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Reviews of Recent Independent, Foreign, & Documentary Films in Theaters and DVD/Home Video
SCHIZO
Set against the austere landscape of 1990’s Kazakhstan, a lonely teenager, Mustafa (Olzhas
Nussuppaev), nicknamed Schizo because of his simple-mindedness and inability to do well in
school, joins his mother’s boyfriend in the illegal racket of finding fighters for illicit boxing
matches. One of the boxers, who is dying after a harsh beating, implores Schizo to deliver money
to his girlfriend Zina (Olga Landina) on the edge of town. Schizo finds the ramshackle house and
meets the pretty, blonde girlfriend of the
dead boxer. He falls in love and joins her family in a complex but believable situation that makes
him part son and
part lover to the older Zina and big brother to her adorable young son. However, this means that
Schizo must be a provider in a world with little work. He manages to lure his
middle-aged, vodka-drinking uncle into the boxing ring; an act
which ultimately leads the boy into a lot of money and a lot of danger.
It is impossible not to sympathize with Schizo, a quiet boy who conveys his innocence through
his delightful smile. It seems as if he is simply following his fate, which brings him both
personal tragedy and rebirth. Although
the film avoids melodrama, it presents a morality tale reminiscent of a Greek tragedy.
First time director Guka Omarova sets the stage with stunning cinematography that uses the
natural scenery to reveal Schizo’s character – he is a small figure against a stark backdrop of
golden fields and a vast lake. There is a beauty in the landscape, but it is a harsh world where a
life of crime appears to be the only way to survive. The film’s subject matter is one we’ve seen
before, but because the film does not promise more than it can deliver, we can forgive the
uncomplicated characters and simple story line and appreciate the truthful performances and
beautiful cinematography. Caitlin Shamberg, former programming associate for the Mill Valley Film Festival
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