Happy People: A Year in the Taiga

2013 • 94 minutes
4.4
47 reviews
88%
Tomatometer
Eligible
Watch in a web browser or on supported devices Learn More

About this movie

With Happy People: A Year in the Taiga, iconic filmmaker Werner Herzog embarks on another unforgettable journey into the heart of a remote natural environment. Deep in the Siberian wilderness, leagues away from civilization, a mere 300 people inhabit the village of Bakhtia on the river Yenisei. This outpost can only be reached in two ways: by boat and helicopter. There is no running water, no medical aid or even a single telephone. The locals, whose daily routines have hardly changed over the centuries, live self-reliantly according to their cultural values and traditions. With insightful narration by Herzog, Happy People follows a few veteran Siberian trappers through the Taiga's four seasons to tell the incredible story of a society untouched by modernity.

Ratings and reviews

4.4
47 reviews
Tom Bayer
October 26, 2013
This is a very touching and interesting film. It is entertaining from start to finish and contains great nature cinematography. The commentary and handicrafts of the trappers are very beautiful and provide a link to older traditions which most viewers (certainly me) would rarely if ever find elsewhere.
Did you find this helpful?
Daryl Owen
February 9, 2016
Watching now free with Fire Stick. Narrated by guy with funny accent.
Did you find this helpful?
Noah Hopkins
April 22, 2015
Fantastic view of a minimalist culture. So simple. And honest.
Did you find this helpful?

Rate this movie

Tell us what you think.