Hisse Lama, who plays Junu, is adorable and a joy to watch. The other characters are also well played but Hisse steals the show. You can't wait to see how she resolves the dilemma of which shoe goes onto which foot.
The camera work is well done, especially when showing the landscapes of Nepal. Another thing that sticks in my mind is the background music, which I presume to be indigenous music. It's subtle, yet takes you to another country and its people.
In some ways, this film reminds me of the beautiful series "Going to School in India" which follows children from various circumstances and shows how they get to school. We see that here and are shown what these children and parents go through to get their child to school, walking along stone walkways, over bridges, and so on. You can't tell exactly how far the school is from their home, but it definitely takes a commitment for them to get there. Then, we see them exercising in the courtyard, studying at their desks, and returning home.
Finally, Hisse figures out the right foot dilemma and the close-up of her face as she does that is perfect, as is the close up of her feet and shoes. Kedar Shrestha has created a remarkably beautiful piece that depicts the Nepalese culture in the most beautiful way. As the camera slowly zooms back at the end and we see Hisse sitting on the step, swinging her feet, smiling, the prayer flags on the outbuilding in the background and the mountains beyond, all is well in the world.
Highly recommended! I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It really is a charmer. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
Hisse Lama, who plays Junu, is adorable and a joy to watch. The other characters are also well played but Hisse steals the show. You can't wait to see how she resolves the dilemma of which shoe goes onto which foot.
The camera work is well done, especially when showing the landscapes of Nepal. Another thing that sticks in my mind is the background music, which I presume to be indigenous music. It's subtle, yet takes you to another country and its people.
In some ways, this film reminds me of the beautiful series "Going to School in India" which follows children from various circumstances and shows how they get to school. We see that here and are shown what these children and parents go through to get their child to school, walking along stone walkways, over bridges, and so on. You can't tell exactly how far the school is from their home, but it definitely takes a commitment for them to get there. Then, we see them exercising in the courtyard, studying at their desks, and returning home.
Finally, Hisse figures out the right foot dilemma and the close-up of her face as she does that is perfect, as is the close up of her feet and shoes. Kedar Shrestha has created a remarkably beautiful piece that depicts the Nepalese culture in the most beautiful way. As the camera slowly zooms back at the end and we see Hisse sitting on the step, swinging her feet, smiling, the prayer flags on the outbuilding in the background and the mountains beyond, all is well in the world.
Highly recommended! I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It really is a charmer. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
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