"Nima's Women"
("Nima jia de Nurenmen" -- China)
An Ayunga (Inner Mongolia) Culture Communication Co. production. (International sales: Inner Mongolia Nuomai Dike Culture Communication Co., Risheng, China.) Produced by Ren Qinma, Wu Yongxin. Executive producer, Ayunga. Directed by Zhuogehe. Screenplay, Zhuogehe, Zhuobodeliya.
With: Hong Mei, Nala, Gerile, Tumen, Yiru.
Small grace notes in direction and storytelling make "Nimas' Women" more interesting than many more opulent dramas set among China's non-Han minorities. Matriarchal yarn centered on a sharp-tongued, aging mother in remote Inner Mongolia, and her two daughters hoping to announce marriages before she dies, has a formal, slightly stiff style but much heart beneath the surface. Fests looking for "ethnic" fare with more than just colorful costumes should check out these dames.
With all the men long gone, Nachajima (Gerile) lives in her yurt with younger daughter Nansilma (Hong Mei), who likes strong-but-silent herder Adia (Tumen). However, Adia has a wife who's in a coma and feels he can't desert her at present. Meanwhile, elder daughter Delehei (Nala) visits with her flash fiance for mom's 85th birthday celebrations. Amid all the emotional to-and-fro, the daughters discover mom is not as unworldly as she makes out. Technique of fade-outs and fade-ins within scenes, charming observational scenes of Adia's young daughter (Yiru) and a final reel that springs several surprises all undercut the pic's dignified front to create a finally warm ensemble. Tech package is modest but effective.
Camera (color), Wu Haitao; music, Ge'enhe; art director, Bate'er; costume designer, Tang Baoli. Reviewed at Shanghai Film Festival (New Chinese Films), June 19, 2008. Mandarin dialogue. Running time: 89 MIN.
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