Adopted Son, The (DVD)

There is an ancient tradition in Kyrgyzstan whereby parents of a large family offer their baby to a childless couple once the baby has been weanes. In The Adopted Son, Abdikalikkov uses this custom as the starting point for this beautifully poignant tale of a young boy brought up as an adopted son. Azate is an adolescent who plays with the boys in the village, frolicking in the mud, stealing eggs, spying on women in various stages of undress and getting into the occasional brawl. But Azate gradually becomes aware of his growing sexuality-his eye has been caught by one of the local young girls. The two start to hang out, taking walks and bike rides together. One day, Azate is told that he is an adopted son, and suddenly his world is turned upside down.

Comments