Happy People: A Year in the Taiga
About the Film
With Happy People: A Year in the Taiga, Werner Herzog takes viewers on yet another unforgettable journey into remote and extreme natural landscapes. The acclaimed filmmaker presents this visually stunning documentary about the people living in the heart of the Siberian Taiga. Deep in the wilderness, far away from civilization, 300 people inhabit the small village of Bakhtia at the river Yenisei. There are only two ways to reach this outpost: by helicopter or boat. There‘s no telephone, running water or medical aid, The locals, whose daily routines have barely changed over the last centuries, live according to their own values and cultural traditions. With insightful commentary written and narrated by Herzog, Happy People: A Year in the Taiga follows one of the Siberian trappers through all four seasons of the year to tell the story of a culture virtually untouched by modernity.
Reactions
"Another EXTRAORDINARY human story for a MASTER DOCUMENTARIAN." - Total Film
"A MESMERIZING Walden-like ode." - Variety
“A thrilling travelogue through a spectacular landscape.” - Andrew O’Hehir, Salon
"Vasyukov and Herzog are united in their fascination with the particulars of how to thrive in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. The pleasure of Happy People comes from watching these men go about their work."
- Noel Murray, AV Club
"An extraordinary work." - Adam Spunberg, ScreenPicks
"...an engrossing look at a culture that many viewers have never been exposed to, and as usual, Herzog’s even-paced, accented narration is a joy to listen to." - Jonah Flicker, Paste Magazine
“Remarkable. [Happy People] will inspire many viewers to imagine a go at this fat-of-the-land life.” - Alan Scherstuhl, The Village Voice
CRITIC'S PICK “Gorgeous! A Herzogian rumination on life lived at the extremes” - Bilge Ebiri, New York Magazine
"A lyrical portrait of self-reliance." - Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News
“Consistently compelling. Featuring scenes of such haunting natural beauty…it’s enough to make even the most devoted city dweller long for a sojourn in an unscarred wilderness.” - Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter
"Spectacular! You don't want to miss 'Happy People' on the big screen." - James Verniere, Boston Herald
Awards
- Official Selection - Telluride Film Festival
- Official Selection - Vancouver Film Festival
Technical Info
Production Year: 2010Release Date: 01/25/13
Languages: English, Russian
Running Time: 1h 30m
Screen Ratio: 1.78:1
Sound: Dolby
Color: Color
Rating: Unrated
Theaters
Happy People: A Year in the Taiga - Press Page
Awards
- Official Selection - Telluride Film Festival
- Official Selection - Vancouver Film Festival
Reactions
"Another EXTRAORDINARY human story for a MASTER DOCUMENTARIAN." - Total Film
"A MESMERIZING Walden-like ode." - Variety
“A thrilling travelogue through a spectacular landscape.” - Andrew O’Hehir, Salon
"Vasyukov and Herzog are united in their fascination with the particulars of how to thrive in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. The pleasure of Happy People comes from watching these men go about their work."
- Noel Murray, AV Club
"An extraordinary work." - Adam Spunberg, ScreenPicks
"...an engrossing look at a culture that many viewers have never been exposed to, and as usual, Herzog’s even-paced, accented narration is a joy to listen to." - Jonah Flicker, Paste Magazine
“Remarkable. [Happy People] will inspire many viewers to imagine a go at this fat-of-the-land life.” - Alan Scherstuhl, The Village Voice
CRITIC'S PICK “Gorgeous! A Herzogian rumination on life lived at the extremes” - Bilge Ebiri, New York Magazine
"A lyrical portrait of self-reliance." - Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News
“Consistently compelling. Featuring scenes of such haunting natural beauty…it’s enough to make even the most devoted city dweller long for a sojourn in an unscarred wilderness.” - Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter
"Spectacular! You don't want to miss 'Happy People' on the big screen." - James Verniere, Boston Herald
Detailed Film Info
With Happy People: A Year in the Taiga, Werner Herzog takes viewers on yet another unforgettable journey into remote and extreme natural landscapes. The acclaimed filmmaker presents this visually stunning documentary about the people living in the heart of the Siberian Taiga. Deep in the wilderness, far away from civilization, 300 people inhabit the small village of Bakhtia at the river Yenisei. There are only two ways to reach this outpost: by helicopter or boat. There‘s no telephone, running water or medical aid, The locals, whose daily routines have barely changed over the last centuries, live according to their own values and cultural traditions. With insightful commentary written and narrated by Herzog, Happy People: A Year in the Taiga follows one of the Siberian trappers through all four seasons of the year to tell the story of a culture virtually untouched by modernity.Related Films
