Harmony Lessons

Harmony Lessons (Kazakh: Асланның сабақтары, Aslannyń sabaqtary; Russian: Уроки гармонии) is a 2013 Kazakh-German drama film directed by Emir Baigazin. The film premiered in competition at the 63rd Berlin International Film Festival[1] where Aziz Zhambakiyev was awarded for a Silver Bear for outstanding artistic contribution for camera work.[2]

Harmony Lessons
Film poster
Directed byEmir Baigazin
Produced byAnna Katchko
Written byEmir Baigazin
StarringTimur Aidarbekov
CinematographyAziz Zhambakiyev
Release date
  • 14 February 2013 (2013-02-14) (Berlin)
Running time
120 minutes
CountryKazakhstan
Germany
LanguageKazakh
Russian

Plot

Harmony Lessons is set in a small Kazakhstan village, where Aslan, a thirteen-year-old boy living with his grandmother is a diligent student, bullied by an older boy Bolat and his gang connected with adult criminals and prisoners. The plot concerns Aslan's humiliations, and slow revenge.

Reception

Critical reception was positive:[3][4]

In this insightful Kazakh film, symbolism and striking cinematography help us navigate the complicated landscape of a teenager’s mind after the collapse of the Soviet bloc. Emir Baigazin wrote, edited and directed this fascinating Darwinist first feature, which, through his still shots, reminds us of Bresson and the best parts of Japanese film noir. — Frédéric Boyer at the Tribeca Film Festival

It’s stark and surreal, strange and beautiful, and while perhaps overstretched in the final act, it’s entirely riveting. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter

Cast
  • Timur Aidarbekov as Aslan
  • Aslan Anarbayev as Bolat
  • Mukhtar Andassov as Mirsain
  • Anelya Adilbekova as Akzhan
  • Omar Adilov as Mad
  • Adlet Anarbekov as Takhir
  • Daulet Anarbekov as Damir
  • Nursultan Nurbergenov as Maksat
  • Nurdaulet Orazymbetov as Daniyar
  • Erasyl Nurzhakyp as Arsen
  • Assan Kirkabakov as Shikan
  • Ramazan Sultanbek as Gani

[5]

References
  1. "Berlinale 2013: Competition Now Complete". berlinale. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
  2. "Prizes of the International Jury". berlinale. Retrieved 16 February 2013.
  3. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 7 November 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2014.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. "'Harmony Lessons': Berlin Review". Retrieved 3 September 2016.
  5. "Harmony Lessons - The Hollywood Reporter". Retrieved 3 September 2016.
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