Review: 'The Eagle Huntress' Is A Documentary That Soars

Ari Howorth ’18 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
Female representation in cinema is at an all time high and is increasing steadily. With what should have been an obvious shift in attitudes comes a shock to many traditional filmmaking conventions, and with this new stories are being told. Disney is at the forefront of this effort, as the notion of what a princess is has more broad, Marvel movies introducing more female characters, and both new installments of the Star Wars franchise are fronted by women.
It may seem surpising then, that one of the years most inspiring feminist heroes comes in the form of Aisholpan Nurgaiv, star of Otto Bell’s new documentary, The Eagle Huntress. Narrated by Daisy Ridley, the film follows Aisholpan as she trains with her father to become an eagle hunter. Eagle hunting consists of capturing and training an eaglet to be one’s hunting companion. The practice is a tradition in Mongolia that doesn’t include women or children. Against the odds, Aisholpan’s father trains her to be ready for the annual gathering of nearly 100 eagle hunters as they compete in various categories that relate to hunting.

The film is nothing more than it claims to be. It is marketed as an uplifting and visually stunning story of a girl against the odds, and it is just that. It is neither complicated nor challenging. What makes The Eagle Huntress unique is how it works within its conventions. It is a heartwarming family film, that succeeds considerably. Though it is clear what the outcome will be from the get-go, it never lessens its grip on the viewer. Aisholpan’s enthusiasm is electric as she balances the playful kid that she is with the steel-eyed determination needed to be a master class eagle hunter.
The film is helped by the fact that eagle hunting is unbelievably thrilling to watch. Against the backdrop of the harsh Mongolian landscape, consisting of tundra-like conditions and crumbling mountains, Aisholpan and her father seem small. They stand out however, with epic shots of them and their eagles towering above it all. The hunts often switch to slow-motion for quick ascent or the kill, and ultimately it plays like a National Geographic special.

As a Disney film, it is appropriate that Daisy Ridley was the chosen narrator. As the biggest female hero in a Disney franchise at the moment, it is a nice way to bring access to a viewerbase unfamiliar with the topic. It is comforting to hear the voice of a character we recognize as a female hero from a massive space epic franchise telling the story of a female hero of a simple, relatively unknown tale. The narration isn’t necessary to the movie, in fact it is very scarce, but Ridley’s presence Is appreciated.
The Eagle Huntress’ emotional impact is something to be desired. No studio has mastered the family documentary like Disney has and this is a perfect example of that. Aisholpan should be remembered as an inspiration to young girls and her father, to all of the parents raising children with improbable dreams. It might just be the exact type of film that is needed right now.
Overall Grade: A-
Watch The Trailer: 
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfi5JS6HTH0[/embedyt]