Watch Shiza

Shiza, released in 2004, is a raw and gritty Kazakh drama that delves into the underground world of illegal dogfighting and the life of a troubled teenager navigating through the rough terrain of adolescent anguish and criminal exploits. Directed by Gulshat Omarova, the film is a co-production between Russia, Germany, and Kazakhstan, and features a cast that includes Oldzhas Nusupbayev, Olga Landina, and Eduard Tabishev.

The story follows the life of a young boy, nicknamed Shiza, portrayed by Oldzhas Nusupbayev, in the desolate backdrop of the post-Soviet Kazakh steppe. Shiza's nickname, which translates to 'schizo' or 'crazy', is reflective of his unsteady and tough exterior, developed as a defense mechanism against the harsh realities he faces daily. His world is one of poverty, broken dreams, and the stark brutality that surrounds his existence.

An unassuming teenager, Shiza's life resembles that of many youths caught between the dissolution of old societal structures and the chaos of the new world that is still struggling to assert itself. He lives with his mother, who is in a relationship with a man that appears to be kind and caring but is far from a father figure to Shiza. The absence of a proper paternal role in his life leaves him vulnerable to the influences of the criminal world and desperate for a sense of belonging and purpose.

The story sets a steady pace as Shiza is recruited into the underground and grim world of dogfighting by a local crime boss, played by Eduard Tabishev. With limited options, he gravitates towards this vicious circle, drawn by the allure of easy money and a misplaced sense of authority. His initiation into this world is a covert operation, involving betting and the organization of fights, bringing him a deceptive sense of power and a twisted form of respect from those in the murky business.

As the film unfolds, Shiza meets a young woman named Zinka, played by Olga Landina. The encounter with Zinka offers a poignant counterpoint to the cruelty and violence that have enveloped Shiza’s life. Zinka becomes a symbol of innocence and purity, presenting Shiza with a view of what life could be outside the only world he knows. Her character provides a glimpse into Shiza's vulnerability and the stirrings of a first love, adding depth to Shiza's otherwise stoic persona.

The character of Shiza is finely etched by Nusupbayev, who does an exceptional job of embodying a boy on the cusp of adulthood, teetering between the hardening of his soul and the lingering innocence that fights for survival within him. Despite his rough demeanor, audiences will find it hard not to sympathize with Shiza as he grapples with the complexities of his emotions and the harsh demands of his environment.

Gulshat Omarova’s directing skillfully uses the spartan landscapes of Kazakhstan to illustrate the starkness of the protagonist’s life. The cinematography captures the vast, unforgiving terrains, echoing the internal void and desolation felt by Shiza. The tone of the film is enhanced by spare and thoughtful dialogues, juxtaposed with moments of intense action and raw energy grounded in a realistic portrayal of life's struggles. This stark visual language imbues the film with a feeling of authenticity and a documentary-like grip on reality.

What further sets Shiza apart is its honest portrayal of the post-Soviet malaise that leaves many of its young characters wrestling with a sense of displacement and a lack of direction. The moral dilemmas faced by the characters are indicative of a society in transition, fighting to define itself amid remnants of a past that offer little solace or guidance.

Shiza is an unflinching look at the unvarnished facets of life in a part of the world that many Western audiences may not be familiar with. Its story is universally resonant, however, touching on themes of survival, morality, and the search for identity that are familiar to all. The profound and sometimes disturbing imagery, combined with measured performances and an insightful script, make Shiza a powerful exploration of a young man’s coming of age in a harsh environment.

The film garnered critical acclaim, reflecting the power of its storytelling and the strength of its messages. Delivering a substantial punch both emotionally and cerebrally, Shiza presents a poignant, thought-provoking narrative that stays with audience members long after they've left the theater. Through its remarkable journey, this film epitomizes the notion that powerful cinema can come from any corner of the world, shedding light on universal human experiences through the lens of local stories and struggles.