Product Details

• Actors: James Mason
• Directors: Anthony Howarth
• Format: Color, Letterboxed, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Milestone Video
• VHS Release Date: January 8, 2002
• Run Time: 110 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6305741700
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #282,595 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Bakhtiari people of western Iran annually embark on an astounding migration that takes a half-million people, their livestock, and all their possessions across 200 miles of intensely difficult mountains. And this is no simple stroll: the Zagros Mountains, which must be crossed to reach the summer pastures, are as tall as the Alps. This documentary, which was shot on film in the 1970s, focuses on one particular tribesman whose words, translated into English and read by the actor James Mason, tell the timeless story of the great migration. The photography is often spectacular, and the widescreen format is well suited to the sweeping mountain panoramas (though there's no denying the footage would look much more imposing on the big screen). The film moves at a slow pace, and though it can lag, in fairness it should be noted that the pacing does fit in with the rhythms of these rugged mountain people. The tribesman relates the traditional rituals of life for the Bakhtiari, from how they tend their animals to their elaborate wedding feasts, and over the course of the film the tribe's unique mountain culture emerges. Though a viewer may wonder how (or if) the migration has changed in present-day Iran, this film is the original production of 1976 and offers no update. --Robert J. McNamara

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A TRIP TO BE REMEMBERED..., December 30, 2000

By 

Lawyeraau (Balmoral Castle) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: People of the Wind (DVD)

This is an engrossing documentary of the Bakhtiari migration in which about 500,000 men, women, and children, along with approximately one million animals, spend eight weeks of hardship in their struggle to cross the Zagros mountains in order to reach summer pastures for their livestock.

Their two hundred miles odyssey is told in the words of the leader of the Babahdi tribe. His words are voiced over by actor James Mason. His story is as compelling, as it is amazing. It is difficult to believe that a people would so endure a journey of such hardship year after year.

There is no road through the mountain, only trails or passages worn over time. It is, indeed, rough and rugged terrain over which to cross. The people climb, unroped, these 15,000 foot peaks, herding along their livestock, in clothing and footwear that does not inure them to the ravages of frostbite and illness. You see young children herding animals on precipices that would give most people pause.

It is a primitive, yet communal way of life. The film provides the viewer with a fascinating glimpse into a lifestyle which would be foreign to most. It is compelling, documentary film- making at its best. It is a film that would appeal to all those interested in other cultures, as well as in the human condition.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bakhtiary's Journey, February 7, 2002

By 

"spottey2001" (Highland, Ca United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: People of the Wind (DVD)

This documentary is most interesting film I have seen in recent years about this forgotten people. This film is about Bakhtiary tribe annual journey from their winter pasture into their summer highlands. The movie takes you on a wonderful trip into the most rugged, yet beautiful scenery of inner Iran. The music only amplifies your joyous odyssey from numerous river crossings and mountainous trails. A must have collection for anyone with a kin eye for beauty.

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like living the nomad life yourself, July 10, 2000

By 

Judith Goldsmith "daughter of the wind" - See all my reviews

This review is from: People of the Wind (The Age of Exploration) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

If you've been fascinated by gypsies and other nomads, this is a real treat. You're right there with them, seeing the hardships, the awesome countryside, and the colorful clothing & jewelry, getting a feel of what it's really like. I felt right at home, and understood my heritage better. A gorgeous film.