davesf For a modern Westerner, it is hard to imagine that people ever lived this way ... let alone, that some still do. This film reminds me a little of The Fast Runner (about the Inuits) in its foreignness and matter-of-fact superstition. This is probably like how most of our ancestors lived in medieval times.It's a real eye-opener about a commodity (salt) that we so take for granted. And also about how little of everything it is possible to get by on.The film moves slowly because the protagonists move slowly. Some of the dialogue is incredibly tedious and mundane, thus winds up being a defect or detraction. On the other hand, the photography is gorgeous, and truly remarkable is the trust and cooperation that the filmmakers received from the saltmen, who shared many of their usually well-hidden cultural secrets.All in all, well worth watching even if a bit over-long.

Malchik81 I think Gerard's comments on the doc hit the nail on the head. Interesting film, but very long. It's definitely the antithesis to the new school of flashy, sexy, Moore-style docs. There is no narrator, no facts or side info interlaced, and no other gimmicks. What you see is what you get - a glimpse into the vanishing world of the Saltmen of Tibet. As a huge doc fan, I was surprised how much I lost attention with this film, namely due to the length and lack of dialogue. In the end though I would recommend it if the subject matter sounds interesting to you. It's beautifully shot, informative, and presents a valuable (and closing) window into the way of life of the Tibetan saltmen (and women :) - all important attributes of a good doc. But do put on a big pot of coffee, it'll help.

ImamuraY "THE SALTMEN OF TIBET" is a spiritual film about Tibetan tribe. About Tibetan culture, I'm a person who had no knowledge. Therefore, it is tremendously interesting, and deep shocking to face them; a nomadic tribe who are naturally faithful to legends, rules that's living for as long as 2,000 years. On the other hand, the film indicates that modern trucks are gradually invading that sacred lake where the Tibetan get salt as their one of main commodities. This must be extremely confusing things for the tribe to see such monstrous industrial stuff. Nevertheless, while they accept their fate of the today's harsh trade, they take measures to it at their congregation, and devote into their eternal work which is to saw up completed colorful yak, in harmonious and friendly atmosphere, and such the attitude gives much deeper impression, and warns to be aware of their existence. Especially the last scene engraves their extreme intent true picture on my mind.

janes This could have been a very good film, a very interesting look at ancient tradition and oral history, but it should have been a short subject. As it is , it moves at a snail's pace; sure that's part of the life being portrayed, but this was unbearable. I fell asleep watching them make soup and that was a highlight.