People of the Wind

Starring:James Mason
Studio: Image Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
The Bakhtiari people of western Iran annually embark on an astounding migration that takes a half-million people, their livestock, and all their possessions across 200 miles of intensely difficult mountains. And this is no simple stroll: the Zagros Mountains, which must be crossed to reach the summer pastures, are as tall as the Alps. This documentary, which was shot on film in the 1970s, focuses on one particular tribesman whose words, translated into English and read by the actor James Mason, tell the timeless story of the great migration. The photography is often spectacular, and the widescreen format is well suited to the sweeping mountain panoramas (though there's no denying the footage would look much more imposing on the big screen). The film moves at a slow pace, and though it can lag, in fairness it should be noted that the pacing does fit in with the rhythms of these rugged mountain people. The tribesman relates the traditional rituals of life for the Bakhtiari, from how they tend their animals to their elaborate wedding feasts, and over the course of the film the tribe's unique mountain culture emerges. Though a viewer may wonder how (or if) the migration has changed in present-day Iran, this film is the original production of 1976 and offers no update. --Robert J. McNamara
Description
There are two hundred miles of raging rivers and impassable mountains to cross. There are no towns, no roads, no bridges. There is no turning back. The Bakhtiari migration is one of the most hazardous tests of human endurance known to mankind. Every year, 50,000 men, women and children, along with one million animals, struggle for eight grueling weeks to scale the massive Zagros Mountains, a range which is as high as the Alps and as broad as Switzerland, to reach their summer pastures. The film's astonishing wide-screen photography and brilliantly recorded soundtrack take the viewer out into the dangerous precipices of the Zardeh Kuh mountain and into the icy waters of the Cholbar river. "People of the Wind" is an amazing, breathtaking film of the most unbelievable migration on Earth.

Customer Reviews:

Great movie of a great star who shall be great in Moldova!.......2005-12-20

I am Giles Cohen of Moldova. I have seen this film many times and it has become quite popular in my nation. I would like to agree with all who believe that Joe Wandell is very great in this film and shall perhaps be the next great star of Moldovan cinema! Is he truly an Indian? Perhaps he is, but shall we ever truly know?

Sincerely,

Giles Cohen
CEO Crihan Cinema Concern
Chisinau, Moldova

"Wind River Wins" by cowboy up11.......2005-11-21

Wind River turned out to be a pretty good movie,and in my opinion shouldn't be PG-13.It had amazing scenery,and the detail was outstanding.All the shirts and headresses and weapons were good.Even the horses looked good.The tipis and the Shoshoni camp was cool.The main character is Nick Wilson who WILLINGLY goes to live with the Wind River Shoshonis in 1856.It is set in the brush country of Utah and the mountains of Wyoming and Montana.A Martinez plays Shoshoni warrior Marogoni and befriends Nick in his attemps to fit in with the Shoshonis.Russel Means is Chief Washakie,who was a real chief in the 1850s.Wes Studi is a ruthless enemy(AGAIN!) Pocatello,also a real Indian.I don't know if they are really speaking Shoshoni though,and it kinda bugs me if they aren't,because at this point in the history of Westerns,after Dances With Wolves,Geronimo: An American Legend and A Man Called Horse,they should at least be able to speak the language.All around,it's a pretty good family adventure.

Cross-cultural example.......2004-01-12

This little known video is an excellent example of good cross-cultural story telling. It portrays both the Mormon and the Shoshoni cultures accurately and with respect. Unlike "Dances with wolves" which tells a similar story, the young man returns to his people. This has the benefit of being a true story. Scenery and photography are beautiful and make it a visually great movie for the old West. Good family entertainment with respectful approach to problem of inter-cultural identity and multi-cultural sensitivity.

Review of Wind River.......2003-12-29

This an excellent movie. Blake Heron plays a supurb role as Nick Wilson. A. Martinez does an equally outstanding job as the Shoshone Warrior Moragoni. The Wind River tells the true story of Nick Wilson who lived among the Shoshone for a couple of years, and was one of the original rides of the pony Express. The live style and philosphy of Chief Washakie is told through the acting of Russell Means.
As a resident of the state of Wyoming the now home of the Wind River Reservation adn the Shoshone and Arapaho people I totally enjoyed the Wind River. I have this movie on VHS but now plan to purchase a copy on DVD.

Enjoyable film loosely based on book "The White Indian Boy".......2003-09-23

This is a somewhat fictionalized account of the book about the true adventures of Nick Wilson called "The White Indian Boy" or "Among the Shoshones" depending on which edition you read. Both titles have the same text.

The book was more thorough and funnier but covers a longer time frame than this movie.

Basically, this movie describes the adventures of a 12 year old pioneer boy who runs away from his family and the drudgery of work on a frontier farm. He is lured away by Indians who promise him a horse if he will consent to be adopted by the Indian Chief's mother as the white child she dreamed she would have to replace the two other sons she has just lost.

He then lives and travels with the Shoshone Indians of Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho for 2 years. He becomes the adopted brother of the famous Chief Washakie and learns Indian skills from hunting to fighting.

Karen Allen, the best known actor in the film, is listed as the star but she really only has a small part. The main character is Nick Wilson with strong and authentic supporting roles by the Shoshone Indian actors. After 2 years, Nick returns home and meets up with his brother who has been searching for him all these years.

The main strength of this movie is the sympathetic portrayal of the American Indian. One weakness of this movie is that Indian life is idealized, much like Kevin Costner in "Dances With Wolves". The book does a much better job pointing out the bad as well as the good of Indian culture.

