User Reviews

First, this was nothing like a documentary. It is a poignant story of a young man trying to grow up in one of the world's most hostile environments. In this country, reindeer is life. This animal provides everything to sustain life for these nomadic clans. It is their food, their clothing, their transportation; their money. Hungry wolves live on what they can get: rabbits; whatever, but when they can, they take down a deer, a feast for a starving pack. Young Sergeï has a lot to prove. He has to grow up and he has the lovely Natashya who loves him. Sergeï wants to prove himself to his clan and persuades his father to allow him to guard the herd of reindeer. Against the advice of others, his father permits Sergeï to do this. When Sergeï spots a wolf on a ridge, he takes his rifle and goes out to kill it, but soon discovers a lair with four cubs frolicking about. Although Sergeï knows what to do, he cannot do it. He is smitten and after a time, he and the cubs and eventually the mother whom he names Voulka, have bonded. He gives each cub a name as well. When Natasha discovers what he is doing, she is devastated. She explains that they don't hate the wolves. It's simply a matter of survival. It's the clan or the wolves. They must be killed on sight. But out of her love for Sergeï, and the wonder of seeing the wolves up close and personal, Natasha too allows herself to be seduced by these beautiful animals. But soon other wolves come and the pack not only drives off the herd but slaughters one reindeer. Sergeï is blamed, and when the clan realizes what he has been doing to encourage the wolves, Sergeï's disappointed father says "If you can't be a man for us, how will you be a man for a woman?" This cuts deeply. Sergeï pleads for a chance to redeem himself. He will take care of the wolves. At last his father permits Sergeï to go after the wolves, but warns him, this will be his last chance. Sergeï sets off in a frozen, stunningly white and bitter winter to accomplish his dreaded task. It is so cold that waterfalls are frozen in place. This film was shot on location under the most severe conditions and it really shows. Each scene is a painting and the interaction between man, reindeer, wolf, nature and the ever-encroaching civilization is amazing to watch. Warning: get a fuzzy blanket and/or a heavy sweater. You're going to need it.