Red Snow

Red Snow is a 2019 war/drama film written and directed by Marie Clements. Set against the throes of conflict and the rugged terrains of the Arctic, Red Snow presents an enchanting blend of gritty war narratives, indigenous cultures, and marine landscapes. The movie stars Tantoo Cardinal, Samuel Marty, and Michelle Thrush in pivotal roles.

The protagonist in Red Snow is Dylan, an indigenous Gwich'in soldier from Canada's far north, played by Asivak Koostachin. Dylan is depicted as a skilled, resilient, and remarkable individual, capable of handling responsibilities in the harsh Arctic regions. His character establishes the empathic connection between the viewers and the narrative, giving a unique perspective to war stories.

Before we are transcribed into the tumultuous world of combat, we delve into Dylan's humble beginnings. Dylan is shown acclimating to his strenuous life as a soldier, reflecting his lifestyle, and the preservation of Gwich'in culture back home in the Arctic. The Arctic is captured and presented exquisitely, with the harsh cold landscape contributing significantly to the setting and the overall narrative's aesthetics.

The plot takes a sharp turn when Dylan is caught in an ambush in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Surrounded by the enemy, the young soldier somehow survives the attack but ends up being a captive of the Talib unit. In captivity, Dylan encounters several characters, notably the Pashtun family who are caught amidst the chaos of the ongoing war. The engagement between Dylan and the Afghan family brings forth a divergent yet symbiotic bond, intricate emotions, and the idea of shared vulnerabilities during times of turmoil.

Tantoo Cardinal plays the role of Dylan's mother, internationally renowned for her performances in Dances with Wolves and Wind River. Her character helps viewers glimpse the potency and essence of the matriarchal figure in the indigenous community, adding depth to the movie's cultural aspect. Samuel Marty and Michelle Thrush, who share indigenous backgrounds in real life, delivers notable supporting performances, further enhancing the film's authenticity.

One of the main themes in Red Snow is the intersecting point of various languages and cultures. Dialogue is delivered in four languages - English, Gwich'in, Inuvialuktun, and Pashto - which is rare in the movie industry. This unique characteristic points to the cultural diversity that exists in the narrative, portraying the interconnectedness and universality of human experiences despite variations in language and geographical dispositions.

Another significant feature of Red Snow is its ability to render the destructive aspect of war while simultaneously emphasizing hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The film focuses on the shared humanity between the far-flung cultures of the Arctic and Afghanistan, offering a fresh perspective on war narratives.

Marie Clements, an award-winning Métis director, uses Red Snow as a platform to bring forth the stories and experiences of indigenous people, exploiting elements of drama and war. The perspective of war from an indigenous viewpoint is exceedingly rare in cinema, and Clements takes this opportunity to boldly depict resilience amid adversity and the preservation of cultural heritage in the face of dvastation.

The cinematography in Red Snow deserves a special mention. The onscreen depiction of the contrasting terrains of the frigid Arctic and the torrid Afghanistan is stunning. The film is successful in capturing the essence of the locations and using it as a backdrop to enhance the narrative's intensity.

Furthermore, Red Snow overthrows stereotypes associated with war films by giving an intimate and humanizing depiction of the Afghan family, which is unusual in Western war films. Exceptional performances by the cast bring these characters to life, opening a gateway for empathy and understanding.

Red Snow, in essence, is an exploration of identities, cultures, and their survival in the face of conflict. Not your typical war film, Red Snow brings a spectacular blend of drama, action, and cultural exploration to the table. Challenging the conventional norms of war narratives and interspersing it with indigenous stories, Red Snow is an invigorating cinema experience.