Watch The Light Thief

The Light Thief, also known as Svet-Ake in its original title, is a 2010 Kyrgyz drama film directed by Aktan Arym Kubat, who also stars in the lead role. The film is set in a small village in Kyrgyzstan, where the protagonist, Svet-Ake (Aktan Arym Kubat), works as an electrician, repairing and maintaining the village's power grid. Svet-Ake is known among the villagers as a resourceful and skilled electrician, but he is also a bit of a charmer, known for his way with the ladies. His good-naturedness and optimism are infectious, and he is well-liked by all those who know him. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he is approached by a wealthy businessman from the city, who wants to hire Svet-Ake to help steal electricity from the grid for his own profits.

At first, Svet-Ake is hesitant to take the job, knowing that it is illegal and could cause harm to his fellow villagers. However, he is also desperate for money, as he has a sick daughter and mounting debts. Against his better judgment, he agrees to help the businessman, and he soon finds himself caught up in a web of corruption and deceit.

The Light Thief is a film that deals with themes of morality, greed, and corruption, as well as the clash between tradition and modernity. Svet-Ake is a character who embodies the conflict between these two worlds, and his struggle to do what is right in the face of temptation and pressure is at the heart of the film.

The cinematography in The Light Thief is stunning, with gorgeous shots of the Kyrgyz landscape and the traditional village life. The film has a slow, deliberate pace, which may be challenging for some viewers, but it ultimately rewards those who are patient with its quiet beauty and thoughtful storytelling.

The performances are also excellent, particularly that of Aktan Arym Kubat in the lead role. He shines as Svet-Ake, bringing a warmth and humanity to the character that makes him both relatable and empathetic. Taalaikan Abazova and Askat Sulaimanov also deliver strong supporting performances, adding depth and complexity to their roles as Svet-Ake's wife and the corrupt businessman, respectively.

Overall, The Light Thief is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes that are relevant not only to Kyrgyzstan but to the wider world. It is a film that asks difficult questions about the nature of power and morality, and it challenges its audience to think deeply about their own values and beliefs. If you are looking for a film that is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating, The Light Thief is definitely worth a watch.