The Light Thief

The Light Thief

I feel I deserve a gold star. I have not missed one week of seeing films at the TIFF Bell
Lightbox. I have attended films without even knowing what it is all about. I have never
been disappointed. The best films are shown at this wonderful new venue. The whole
building is buzzing with energy over the new art exhibit about to open this next week.
It is obvious that more people are discovering the wonderful cinema here There are no
advertisements to annoy you. I also give praise to the modern high tech clean washrooms.
This is a French film but the story takes place in Kyrgyzstan. It is a cultural fable that
illustrates the changes taking place in a village in Kyrgystan. It is one of the best films I
have seen in a long while. No wonder it was in the Cannes Film festival. I understand it is
an entry as best foreign film at the Oscars. It has a good chance to win.
The film was written by Aktan Arym Kubat who also plays the main character. He is
amazing. The film is outstanding.
Mr. Light is a delightful quiet man who goes about stealing electricity to give light to the
poor folk in the village. He has a dilapidated windmill on his property and uses primitive
tools to manipulate the electricity. His lovely wife looks after him and he is an adoring
father.
At one time he suffers a severe shock but manages to survive. He states,” One has to be
crafty.” He admits he has a dangerous job. The neighbors appreciate him and offer him
home cooked meals. His true character comes out when he rescues the young boy caught
up in a tree. He rescues him with sensitivity and a smile.
Enter the bad guy, Bekzat. He has wishes to be the mayor and to make changes. He asks
Mr. Light for his opinion on upgrading the area with a wind farm. Mr. Light attempts
to mingle with the new leaders moving into town. He realizes that he doesn’t fit in with
them.
The ending has a darker image. The film can be enjoyed as a fable. It is far more
powerful when you read it as an allegory for the attempts to change the culture and the
rise of new powerful sources in a poor community.