This is a Swedish film made in 1957. It has the form of a documentary, even
though some scenes must have been added for dramatic effect. In fact, it's
difficult to see where the dividing line is between fact and fiction. This is
a deliberate tactic by the director Arne Sucksdorff.
The film takes place in central India, in a region where there are many tribes
with different religions and different languages. The main characters are
Ginju from the Muria tribe and his wife Riga from the neighbouring Gando
tribe. Ginju is an outcast, because his wife's tribe is considered inferior.
The feelings are mutual. Both tribes look down on one another. Nevertheless,
there's a yearly market in Muria when all differences are forgotten for two
days and Ginju is allowed to bring his wife home.
A leopard has been attacking the villagers. This is seen as a punishment from
the Gods, and the shaman declares that Ginju's presence in the tribe is the
reason the Gods are angry. Ginju and Riga are forced to leave immediately,
before the end of the market. But the leopard remains in the nearby jungle
attacking people and livestock.
The Indians speak their native tongues, and no translation is offered, at
least not directly. A narrator explains what's happening. This intensifies the
film's documentary feel.
We don't get to know the characters. It wouldn't fit the film's documentary style.
We're on the outside looking in. It's a highly unusual film
about a primitive people that is largely unknown. After watching the film I
checked Wikipedia to
find out more about the Muria, and they have some strange sexual practises which
aren't mentioned in the film.
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