Amazon.com

The Bakhtiari people of western Iran annually embark on an astounding migration that takes a half-million people, their livestock, and all their possessions across 200 miles of intensely difficult mountains. And this is no simple stroll: the Zagros Mountains, which must be crossed to reach the summer pastures, are as tall as the Alps. This documentary, which was shot on film in the 1970s, focuses on one particular tribesman whose words, translated into English and read by the actor James Mason, tell the timeless story of the great migration. The photography is often spectacular, and the widescreen format is well suited to the sweeping mountain panoramas (though there's no denying the footage would look much more imposing on the big screen). The film moves at a slow pace, and though it can lag, in fairness it should be noted that the pacing does fit in with the rhythms of these rugged mountain people. The tribesman relates the traditional rituals of life for the Bakhtiari, from how they tend their animals to their elaborate wedding feasts, and over the course of the film the tribe's unique mountain culture emerges. Though a viewer may wonder how (or if) the migration has changed in present-day Iran, this film is the original production of 1976 and offers no update. --Robert J. McNamara

Description

There are two hundred miles of raging rivers and impassable mountains to cross. There are no towns, no roads, no bridges. There is no turning back. The Bakhtiari migration is one of the most hazardous tests of human endurance known to mankind. Every year, 50,000 men, women and children, along with one million animals, struggle for eight grueling weeks to scale the massive Zagros Mountains, a range which is as high as the Alps and as broad as Switzerland, to reach their summer pastures. The film's astonishing wide-screen photography and brilliantly recorded soundtrack take the viewer out into the dangerous precipices of the Zardeh Kuh mountain and into the icy waters of the Cholbar river. "People of the Wind" is an amazing, breathtaking film of the most unbelievable migration on Earth.

1.85:1 - Color - English - Stereo

Customer Reviews:

A Must See..........2007-02-28

It's one of the best documentary film I've seen. It's sequel to Grass which was released 1925. I highly recommend both movies.

AMAZING AND STUNNING ADVENTURE.......2006-09-18

From 1976, one of the great anthropological adventure documentaries, PEOPLE OF THE WIND (Image), is a stunning account of the Bakhtiari tribe's annual 200 mile, eight-week migration up the massive Zagros Mountains for higher pastures.

500,000 strong, on foot and with their million head herds, the tribe fords the freezing Cholbar river and scales icy Alp-like peaks of the Zardeh Kuh mountains to reach their fertile secondary homes. Extraordinary cinematography, coupled with poetic narration by James Mason makes this first person account vivid and memorable.

If you think you have it hard driving to work in bumper-to-bumper traffic, see this amazing widescreen, color film of human endurance and appreciate the cushy life you have.

Bakhtiary's Journey.......2002-02-07

This documentary is most interesting film I have seen in recent years about this forgotten people. This film is about Bakhtiary tribe annual journey from their winter pasture into their summer highlands. The movie takes you on a wonderful trip into the most rugged, yet beautiful scenery of inner Iran. The music only amplifies your joyous odyssey from numerous river crossings and mountainous trails. A must have collection for anyone with a kin eye for beauty.

A TRIP TO BE REMEMBERED..........2000-12-31

This is an engrossing documentary of the Bakhtiari migration in which about 500,000 men, women, and children, along with approximately one million animals, spend eight weeks of hardship in their struggle to cross the Zagros mountains in order to reach summer pastures for their livestock.

Their two hundred miles odyssey is told in the words of the leader of the Babahdi tribe. His words are voiced over by actor James Mason. His story is as compelling, as it is amazing. It is difficult to believe that a people would so endure a journey of such hardship year after year.

There is no road through the mountain, only trails or passages worn over time. It is, indeed, rough and rugged terrain over which to cross. The people climb, unroped, these 15,000 foot peaks, herding along their livestock, in clothing and footwear that does not inure them to the ravages of frostbite and illness. You see young children herding animals on precipices that would give most people pause.

It is a primitive, yet communal way of life. The film provides the viewer with a fascinating glimpse into a lifestyle which would be foreign to most. It is compelling, documentary film- making at its best. It is a film that would appeal to all those interested in other cultures, as well as in the human condition.

Like living the nomad life yourself.......2000-07-11

If you've been fascinated by gypsies and other nomads, this is a real treat. You're right there with them, seeing the hardships, the awesome countryside, and the colorful clothing & jewelry, getting a feel of what it's really like. I felt right at home, and understood my heritage better. A gorgeous film.

Average customer rating:

The Last Man on Earth (1964) [DVD]

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

This DVD also includes an MPEG-4 encoded version for easy download to your portable media player, such as an Apple iPod!
This movie is also known as Naked Terror, Night People, The Night Creatures, Ultimo uomo della terra, L' (Italy) (dubbed version) , Vento di morte , Wind of Death
Black & White

ASIN: B000GFOD2K

Product Description

The Last Man on Earth (originally titled L'Ultimo uomo della Terra) is a 1964 film based upon the Richard Matheson novel I Am Legend. It was originally released theatrically in the United States by American International Pictures. Every day is the same for Dr. Robert Morgan (Vincent Price). He wakes up, gathers his weapons and then literally goes vampire hunting. Morgan lives in a world where all humans have been killed due to a new disease. This disease turns people into vampire-like creatures, who fear mirrors and would kill Morgan if they got the chance. At night Morgan locks himself inside his house, and in the morning, when the "vampires" are weaker he kills as many as he can, and destroys the bodies. One day he meets a beautiful girl and falls in love only to find she too has the disease, and he vows to find a cure. Will he succeed?

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

Intermezzo (1936 Swedish version)

Pride Fighting Championships, Vol. 7

Three Amigos [1987] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

DVD: The Teacher from the Black Lagoon... and More Slightly

Steve Earle - Just an American Boy