Heather Huntington (18 May 2013)

It really isn't my cup of tea.

(18 May 2013)

Good action movie

This review is from: Nomad: The Warrior (DVD) Good story, acting and action. The costumes and setting were well done and good fighting seens. Glad I bought this DVD.

(10 May 2013)

A Kazakh Founding Myth

While one can appreciate this film as an action film or a "Kazakh western" in the tradition of John Ford, it is something more. It is a fictionalized version of the youth of Ablai Kahn, who in real life unified the Kazakh clans and led them against the Dzungars in the early 18th century. Kazakhstan emerged from the fall of the Soviet Union with the need to establish a new national identity. It has been aided in this effort by the discovery of oil, and a consequent influx of oil money. This film, made at the cost of some $40 million, takes advantage of the new wealth and seems clearly intended to establish a founding myth for the Kazakh nation-state. Kazakhstan is a rapidly modernizing nation with a sophisticated modern urban population little understood by Americans. The American audience for this film might find it helpful in visualizing historical Kazakhstan, and in understanding the myths which underly Kazakh sense of identity. Or they can simply sit back and enjoy the action.

Jeremy Wanhill (10 May 2013)

what the...

this movie let me down decidedly hard. it was a great concept that wasruined with a horrible script. The story just didn't flow and wasdisjointed at best. There were so many elements to this story that werenot explained, or were forced into place with out any real thought.elements like the love story could have been expanded on a bit more,and the cannons need to be written in better. the whole main charactergrowing up thing needed more about the training he was receiving andless standing around. everyone likes a good "little guy overcomes"story and this showed promise but with the scripting failures wasn't tobe. While it did have some pyrotechnics in the final battle sequence itwas lackluster due to a lack of choreography. this made for amaddeningly boring watchit could have been so good :(

(01 May 2013)

A movie worth watching

Nomad: The Warrior brings to the screen the story of a young Kazakh who grows up to become the hero that will rid Kazakh lands of enemies and unite the scattered tribes. I will agree with the previous reviewer in that the Jungars had more of a legitimate claim to Genghis Khan's legacy while the Kazakhs were the ones that sought Russia's protection as opposed to the other way around. Hence the movie is historically inaccurate as it follows a Kazakh nationalist agenda which includes the slightest anti-Russian jabs.Jason Scott Lee, Kuno Becker, and the rest of the cast have truly outdone themselves with their performances, which are outstanding to say the least! All the actors, without exceptions, give it their 100% and it really shows, though I fail to see why foreign actors were used to portray Kazakhs. Moreover, it was rather obvious that the lead actors were ethnically different from the supporting cast to the point that Mansur and his father are as similar as far as both of them belonging to the human race and that's about it (i.e. father and son look nothing like one another).Additionally, Gauhar's capture was a bit ridiculous, thus becoming a bit of a spoiler. Furthermore, those that wrote the Greek subtitles do not know the difference between Cossacks and Kazakhs!!! Amateurs!Nevertheless, the setting, the dialogues, and the costumes are all wonderful! The scenery in particular is breathtaking and the movie does a great job of shedding light on several peoples of the central Asian steppes. In a nutshell, Nomad: The Warrior is a movie definitely worth watching as it will surely provide for an evening's entertainment, though it could have easily avoided the mistakes it made.

(30 April 2013)

Just another epic movie

I bought this film because the reviews, but now i understand that the people has differents ways to see movies, is not an amazing action movie, is average action movie. But for that price, i guess i cant ask too much.

(28 April 2013)

Historical spectacle of Kazakh nation unification

I am fan of Sergei Bodrov's (director) movies. Although this direction was a shared effort on his behalf, I expected no less and I am glad to say that I was not disappointed. It is a movie about nation of Kazakhs who live in tundra region between mighty mountains and mighty nations of China and Russia. They are conquered by Mongols, Jungars and other nations until there is a prophecy that a new warrior, descendant of Ginghis Khan will bring them freedom and unity. It is a spectacular movie with great fighting scenes, horseback riding bonanza, wonderful costumes, unique language and exotic looking beautiful women. Film also shows the value of friendship and loyalty. Our young warrior and creator of a nation is lucky to have a wise man for a teacher who teaches him not only how to fight battles and ride horses, but also how to be wise and patient ruler of the people. One cannot stop and remember Aristotle being a teacher to the young Alexander The Great. Kazakh leader is fair and strong and beautiful both inside and out thanks to the wise man who has molded him from his early years. If you liekd "Gladiator", you will like this one even more. It is a foreign movie, so be prepared for subtitles.

movietrail (27 April 2013)

want to see it....

