A subject as important as the Chinese subjugation of Tibet definitely deserves better treatment than it's been receiving cinematically.
And while "Windhorse" is certainly better than either the dull "Seven Years in Tibet" or the good-looking but empty "Kundun," this fictionalized drama still doesn't quite do it justice.Still, give the filmmakers points for having their hearts in the right place. And the fact that they went to such lengths to ensure that the film got made deserves some sort of credit.
("Windhorse" was actually filmed illegally, and not without risk, in Chinese-occupied Lhasa, using a handy-cam and a largely local cast, which went uncredited, due to fears of reprisal.)
The plot follows three Tibetans who have grown up under Chinese rule. Dolkar (Tibetan-American singer Dadon) has become a popular karaoke singer and, possibly, a pop star. That doesn't sit well with her brother, Dorjee (Jampa Kelsang), an aimless slacker who is outraged that his sister is collaborating with the "enemy."
But both are much better off than their cousin and childhood friend, Pema, a Buddhist nun who has been imprisoned and brutally beaten by Chinese officials -- for causing a ruckus in a public market.
That, in turn, finally prompts Dorjee into action. He enlists friends, including an American tourist (Taije Silverman) with a videotape recorder, to help document Pema's story, which he hopes to smuggle into India. Obviously, the plan is not without risk for Dorjee and his family, which willingly participates.
Though it starts off slowly, the movie does get better, thanks to the compelling latter storyline. And while the filmmaking is very low-tech and the material is too heavy-handed, director/co-scripter Paul Wagner gets a series of brave performances from the largely amateur cast.
Best of the lot is the uncredited actress who plays Pema, as well as Nima Bhuti, who steals scenes as Dolkar's fearless grandmother.
"Windhorse" is not rated but would probably receive an R for profanity, violent beatings and gunplay, torture, a scene briefly depicting rape and use of some vulgar slang terms.