"Does every film from Tibet have to come with a spiritual baggage? It seems as if directors from outside of Germany are particularly keen to be inspired by the magical aura of the mountain region and to plaster their Tibetan stories with esotericism. Even the towering Keikexili fell victim to this urge in places. Now it is up to acclaimed music video director Dai Wei to get closer to Tibetan kitsch. Based on a script by the postmodernist Tibetan author Zhaxi Dawa, she created a detached homage to the land of mystical places and dreams.
Unfortunately, her combination of folklore and modernity is not really good. It is always a pleasure to marvel at the stunning beauty of the Tibetan landscapes and the classical Tibetan music, which is woven in again and again, gives the work something special. But the actual story behind it is simply too thin, the characters are too implausible and there is no tension at all, after all, the characters walk on fatalistic paths. And they are usually boring by nature.
The aim of Dai Wei also seems to be to feast on the impressions of Tibet, history becomes secondary. "Ganglamedo" is supposed to be a sensual experience that allows the audience to soak up visual and acoustic impressions. The film achieves this goal. And the actors also play solidly, although the Korean leading actress Kang Sea-Jung remains a bit stiff. Anyone who wants to let themselves be sprinkled a little by Tibetan spiritualism will certainly be served here. Anyone looking for a gripping, entertaining or enlightening film will lose out. Director Dai Wei seems to have eaten a fool of the subject and sees "Ganglamedo" as the prelude to a Tibet trilogy. The other parts are already in preparation. " from the German critic review.
Unfortunately, her combination of folklore and modernity is not really good. It is always a pleasure to marvel at the stunning beauty of the Tibetan landscapes and the classical Tibetan music, which is woven in again and again, gives the work something special. But the actual story behind it is simply too thin, the characters are too implausible and there is no tension at all, after all, the characters walk on fatalistic paths. And they are usually boring by nature.
The aim of Dai Wei also seems to be to feast on the impressions of Tibet, history becomes secondary. "Ganglamedo" is supposed to be a sensual experience that allows the audience to soak up visual and acoustic impressions. The film achieves this goal. And the actors also play solidly, although the Korean leading actress Kang Sea-Jung remains a bit stiff. Anyone who wants to let themselves be sprinkled a little by Tibetan spiritualism will certainly be served here. Anyone looking for a gripping, entertaining or enlightening film will lose out. Director Dai Wei seems to have eaten a fool of the subject and sees "Ganglamedo" as the prelude to a Tibet trilogy. The other parts are already in preparation. " from the German critic review.
