Grass: A Nation's Battle for Life
Grass: A Nation's Battle for Life

Movie spotlight

Grass: A Nation's Battle for Life

1925
Movie
71 min
English

A silent documentary which follows a branch of the Bakhtiari tribe of Persia as they and their herds make their epic seasonal journey to better pastures.

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Director: Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. SchoedsackGenres: Documentary, Adventure

Plot Summary

This documentary chronicles the arduous journey of the Bakhtiari tribe in Iran as they migrate across a river and treacherous mountain range in search of pasture for their livestock. It captures their struggles against the elements, wild animals, and the sheer scale of their annual trek. The film highlights the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Grass' was lauded for its groundbreaking ethnographic filmmaking and breathtaking cinematography. It was praised for its immersive portrayal of a remote culture and its epic depiction of a challenging migration, earning critical acclaim for its adventure and documentary elements.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stunning visuals and epic scope.

  • Commended for its authentic and immersive depiction of tribal life.

  • Considered a landmark achievement in early documentary filmmaking.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's incredible scope and the sheer drama of the nomadic journey. Many viewers are impressed by the early camera work and the raw, unfiltered look into the lives of the Bakhtiari people.

Fun Fact

The directors, Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, later went on to produce and direct the original 1933 film 'King Kong'.

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