Watch Chaplin of the Mountains

Chaplin of the Mountains (2013) is a moving drama that follows the journey of two filmmakers, one of whom is played by Estelle Bajou, as they venture to the war-torn country of Kurdistan to screen Charlie Chaplin films. Along the way, they encounter a variety of challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, and political unrest, but through it all they manage to find the beauty and humor in life.

The film begins with the two main characters, Keneally and Nazé, arriving in Kurdistan in 2001. They are both passionate about film and are eager to share their love of the art form with the local people. Along the way, they hire a young Kurdish guide named Rebo, played by Kurdo Galali, who helps them navigate the unfamiliar terrain.

As they travel deeper into the mountains of Kurdistan, Keneally and Nazé begin to realize that the experience is much more than just a simple film screening tour. They begin to see the harsh realities of life in a war-torn country, including poverty, violence, and the struggles of the Kurdish people to maintain their culture and identity in the face of oppression.

Along the way, the trio encounters a variety of colorful characters, including a group of Kurdish soldiers, a Kurdish singer, and a young boy who dreams of becoming a filmmaker himself. Through these encounters, they learn more about the Kurdish people and their struggles, and come to appreciate their resilience and determination.

Despite the challenges they face, Keneally and Nazé remain committed to their mission of sharing their love of film with the people of Kurdistan. They set up screenings in remote villages and refugee camps, and the local people respond with enthusiasm and gratitude.

Throughout the film, there are flashbacks to Keneally's childhood and her relationship with her late father, who was also a filmmaker. These flashbacks serve to deepen the emotional impact of the film and add layers to Keneally's character.

The scenery in Chaplin of the Mountains is breathtakingly beautiful, with sweeping views of the Kurdish mountains and lush valleys. The film is notable for its use of actual Kurdish villagers and soldiers as actors, which gives it an authenticity and realism that is rare in Hollywood productions.

Overall, Chaplin of the Mountains is a touching and poignant tribute to the power of film and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Kurdish culture or the art of film, and it will leave audiences with a renewed appreciation for the beauty and humor of life, even in the midst of hardship and adversity.

Chaplin of the Mountains is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 43.