Do you like to watch documentary films? I know that they are not for everyone. My husband is not a fan, but I sure am. I truly enjoy watching documentaries. I find them a wonderful, entertaining way to learn about the world outside of our home. Earth is a huge place and there is a lot that goes on around the world – even our own “backyards” – that we might not be aware of.
I think my love of documentaries if one of the reasons why I do so well playing the game show Jeopardy while watching it from home. It’s because I am passionate about learning and enjoy exploring new things.
I recently watched a new documentary that was just released for home viewing this past Tuesday. The film is called The Eagle Huntress.
This documentary is just a wee bit “different” than the ones I would normally watch, but I found it a bit intriguing from the trailer that I watched for it. Check it out for yourself.
The Eagle Huntress is the true story of a young teenage girl (13 years old) named Aisholpan. She lives in a remote home in Mongolia.
From all appearances, Aisholpan is pretty much a typical teenage girl. The only difference is that her “hobby” is a bit more unsual than collecting teeny pop magazines and snapping photos for Instagram. Aisholpan enjoys working along side her father and training to be an eagle hunter.
In Mongolia, people train Golden Eagles to help them hunt for food and fur, most especially during the harsh winter months.
I was surprised to see how very well cared for the trained eagles are. Because they mean so much to a family’s livelihood, it’s important that their eagle be treated with respect and well cared for.
I also find it interesting that after seven years the eagles are set free to live out their lives as well as to procreate a new generation of eagles to be trained as hunters.
Being an eagle hunter is something that is passed down from generation to generation. Traditionally, father’s pass their skills on to their sons. It’s something that has been done for centuries. Aisholpan has challenged this tradition and had her father teach her how to be an eagle hunter.
Aisholpan is clearly a natural. In fact, she is a better eagle hunter than men twice her young age (and older). Unfortunately she has to prove herself to others who feel like a female has no place being an eagle hunter.
Join Aisholpan on her incredible quest to become an eagle hunter and to gain the respect and admiration of her eagle hunting peers. Look for The Eagle Huntress where ever movies are sold (or downloaded).
The Eagle Huntress is narrated by Daisy Ridley (“Rey” in the new Star Wars films). There is also a lot of subtitles since Aisholpan and her family don’t speak English. I didn’t mind that. It’s not like there was a lot of conversation. That is why there was a narrator.
I found this film to be fascinating. I knew that people in Asia and Mongolia used eagles to hunt with, but I never really thought about how they trained the eagles to work with people, and what kept the eagles from flying away.
I also enjoy learning about different cultures and different parts of the world. I don’t think I could live where Aisholpan does, and without a lot of modern conveniences. But at the same time I can appreciate how her family and community like to stick with tradition because it’s part of who they are.
The cinematography in this film is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Truly breathtaking. I was in total awe of the majestic, snow covered mountains and the shot of the eagles in the sky as well as seeing the world from the eagle’s perspective. What a beautiful world Aisholpan and her family live in. It’s hard to believe that places like this really exist on our planet.
There are bonus features on the DVD. One feature is commentary (I don’t like commentaries) and the other is a behind the scenes look at how they captured all of this on film. I would recommend you check out that feature. It gives you a better understanding and appreciation for a film when you know what went on to bring it to life.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy to review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Sara Zielinski says
This sounds like a great movie.