Aga is a beautifully-shot and contemplative drama directed by Milko Lazarov that explores the timeless themes of love, loss, and cultural traditions through the eyes of the indigenous Yakut people of Siberia. At its core, the film is a heartfelt tribute to a vanishing way of life and the deep connections that bind us all. The story revolves around two elderly Yakut people named Nanook and Sedna, who live in a remote and frozen corner of Siberia. They are the last of their kind, living in an isolated world where the rhythms of nature govern all aspects of life. Together, they eke out a meagre existence, subsisting on fish they catch through a hole in the ice and other small game that they hunt. They are sustained by their love for each other, their memories of a bygone era, and their belief in the spirits that watch over them.
Despite their seemingly idyllic existence, however, Nanook and Sedna are haunted by the knowledge that their way of life is dying out, and that their children have left them to seek a better life in the city. They long to see their son Chena, who has not returned home in many years, and whose fate is unknown to them. As the harsh winter deepens, and their health deteriorates, their hope for a reunion with Chena fades.
As the film unfolds, we are taken on a visual journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Siberian wilderness, which in turn reflect the inner emotional turmoil of the main characters. The camera lingers on the stark beauty of the snow-covered tundra, the endless expanse of the sky, and the icy waters of the river, creating a sense of timelessness and wonder. We also see the daily routines of Nanook and Sedna, who perform simple tasks such as cooking, sewing, and tending to their animals with stoic determination.
At the heart of the film, however, is the tender and poignant relationship between the two protagonists. We feel the depth of their love for each other, even as they struggle to come to terms with the forces that are tearing their world apart. Through their conversations and memories, we learn about the customs and values of the Yakut people, such as the importance of honouring the dead, the ritual of shamanic drumming, and the significance of animal totems.
Throughout the movie, we are also treated to moments of wry humor and unexpected beauty, such as the scene where Sedna teaches Nanook how to write his name using a stick in the snow, or the sequence where they watch a group of reindeer passing by their yurt. These moments of lightness serve to underscore the emotional weight of the film, and remind us of the enduring human spirit that prevails even in the face of hardship and loss.
In terms of performances, the actors all deliver naturalistic and nuanced portrayals that convey the sense of lived experience. Mikhail Aprosimov is particularly impressive as Nanook, embodying the stoic, strong-willed character with quiet dignity and grace. Feodosia Ivanova is equally affecting as Sedna, conveying a sense of resigned acceptance mixed with flashes of defiance. Sergei Egorov, in a supporting role as the young Chena, brings a sense of restless ambition and uncertainty to the role.
Overall, Aga is a moving and profound film that will stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled. It is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, as well as a potent reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions and the natural environment. Anchored by its superb cinematography, stellar performances, and powerful storytelling, it is a work of cinematic art that transcends language and culture to speak to the universal human experience.
Aga is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.
