Remote Control

Remote Control is a captivating film from 2013, directed by the talented Byamba Sakhya and starring Yondonjamts Bayan Ochir, Sodbileg Bayarsanaa, and Ganbaatar Chagnaadorj. Produced in Mongolia, the movie beautifully presents authentic aspects of Mongolian culture and lifestyle, skillfully blended with universally relatable themes of love, independence, and the pursuit of happiness.

The protagonist of the story is Tsog (played by Bayan Ochir), an introverted young man who lives on the rooftop of a Mongolian apartment building overlooking the hustle and bustle of the sprawling metropolis of Ulaanbaatar. Living as a hermit within the city, Tsog spends his time watching the cityscape from his modest rooftop dwelling, fixed in an endless day by day routine. The city below is a playground he only witnesses from atop, bereft of direct interactions with its dwellers, making him a voyeur in the very city he lives in.

Tsog's monotonous routine is abruptly interrupted when he stumbles upon a mysterious, modern Universal Remote Control which he finds on an adjoining rooftop. Interestingly, the first use of the remote spins a web of intrigue; it appears to give him control over the lives of the apartment tenants which he usually spends his time observing. As Tsog delves further into the power the remote control holds, he gains a voyeuristic control over his subjects, subtly affecting their lives in ways they are oblivious of.

Parallel to this, a secondary narrative unfolds. Bayasaa (Bayarsanaa), a beautiful young woman, has recently moved to Tsog's building and inexplicably, Tsog's mysterious remote does not seem to affect her. The allure of her independence and his inability to control her stirs emotions in Tsog that he has never experienced before. This sweet yet complex relationship amplifies the humanistic aspect of the film, providing emotional depth to the characters.

In a broader perspective, Remote Control can in some ways be seen as a reflection on contemporary Mongolian society, grappling with the tensions of urbanization and yearning for a connection in the harsh realities of city life. The director, Byamba Sakhya, stays true to his vision and keeps the narrative minimalistic, conveying most of the emotion through non-verbal storytelling.

The exceptional performances of Bayan Ochir as Tsog and Bayarsanaa as Bayasaa are commendable. There is a silent tension and a softness between Tsog and Bayasaa's characters which are beautifully rendered, allowing the audience to emotionally connect with them at a deeper level. Ganbaatar Chagnaadorj adds an interesting element as a fellow resident in their apartment building, playing a significant role in the narrative.

Adding to the narrative's strengths are the film's technical aspects. The cinematography is superb, capturing both the beautiful landscape of the Mongolian cityscape and the detailed intricacies of the characters' daily lives. The film significantly underscores the city's ambience, using it as a narrative tool to frame Tsog's unique viewing perspective. The music, too, plays a crucial role in the film. The soulful score subtly enhances the emotional scenes and beautifully complements the mood of the movie.

In conclusion, Remote Control is an introspective and compelling narrative that elegantly combines realistic depictions of modern Mongolian life with a touch of magical realism. This meditative film resonates with the spectator through the exploration of various human emotions and leaves a broad canvas for individual interpretations. It is a recommended watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema and are interested in experiencing Mongolian society through a distinctive lens.