I visited Kazakhstan briefly in September 2003. On a Sunday afternoon Iwas taken up to a reservoir high, high above the city of Almaty whichis about the only place available for local residents to go forrelaxation. It was an unbelievably beautiful location, even though itwas an artificial lake. I was shocked to meet another American at theend of this rocky bumpy road in the middle of nowhere; he turned out tobe one of the top guys on the production staff and they were filming"Nomad". He told me about the movie and I then realized that theJapanese wrestlers that were on the plane on the way over were broughtin to be extras! I was expecting some huge blockbuster production andkept looking for it in local movie guides. I was looking up Jason ScottLee and coincidentally found this page and realized the movie was longout and apparently a vanity project for the Kazakhstani president... itprobably never made the screens here in Japan. Too bad as I am a greatJSL fan. I cannot comment on the film, but I do know from what I saw inKZ that the backdrop must be spectacular.

(25 April 2013)

Stunning horsemanship + thrilling swordplay + Eye-catching grassland = entertaining epic!

This movie is great for the three reasons listed above. I wish the director had spend more time developing the friendship between Mansur and his childhood friend. Also the love between Mansur and his future wife, Gauhar should have been depicted more. The fighting scenes look very real and exciting. Kuno Becker's acting as Mansur is not convincing. Mark Dacascos is very scary as a villain. This picture is heavy on patriotism, sword fighting, horsemanship and beautiful landscape. It's light on love and friendship. Overall, it's an enjoyable historical-based epic film.

stormruston (25 April 2013)

A very enjoyable action/history movie.

The reason I decided to rent this movie was because Mark Dacascos wasin this feature. It was not his worse role by any means but he was onlya Minor character, a slight disappointment for me on a personal levelbut really it only added to the movie as he was key in characterdevelopment for the main cast.So on to the movie.The action was hit and miss. Some was absolutely wonderful, hold yourbreath type stuff,that generally was the one on one battles, somelooked a bit weak. That said, this movie is no 300, relying strictly onaction sequences to carry it. It had a great story to carry it along,some fantastic acting and beautiful sets. All in all a very watchablemovie if you put aside the fact most of the characters where not of theethnic background they represented. I had no problem putting that asideand just enjoying a great action/history flick for what it is:entertainment.

altysha79 (21 April 2013)

Loved the movie!

Despite of all negative reviews I have read vast majority loved thefilm. It made me proud being a Kazakh. Of course there are lots ofhistorical mistakes but it is a MOVIE after all. It does not have to behistorically 100% correct!!!! I cried and although I left Kazkahstanlong time ago I am proud to be KAzakh AGAIN!!!! I have seen a bad copyand if it is shown in the UK I will be definitely going to see that andtake my husband and friends with me. At last people will know thatKazakhstan is the real country and not just a Ali G's joke (hate thatguy(gay???) Can't wait to see American version. I saw it in Russian butwonder how it sounds in English. The main characters are played byMexicans though but they do look like Kazakhs.

(21 April 2013)

Just not that good, but passes some time

This movie tells the tale of the decendent of Ghengis Kahn, and how he will lead the cossacks back to a peacful united people. There is plenty of action, and a bit of love, but this movie is very predictable, and non-ground breaking movie. Overall, can pass a few hours, but not worth spending too much money on, and one time will likey be enough to watch it. Pick it up if you must.

Jim Hemphill (20 April 2013)

In the American-release version of the picture, the emphasis on spectacle and the paring away of all but the most essential exposition ends up having the opposite of its intended effect.

(19 April 2013)

KZ's first big try

"Nomad" was KZ's first big try to work with a Hollywood studio to make a film. It suffered from the disease that inflicts many movies - too many cooks in the kitchen. A film like this, being made in these circumstances, needs a person or a couple of people with a strong vision for the story, and for the characters, and for where the film is going to take us.It will be interesting to see if they can try again, and this time with strong leadership.

(19 April 2013)

GREAT!!!

This movie was made in my homeland, Kazakhstan. And it's true historical movie...I loved it! And i'm proud that WE MADE IT!

melonkali (19 April 2013)

