Watch Tharlo

Tharlo is a Tibetan language film, written and directed by Pema Tseden, that was released in 2015. The movie tells the story of Tharlo (Shide Nyima), a shepherd who lives in a remote Tibetan village. Tharlo is illiterate and has no knowledge of the outside world, he spends his days herding sheep and pondering over the mysteries of life.

One day, Tharlo is sent to the city to get his ID card after failing to pass a police check point. There, he meets a hairdresser named Yangtso (Yang Shik Tso), a woman who he falls in love with almost instantly. Through his interactions with Yangtso, Tharlo is introduced to the world of the city, a world that is vastly different from his own.

As Tharlo navigates the city, he must confront some harsh truths about his own life and identity. The film explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the tensions that exist between traditional and modern ways of life.

The movie is shot in black and white, emphasizing the minimalism of the Tibetan landscapes and traditional Tibetan culture. The cinematography is superb, and the film does an excellent job of capturing the stark natural beauty of the Tibetan plateau.

Jinpa, who plays the titular character, does an incredible job of conveying Tharlo's vulnerability and naivety. He is a deeply introspective character, but also one who is incredibly lost and unsure of his place in the world. Shide Nyima's portrayal of Tharlo is both subtle and powerful, and he captures the character's inner turmoil and existential crises with impressive skill.

The supporting cast is also incredibly strong, particularly Yang Shik Tso, who plays Yangtso, and Tsemdo Thar, who plays the police officer who interrogates Tharlo. Both actors deliver nuanced and convincing performances, adding depth and complexity to their characters.

The pacing of the movie is slow and deliberate, with long periods of silence punctuated by moments of intense emotion. This deliberate pacing allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in the mood and atmosphere of the film, and to connect on a deeper level with the characters and themes.

Overall, Tharlo is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores some of the most fundamental questions about identity, culture, and tradition. The performances are excellent, the cinematography is stunning, and the themes are both timeless and incredibly relevant in today's world.