The Wind Journeys

From Colombian writer-director Ciro Guerra comes this fable-like tale of celebrated troubadour Ignacio Carrillo (Marciano Martínez), whose accordion—according to rumor—belonged to the devil, and young musician Fermin Morales (Yull Núñez), who wants to learn from the master, as he follows Ignacio through lush forests, arid deserts, and mountain villages. It's a classic template: Ignacio, mourning the death of his wife, embarks on a quest to right an old wrong, along the way begrudgingly mentoring Fermin (who may, in fact, be his own son). The texture is stronger than the story in The Wind Journeys, which features dueling instruments, community concerts, and grudge fights in a hardscrabble peasant world, where master musicians receive the respect of shamans, and superstition and sorcery are part of everyday life. Slow and contemplative, the film won't suit all tastes, but it features beautiful landscapes, an interesting look at agrarian lifestyles, and a unique musical culture (from a rural rap battle with players improvising rhyming insults to a dynamic drum ceremony). A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)