Watch A Gesar Bard's Tale

A Gesar Bard's Tale is a 2015 Chinese-Tibetan drama film directed by Lu Jianxing, who himself is a native of Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The film is based on a famous epic poem Gesar, which is considered a prime example of Tibetan mythology and folklore. The movie follows the journey of a young man named Gesar, who belongs to the Tibetan community. Gesar's passion is to become a bard, a traditional singer and storyteller in his community. He is enthusiastic about learning all the stories and songs of his culture, but his father has different plans for him. He wants Gesar to study in a nearby school and become a teacher.

Gesar's father's plan seems to have worked as he manages to convince his son to go to school instead of pursuing his passion for singing. However, once Gesar arrives at the school, he feels like an outsider. His peers mock and bully him for being an ethnic Tibetan, and he finds it hard to fit in.

While at the school, Gesar meets a girl named Yangchen, who shares his love for traditional Tibetan music. She urges him to take part in a singing competition, and Gesar reluctantly agrees.

What follows is a heartwarming story of courage, determination, and cultural preservation as Gesar sets out to prove himself as a singer and inspiration to others. The journey is fraught with challenges and obstacles that Gesar must overcome to achieve his dreams.

The film explores several themes such as the importance of preserving cultural heritage, pursuing one's dreams despite societal pressure, the effects of cultural assimilation, and the power of music as a uniting force.

One of the highlights of the movie is its cinematography. The film is shot in the picturesque Tibetan landscape, and the beauty of the region is captured beautifully. The music in the film is also noteworthy, with traditional Tibetan instruments and melodies creating a vibrant and soulful soundscape.

The acting performances in the movie are impressive, especially that of the lead actor, Gesar. The actor played the character with great conviction, bringing the character's journey to life on the screen.

Overall, A Gesar Bard's Tale is a visually and emotionally captivating movie that celebrates Tibetan culture and music. Through the story of an aspiring bard, the film showcases the importance of preserving traditions and following one's dreams despite obstacles. It is a movie that will leave a lasting impact on its viewers and inspire them to explore their own cultural roots.

A Gesar Bard's Tale is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes.