We and Our Mountains

We and Our Mountains is a distinct Armenian film released in 1969. Directed by Henrik Malyan, the film features an ensemble cast including Armenian actors Sos Sargsyan, Frunzik Mkrtchyan, and Khoren Abrahamyan. It is based on a novel by Soviet Armenian writer and public figure Hrant Matevosyan. The novel, and subsequently the film, have permeated Armenian culture deeply and are regarded as genuine classics of Armenian cinema and literature. The film's original Armenian title, ‘Menq enq, mer sarere,' translates to "We, we our mountains," which encapsulates the film's prominent theme of connection between people and their land.

We and Our Mountains unfolds in the stunning backdrop of the Armenian Highlands' picturesque landscapes, using its vast vistas, lofty mountains, and rural character as more than mere settings – they are integral to the storyline, thematically resonating with the deep-rooted connection the characters share with their land. This commitment to place heightens the film's authentic representation of Armenian rural life, grounding the plot in palpable reality.

The film does not follow traditional linear narrative protocols but instead presents a series of vignettes, individual stories that fold into the larger tale, much like a quilt composed of individual pieces of fabric. By sketching out the lives of its characters in this way, the film gains a profound depth and dimension.

Sos Sargsyan, one of Armenia's distinguished actors, and Frunzik Mkrtchyan, another well-known actor, lead the ensemble. Sargsyan plays a villager named Mushegh, a man deeply rooted in his land, while Mkrtchyan portrays the character of Sako, a fellow villager. Their performances are steeped in naturalism, honed by their extensive theater experience, which brings an added layer of authenticity to their roles. Khoren Abrahamyan, an eminent actor, completes the trio, as the complex and intriguing character Arakel played by him adds depth and diversity to the panoply of personalities in the film.

The movie adopts a unique voice, blending humor and pathos with touching moments of camaraderie and existential introspection. Notably, the storyline spotlights the importance of community, as it centers on the villagers' collective actions to fend off external threats to their traditional way of life. In this regard, the film provides a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of rural Armenia's sociocultural landscape during the 1960s.

We and Our Mountains, despite its quaint, pastoral setting, handles complex, universal themes with dexterity. It shrewdly observes human nature, highlighting the characters' intricate relationships, moral dilemmas, and personal crises. It further explores themes of friendship, community, conflict, reconciliation, and above all, love for one’s homeland. The film is renowned for evocatively expressing the deeply ingrained connection between the people and their mountains, a bond unshakeable by external elements.

The use of dialect in dialogue and capturing authentic social milieu lends the narrative a rare rawness and life-like quality. The characters’ colloquial speech, harnessing the melodiousness of the Armenian language, brings out regional color, while also creating resonant connections between the viewers and the characters.

The film also transcends the specificities of its time and space to deliver enduring humanistic messages. The resilience of spirit demonstrated by the villagers, their unwavering love for their homeland, and their persistent struggle against adversities, are inspiring themes that hold universal relevance.

The indelible imagery and evocatively captured Armenian landscapes contribute to the film's powerful mood and evocative atmosphere, establishing an engaging visual narrative that complements the verbal storytelling.

In essence, We and Our Mountains is a love letter to Armenia and Armenians, encapsulating their spirit, their challenges, and their unyielding love for their homeland in emotive, poignantly narrated, and visually compelling frames. This film serves as an outstanding piece of Armenian cultural artifact, celebrating the nation's grit, tradition, and connection with homeland, all eloquently captured in a uniquely woven narrative tapestry.