REVIEW: Ha Lyngkha Bneng (The Elysian Field)

Directed by Pradip Kurbah, set in 2047, the year of India’s 100th year of independence, but it was not what I expected as its story is set in an isolated community in Northeast India. With only a handful of residents of the community, it feels stuck in time without the technology yet they still are connected to the outside world for supplies, connections, and more. Though isolated to many, they find solace in each other as they also grieve the people that they have lost. It feels depressing at first yet when the characters open up and reveal their stories and aspirations, the joy in the company but there is also fear of the future as they grow older and lonelier.

At first it feels like a silent film with a depressing atmosphere and many may feel it is boring, yet once the dialogue is started, the charm of the movie starts. Being isolated in the future is a concept that we do not expect. As we yearn for progress and convenience, the movie shows that simple human connections still are the core of the community. 

This is the opening film of Cinemalaya 2025 with the theme “Layag Sa Alon Hangin at Unos” and won Best Film, Best Director and the NETPAC Award.

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