Watch Crossing Bridges

Crossing Bridges is a 2013 Indian drama film directed by Sange Dorjee Thongdok. It features Anshu Jamsenpa and Phuntsu Khrime in lead roles, along with other talented actors. The film is set in the beautiful landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, India, and is entirely shot in the local dialect. The movie follows the life of a young musician, Tashi (played by Phuntsu Khrime), who is living in Mumbai with his bandmates. However, he is summoned back to his hometown in Arunachal Pradesh, after the sudden demise of his father. The story is mainly about Tashi's struggles and challenges he has to face as he tries to come to terms with his roots.

The movie is unique in the sense that it beautifully captures the culture and traditions of Arunachal Pradesh, specifically the Monpa community. The breathtaking landscape and the beautiful people of the region create the perfect backdrop for the movie. The audience gets to see the beauty and diversity of the Northeast in a way that is rarely depicted in Indian cinema.

The movie portrays the strong bond that Tashi has with his family and how he has to abandon his dreams of making it big as a musician to fulfill his responsibilities towards his family. He also reconnects with his childhood friend, Pema (played by Anshu Jamsenpa), who is now a successful doctor. Pema's presence in Tashi's life acts as a source of motivation for him.

As the movie progresses, Tashi faces numerous challenges, including financial constraints and societal pressure to take up a government job. The movie perfectly captures the conflicts that arise when an individual returns to his homeland from a big city. Tashi's struggle to find his place in society and to maintain his identity stands out as an important message in the movie.

One of the most interesting aspects of the movie is the way it portrays the traditional Monpa music. The film intricately details the instrumentation and performance techniques of the Monpa music, and Tashi's proficiency in it. The way music is used in the movie not only enhances the viewing experience but also highlights the importance of preserving traditional art forms.

The movie's dialogues are entirely in Monpa, with Hindi subtitles, adding to the authenticity of the setting. The cinematography is stunning, and the director uses Arunachal Pradesh's natural beauty to great effect. The amateur actors, who come from the region, give an outstanding performance, making the movie even more memorable.

Overall, Crossing Bridges is a beautiful film with a strong message that beautifully captures the beauty of northeast India. It highlights the need to preserve traditional art forms and the importance of staying connected with our roots. The film has won several awards for its exceptional cinematography and direction, and it is a must-watch for all those seeking to experience and appreciate the rich cultural and natural heritage of India's northeast.

Crossing Bridges is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.