Happy People: A Year in the Taiga

Synopsis

Happy People: A Year in the Taiga, a documentary film released in 2010, directed by Werner Herzog, beautifully captures the lives of the indigenous people living in the remote Siberian Taiga region. The film takes the viewers on a mesmerizing journey through the four seasons of one year, showcasing the incredible survival skills and profound connection to nature of the Taiga's inhabitants. With stunning cinematography and Herzog's unique storytelling, the audience witnesses the resilience, traditions, and challenges faced by these happy people amidst the harsh yet breathtaking surroundings of the wilderness.

Cast

• 

  Werner Herzog

  Narrator (voice)

• Gennady Soloviev

  Self - Trapper #1

• Anatoly Blumei

  Self - Trapper #2

• Gennady Tiganov

  Self - Native Boat Builder

• Mikhail Tarkovsky

  Self - Trapper #3

Reviews

Happy People: A Year in the Taiga has received acclaim from critics worldwide. IMDb rates the film 7.7/10, praising its immersive depiction of a fascinating way of life. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a solid 88% approval rating, with reviewers highlighting the authenticity and captivating storytelling. Metacritic scores the film 74/100, noting Herzog's masterful direction and the profound insight into the Taiga culture. Variety states, 'A rare and memorable portrait of people living in harmony with their environment.' The New York Times describes it as 'A visually stunning and emotionally resonant documentary that offers a rare glimpse into a vanishing way of life.'

See also

Requiem for a Dream

Nocturnal Animals

Boyhood

Burn After Reading