The Road to Mother

The Road to Mother, a 2016 Kazakh film directed by Akan Satayev, is a timeless portrayal of the undying spirit of humanity, the indomitable strength of a mother's love, the harsh realities of war, the journey to oneself, and the lifelong pursuit of redemption. This epic journey spans decades, set against the backdrop of the most pivotal events of the 20th century, featuring the performances of Bolat Abdilmanov, Adil Akhmetov and Berik Aytzhanov.

The narrative unfolds through the life of Ilyas, played by Bolat Abdilmanov and Adil Akhmetov, portraying the character in his youthful and old age respectively. Ilyas's life is shaped by a series of challenges and adversities, from experiencing personal trauma at a very tender age to confronting the chaos of war and the bitter consequences of sweeping social change.

The child Ilyas, portrayed by Abdilmanov, is forced to leave his family and home village amid a quarrel and moves to the city to eke out a living. In the city, he matures into young adulthood, depicted by Akhmetov's nuanced performance, experiencing a harsh world far removed from his rural upbringing. Even amid the grueling ordeals, Ilyas’s spirit remains undeterred, as he struggles to find a way back to his family.

Unfolding in conjunction with Ilyas's story is his mother's unyielding faith and stubborn optimism. Her character, as a symbol of maternal compassion and strength, provides a contrasting and emotional thread to the narrative. Despite suffering from the loss of her son, not knowing where he is or whether he is even alive, she keeps her hope alive, believing that one day her son would return. Her love for her son serves as an emblem of enduring and unyielding emotion, shedding light on the depths of a mother's love and the lengths she will go to preserve it.

The supporting role of Berik Aytzhanov adds another layer to this touching narrative. Through his character, the movie navigates the nuances of friendship, loyalty, and the morality of survival amid a gruesome war.

Although personal in its narrative, the film sets this intimate journey against the backdrop of the broader upheavals, changes, and events of a tumultuous time. It provides a panoramic view of the socio-political landscape of the era; from the harsh collectivization policies in the Soviet era to the ravages of World War II, from the grim gulags to the final years of the USSR. This backdrop doesn't overshadow the personal story but enriches it, providing a sense of the times and the social context that shapes the characters' lives.

The film offers a touching portrayal of human resilience, of the struggle to make sense of life when everything familiar is stripped away. It highlights the transformation of not just Ilyas, but of his mother and the people around them – men, women and children who found resourcefulness, courage and hope amid despair.

The Road to Mother is beautifully shot, bringing out the ruggedness and raw beauty of the Kazakh landscape, which in itself serves as a powerful symbol of the harsh yet beautiful journey the characters undertake. The cinematography creates a vivid tapestry of sights and sounds that breathes life into the film, taking viewers from the open expanses of the Kazakh Steppe to the gritty realism of war-torn landscapes.

As much as The Road to Mother is a historical epic, it is a personal voyage packed with heart and soul. At the heart of the film are the central themes of love, resilience, perseverance, and forgiveness. It is a complex and moving portrayal of a man's journey back to his mother, as much as it is a tale of a nation's journey through turbulent times. This film is an exploration of human spirit and resilience, of the love and events that can shape and define someone's life. A poignant, powerful, and deeply moving film, The Road to Mother is a tribute to all mothers and testifies to the unbroken chain of love between a mother and her child, emphasizing that no matter how far we go or how hard we fall, there’s always a road leading back towards mother’s love.