Tharlo

Tharlo, a 2015 Tibetan drama film is a deep and evocative exploration of identity, culture, alienation, and the contrasting realities of rural and urban life. Written and directed by the acclaimed Tibetan filmmaker Pema Tseden, the film stars Jinpa, Shide Nyima, and Tsemdo Thar in the primary roles. The compelling narrative, masterful storytelling, and visually stunning cinematography makes Tharlo a remarkable cinematic experience.

The film centres around Tharlo, portrayed by Shide Nyima, an introspective and simple shepherd from a Tibetan village. Tharlo, known by his moniker 'Ponytail,' has always led a solitary life in the mountains, far removed from the frenzy of city life. Despite his relative isolation, he is known in his community for his keen intellect and exceptional memory, capable of reciting Mao's Little Red Book from cover-to-cover – a feat that brings him much respect amidst the locals.

The film’s plot establishes its premise when Tharlo is asked to venture into town to get an ID card, a mandate from the government. He goes about this rather mundane task with a profound existential question that shakes the very core of his simple existence - "is it necessary?" This seemingly insignificant event poses an existential conundrum for Tharlo, challenging his assured self-image and the hermitic existence which comprised of his sheep and the mountains.

In the town, Tharlo encounters a modern world entirely different from his secluded pastoral life. He is particularly captivated by Yangtso, a bar hostess played by Yangshik Tso. Yangtso is emblematic of a cosmopolitan way of life that Tharlo is simultaneously intrigued and befuddled by. As the narrative progresses, Tharlo gradually gets caught in an uncertain vortex, straddling the tension between his long-held pastoral ideals and the seductive, albeit deceptive, glitz of urban consumerism.

In many ways, Tharlo is a metaphor for the Tibetan ethos hampered by the unrelenting march of modernity. It examines the fissures such a cultural and lifestyle change carves, in the lives of individuals abiding by age-old traditions and living in harmony with nature, and how they adjust, fall, and rise amidst these changes.

Jinpa, as Tharlo's friend, offers insights into Tharlo's internal dilemmas and struggles, while Tsemdo Thar presents the stoic resilience of Tharlo's traditional roots. Their performances, though underplayed, ring heartrending and true, creating a poignant atmosphere that tugs at the heartstrings of viewers.

The real strength of the film lies in its quiet moments, where the narrative takes a back seat, and the stunning black-and-white cinematography of Lu Songye is allowed to shine. The vast expanse of Tibetan landscapes and the minutest details of mundane life are captured with such raw truth and nuance that each frame feels akin to an improvisational piece of art. Tseden combines these visuals with long, deliberate sequences, gentle pacing, and minimal dialogue to draw audiences deeply into Tharlo's life.

Tharlo breaks the stereotype of Oriental exoticism often associated with Tibetan films and focuses on the day-to-day life of an ordinary man instead, making it relatable across cultural and national boundaries. Tharlo as the protagonist is not just a character but a narrative in itself, symbolizing the universal human condition, particularly relevant in our fast-changing world.

To conclude, Tharlo is a hauntingly beautiful, poignant, and thought-provoking film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. It uses the medium of cinema to raise profound questions about modernity, identity, and cultural dislocation. The subtlety of its storytelling, the depth of its characters, and the raw beauty of its visuals cultivate a profound empathy for Tharlo and his world, making it an unforgettable cinematic gem.