Fascinating Under-Rated Historical Film

IMPORTANT PARENTAL ADVISORY -- IT'S SAFE!!: This is one of the fewmodern historical epics I'd recommend as "safe viewing" for youngstersold enough to understand it -- maybe late-elementary/early-middleschool? If you love history, especially the history of important,ancient areas and peoples of the world, areas that many of uswesterners (self included) know too little about, this movie shouldwhet your appetite for learning more about the fascinating, complex,very ancient Steppe peoples. While this movie deals with a nationalepic of the 18th century, the Steppe peoples who became the Kazakhshave very, very old and rich traditions which are reflected in theactions and understandings of Nomad.I would agree with some other posters that if someone is looking for anAmerican Western Epic set in a completely inappropriate historicalcontext, this movie is not for you. If you think Braveheart andGladiator were great "historical" movies, appropriate for youngchildren, Nomad is probably not for you.For historians who already have a fair grasp of Kazakh history, thismovie might seem a bit over-generalized with too many inaccuracies -- Ireally don't know, since I don't know Kazakh history, but the moviefelt that way to me. I confess to being personally "irritated" withinaccuracies and sweeping generalizations in American Civil War flicks.However, I have to admit that a film encompassing the American CivilWar period, a film which was designed to introduce the essence of thatconflict to people of other nations (especially non-western nations),would have to take a few liberties with details, particularly if thefilm was set to run less than twelve hours! I REJOICED that Nomad didnot over-emphasize or glorify graphic violence, nor pander to prurientinterests -- for me, that says something positive about the modernKazakh mentality! As one Wikipedia article indicated, Kazakhs in Nomadwere shown as extraordinary horsemen. It was only right, then, to seeequestrian action sequences that used real horses and competent riders,instead of relying on computer FX. (BTW: Though I didn't examine everyinstance, the horse bridles/bits/tack that I did observe in Nomad werenot even as harsh as popular American "cowboy" tack, and any"suspicious-for-trip-wire" action events I noticed were quicklyfollowed by the horses getting up and walking around "just fine".) I dowish the lead roles had been played by native Kazakhs. But as for theactors in Nomad not looking like Kazakhs -- well, I've never been toKazakhstan, but internet articles describe Kazakhs as a physiologicallydiverse people, with complex heterogenous genetic admixtures. Is thatnot true? As for the movie being badly written or badly acted or"corny" by our standards, umm, I've found that many of us westerners,especially us Americans, often just don't "get" the mindset andartistic expression of other peoples, and so we judge the product aspoor, by our standards. But later, usually too late to save face, wediscover that the problem was lack of understanding on our part. (Iconfess to having a humbling history of judging Russian symbolicthinking as "simplistic".) Nomad was a fascinating viewing experiencefor all of my family. I hope that Kazakhstan, and other areas of theworld less-well-known to us westerners (especially to us Americans),will produce MORE films of this caliber, inviting us to see a glimpseof their culture, on THEIR terms, and NOT pandering to OUR embarrassingdumbed-down national aesthetic (as so many of us, sadly, seem toexpect).

(17 April 2013)

Ridiculous premise

This review is from: Nomad: The Warrior (DVD) While this movie has some good fight scenes and the cinematography is quite good, the basic premise of the movie is ridiculously flawed.From the very beginning, Jason Scott Lee's narrative talks about the Kazakh's people having ancestors like Genghis Khan, and having to fight off invaders such as the Jungars. The Kazakhs are only partly descended from the Mongols, as they were primarily a Turkic people whose cities were DESTROYED by Genghis Khan and his Mongol army. Jungars were more direct descendants of Genghis Khan than the Kazakhs ever were.In the movie, we see the Jungar Khan getting cannons from what look like the Russians. Funnily enough, historically it was the Kazakhs who sought protection by the Russians against the Jungars...I'm curious as to why the Kazakhs participated in the movie when the historical references about their people were so wrong...

(17 April 2013)

WOW, what a bad movie!!!!

First thing first they ripped the 300 font and then released it a week before 300 is released. Talk about tacky yet intriguing enough to see what it was about. Well the acting is horrible. Jason Scott Lee has fallen so far. The sets were very bad also. The worst part was having the 2 boys grow up and instead of hiring actors from that background they hire one of spanish decent and one of white decent to play them. VERY LAME.

Dinara (15 April 2013)

awesOOme!

This movie is AWESOME!I have seen it several times and I wanna see it AGAIN and AGAIN! The music is fantastic, the film is about true love, heroism and courage,I LOVE it!

Abish Abdeldinov (15 April 2013)

You may watch it but be ready that you wont like it...

I would give this movie 5 rather than 3 if it would be at least intime... When i've seen it in first time it was just what you could waitfrom the work that is based not on the artistic abilities of thedirectors but on the idealistic or i would rather say idiotic habits ofour (Kazakhstan) government... It's a shame, because 'Qazaqfil'm' wasbeen shooting nice movies when it was not honoured by the name ofShaken Aimanov, but it was actually ran by him. The movies like 'KonecAtamana', 'Kyz Zhibek' or even 'Aldar Kose'. But after Mr Aimanov'sdeath the production of quality movies went down almost dramatically in10 years time there were very few films produced. However, in late1980s, 'Assa' was shot, it was a film about first organised crimegroups in the big country, one year later Mr. Rashid Nugmanov shotanother film with the co-staring of the same actor/singer V.Tsoy, atthat time he was already a soviet/Russian rock legend, - the moviecalled 'Igla' (The Needle or something) it was completely new, somebodycalled that period as resurrection or a new Kazakh movie wave.Unfortunately nowadays we do not have a quality movies, our directorsshooting movies on the french and Japanese financial support, and thusmovies are not for the public but for the authors professional critics,some of them take a price on international author movie festivals butthere a very few of them become a business asset products... And againback to our 'nomads'. Such movies usually unpopular because of vastaspects. The same effects was with Nikita Mikhalkov's 'SibirskiCyrilnik' about Russian tsars, that was also shot on parities withforeign partners, i think they were french or maybe British. Nobdyliked it, even in Russian public it become as a main topic of acomedians and comedy shows like 'KVN'. IMHO