well received during its time, it was even nominated for an Academy Award in the Unique and Artistic Picture category at the first-ever Academy Awards ceremony. Ultimately, it stands as a breathtaking display of human perseverance couched in a spectacle of wilderness and wildlife.

In conclusion, Chang: A Drama of the Wilderness is both an enlightening exploration of survival and an alluring spectacle of a world reclaimed by nature. It's a classic cinematic experience that brilliantly merges ethnographic exploration with an engaging story, filled with exciting sequences that will hold the viewer in anticipation and wonder. If you're a fan of classic cinema, wildlife, or merely a lover of great storytelling, Chang is an essential addition to your must-watch list.