birds of passage (2018)
original title: Pájaros de Verano
A TALE OF DRUGS, CULTURE, AND CONFLICT THAT SOARS HIGH.
The crime/drug trade genre is certainly a re-occurring one and quite frankly heavily overdone. Many films within this genre fall into the same trap of unfolding the narrative in the same exhausted structure that ultimately leads to a predictable end. Birds of Passage certainly shares some elements of this overused, predictable storyline, however; it’s the way it’s told through Colombian culture that makes this one of the most fascinating films of the year.
Set in a remote and little known area of Northern Colombia between the years of 1968 – 1980, Birds of Passage is a vibrant and vivid tale that explores the way of life for the Wayuu people, an indigenous tribe who strongly believe in family honour and abide by strict ancestral codes and rituals. Our film starts out with an enthralling ritual that sees Zaida (Natalie Reyes), a young woman who performs a captivating dance to honour her preparation for marriage. Rapayet (Jose Acosta) is a zealous man with ties to the ancient traditions of his indigenous community but also with modern Colombia, in particular the growing trade of marijuana.
Zaida’s mother Úrsula (Carmina Martinéz) is ultimately her daughter’s gatekeeper and instructs Rapayet that if he is to marry Zaida then he must supply the family with 30 goats, 10 cows, and 5 necklaces. Rapayet sets out on this mission, along the way he meets Moises (Jhon Narvaez) and together they accomplish a set task, however; they also find themselves agreeing to obtain a large amount of marijuana for some gringos. Fast forward a few years and Zaida and Rapayet are happily married and Rapayet’s marijuana business is flourishing, the family has more money than they know what to do with. Whilst this wealth allows the family to own many beautiful, materialistic things it also starts to poison their humble traditions. But when things turn sour between Rapayet and Moises the true destruction of this business settles in and we are left with a world of conflict where family traditions are broken and no one is safe.
Ciro Guerra shares the directing duties this time around with long-time producer Cristina Gallego. The pair are responsible for Embrace the Serpent which blew audiences away in 2015, however; Gallego was only on producing duties then. The pair work amazingly together and Birds of Passage is a prime example of that. The film, which is brilliantly structured as five discrete chapters, is a lesson in mastery filmmaking. Not only is the story told in a fascinating and intriguing way but it also unfolds its multiple layers at a slow and delicate pace which benefits the intriguing narrative that unravels.
Whilst fundamentally, Birds of Passage is a story of the drug trade, it is also so much more than that. Marijuana is used here as a strong metaphor that sets out to demonstrate how contemporary desires can lead to the destruction of the family as well as honourable traditions. Guerra and Gallego have done a tremendous job of creating a world that seems so foreign yet also familiar. Storytelling aside, the film also focuses on vigorous visuals that drag you in and never let you go. Vibrant colours are used effectively and hold with it a strong sentiment of customs and rituals.
Not everything is executed to perfection as there are some questionable performances at times, specifically from the gringos. Luckily, the main cast is excellent and really brings their characters to life. As mentioned at the start of this review, Birds of Passage doesn’t have the most original storyline, there isn’t anything exactly new about it. However; the way it is told through the unique setting of Colombian culture and the messages it holds with it is just fascinating and makes this one of the must-see movies of 2018.
★★★★☆
25 NOVEMBER 2018
