The Black Hen is a Nepali movie from 2015 that tells the story of two friends, Prakash and Kiran, living in a remote village in the hills of Nepal. The movie is directed by Min Bahadur Bham and stars Khadka Raj Nepali, Sukra Raj Rokaya, and Jit Bahadur Malla. At the beginning of the movie, we see Prakash and Kiran stealing a black hen from the local landlord's farm. They plan to hatch its eggs and sell the chicks to make some money. However, things don't go according to plan when the hen goes missing and the landlord starts looking for it. Meanwhile, the village is on the brink of war between the Maoists and the government forces, and tensions are high.
As the story unfolds, we see the relationship between Prakash and Kiran tested as they navigate the hardships of their village life. Prakash's family is struggling to make ends meet, and he is bullied by the other boys in the village. Kiran, on the other hand, comes from a wealthy family and has opportunities to leave the village and pursue education, but he feels a sense of duty to his community.
The Black Hen is a slow-paced movie that takes its time to develop the characters and setting. The landscape of the hills of Nepal is stunningly beautiful, and the cinematography does an excellent job of capturing the nuances of village life. The movie also deals with themes of friendship, loyalty, and the impact of political unrest on rural communities.
One of the strengths of The Black Hen is its use of non-professional actors. The movie was shot in the actual village where the director grew up, and the actors are all locals. This gives the movie a sense of authenticity and adds to the realism of the story. The performances are not always polished, but they feel genuine and heartfelt.
The movie does have some flaws, however. The pacing may be too slow for some audiences, and the lack of a clear resolution may leave some feeling unsatisfied. Additionally, the movie's commentary on the political climate in Nepal may be lost on those who are not familiar with the country's history.
Overall, The Black Hen is a beautiful and poignant movie that explores the complexities of rural life in Nepal. Its use of non-professional actors gives it a sense of authenticity, and the stunning cinematography captures the beauty of the Nepali hills. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate slow-paced, character-driven movies will find much to enjoy.
