I recall when this movie was being considered for Oscar nominations, but there were claims that everything in it seemed staged rather than genuine. I wasn't sure how to respond to those accusations until after watching 'Brothers of the Wind', an Austrian documentary-style film exploring a similar subject. I had high hopes for this one, but now, after seeing it—and even during it—I feel relieved that it didn’t actually make into the Oscars. I anticipated a Mongolian story and, yes, it was, though centered on a Kazakh family. Besides the subtitles for the spoken language, there's an English narration by Daisy Ridley to explain what’s happening, as this isn’t an interview-style documentary but follows certain characters through their experiences. Almost the entire film felt prearranged rather than like a spontaneous occurrence; it marks the filmmaker’s first project. They clearly possess potential, but perhaps chose an unsuitable topic. The story revolves around a nomadic family living in the remote areas of the Mongolian grasslands. The film begins by stating that the art of eagle training predates numerous historical events and the people who have inhabited the region. This family lacks a male heir to carry on the tradition, as it’s passed down through generations. However, 13-year-old Aisholpan expresses interest in following her father's path. That’s when things begin, as she starts her training and aims to acquire her own bird before participating in the nation's largest annual competition. I can’t remember the last time I gave a film such a low rating, especially for a documentary; this might be the first. I disliked nearly everything about it, particularly given my love of animals. Many viewers seem to appreciate it without much critical thought. I wonder if they would feel the same way about films depicting abductions like 'Taken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story' or 'Abducted: The Carlina White Story', if those films didn’t reveal the truth behind the crimes, just as an eaglet is taken in this one. To me, it appeared to be a depiction of animal abuse and exploitation. Everything shown in the film seemed motivated by pleasure, a desire for recognition, honor, and, of course, filmmaking purposes. Considering that we live in a civilized world with modern values, we’ve eliminated many inhumane practices, and this is one that should be abolished as soon as possible. If a farmer uses cattle to feed millions, do you think capturing an eaglet and training it serves a similar purpose or has any real value? In reality, it involves killing other animals, such as foxes. While an eagle hunting a fox in nature is natural, doing so for human entertainment creates a significant imbalance. I urge people not to support films like this. It’s good that the Academy Awards didn't select it. The competition shown was interesting, but I felt genuinely saddened by what transpired later on. It isn’t an inspiring film; it’s upsetting. If viewers criticize fictional movies like 'Wiener-Dog' for portraying animals poorly, shouldn’t they show the same concern for this documentary based on real events? Please don’t let children see it. This film joins a very short list of films I strongly dislike, alongside ‘Man vs. Wild’. I regret watching it, but I wouldn’t have known such practices still exist in the 21st century. If you're an animal lover like me, avoid this movie. Instead, I highly recommend 'Brothers of the Wind', which is a beautiful and inspiring film with a message. It’s completely forgettable. _01/10_

Source on TMDB