Movie: The Horsemen

We are introduced to a hard, rugged country in the opening credits. Afghanistan. We meet Uraz at a camel fight. Surly and angry. He is given the honor of riding for his father’s stables at the buzhashi championship (an ancient violent horse race/chariot race without the chariot) in Kabul. Uraz is given a special horse that his father has raised to be a champion. Not only will Uraz win a lot of money, glory for his tribe but he will be given the horse if he wins. A great honor. He is expected to bring home a victory and keep the legacy of the great line of chapendaz (Horsemen) in his family. The race goes terribly wrong and Uraz delays going home by taking an old route through the mountains that will delay facing the shame he feels he’s brought himself and his people especially his father. We follow his journey home.

CB sat in an afternoon matinee and was taken to another world in this film. He was never to Afghanistan but he felt he was there in this story. John Frankenheimer takes us into this harsh world and captures so much of it. It’s violent, cruel and hard. He sprinkles in a lot of authenticity. He uses the environment as one of the characters. The cinematography is beautiful.

The cast is solid with, Omar Sharif and Jack Palance playing father/son. Sharif is all anger, resentment and pride. We follow him on his trek home while he’s trying to come to terms with his messed up head and leg. Palance worn, weary but still proud. He has the presence and look for this role. Frankenheimer sprinkles in actors with the real locals. Leigh Taylor-Young plays the best looking “untouchable” CB ever saw ( He never saw  one before).

There are lots of scenes with animals fighting. It’s all based around wagers. It’s violent sport. The actual buzhashi is a fantastic piece of filmmaking.  A great scene and worth the price of admission. It’s like some crazy horse race/roller derby/whip the shit out of each other/fast/skilled/no holds bared fight on horses at full gallop. All for a headless goat. CB loved it.

Lots for me to like in this film. The action scenes and camera work are top notch. So take a trip to a place where time stands still and take in the story and the action. It’s not a smooth ride but you might dig it. CB did.

( This scene happens at the start of the film. If you watch the whole thing it will give quite a bit away. A few minutes and you will get the idea. CB would have to watch to see the outcome)