MOUNTAIN PATROL: KEKEXILI

DVD Review by David Blackwell

DETAILS: 89 minutes, previews

STUDIO: National Geographic World Films/ Samuel Goldwyn Films/ Columbia Pictures Asia/ Huayi Brothers/ Taihe Film Investment Co. Ltd./ China Film

RELEASE DATE: 8-29-2006

Tibet is a beautiful and desolate place. During 1993 to 1999, The Wild Yak Brigade patroled the Tibetan Plateau in an effort to stop poachers killing the antelope for their hides. MOUNTAIN PATROL: KEKEXILI is inspired by the real mountain patrol. Captain Ri Tai is the elader of the group. The mountain patrol is short of men, money, and guns. Near the end of 1996, Ga yu (a reporter from Beijing) comes to do a story about the patrol's efforts and interview Captain Ri Tai. Ga Yu tags along as the patrol tracks poachers who killed one of their own and over 500 antelope. Times get desperate and supplies get low. They even have to make a hard choice on what to do with the hides when they need to take one of the patrol to the doctor. MOUNTAIN PATROL is an engaging story with fantastic cinematography. The team patrolling Kekexili are friends and in a way like family. Ri Tai accepts Ga Yu into the family as the hunt for the poachers will stretch over two weeks. The patrol will face thin air, cold weather, snow, vehicle problems, and and even quicksand.

VIDEO: 2.40:1 (Anamorphic Widescreen)

Image detail is sharp and the transfer captures the beautiful scenery.

AUDIO: Chinese 5.1 DD, French 5.1 DD

Subtitles: English, French

The surround mix is impressive. Nice directional action and the surround makes you feel like you are there.

PREVIEWS: SKETCHES OF FRANK GEHRY, ART SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL, FRIENDS WITH MONEY, L'ENFANT, DON'T COME KNOCKING, CACHE, WHY WE FIGHT

FINAL ANALYSIS: MOUNTAIN PATROL: KEKEXILI is a harsh tale of survival against a beautiful and desolate land. It is worth seeing.

this review is (c)8-28-2006 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission (except for excerpts and a link to the review). Look for additional content at http://enterlinemedia.livejournal.com and send all comments to lord_pragmagtic@hotmail.com