Kekexili, the Mountain Patrol
(Kekexili)
by Lu Chuan
China
Script: Lu Chuan
Cinematographer: Cao Yu
Editor: Teng Yun, Son Song Qin
Music: Lao Zai
Art Setting: Lu Dong, Han Chunlin
Cast: Duo Bujie, Qi Liang, Zhang Lei, Zhao Xueying, Ma Zhanlin
Production: Columbia PIctures, Films Production Asia Ltd., Huayi Brothers, Taihe Film Investment Co. Ltd.
Distribution:
Rezo Films
29 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière
75009 Paris
France
Tel: 0033 1.42.46.46.30
Fax: 0033 1.42.46.40.82
Mail: [email protected]
www.rezofilms.com
Year: 2004
35 mm, Colour, 95 min,
OV Mandarin with French Subtitles
In Kekexili, the vast land in the Qinghai province of China close to Tibet, one can still find Tibetan antelopes, a species in great danger of extinction due to slaughtering for their fur. Though placed in principle under protection, these antelopes are the victims of organised poaching. A patrol of benevolent civilians, mostly Tibetan peasants, has been formed and regularly tracks down poachers. A journalist from Peking comes when the patrol guided by Ritai is about to hunt poa chers. Shot almost like a documentary, this film shows exceptional images of these immense lands which are not only plagued by spineless men, but also by extreme climatic conditions. Kekexili is a kind of Chinese western which denounces the slaughter of protected animals, but is also a beautiful film of adventures which ends tragically. One witnesses the ferocious fight of men against each other, but also the confrontation of man with hostile nature. The protection of animal species goes through the struggle of man against man.
