"Tadzhikfilm's Davlat Khudonazarov, maker of sensitive fiction films as well as meticulously researched historical documentaries, is perhaps the consummate Central Asian director...He radiates a sharp intellect and a deep love of all peoples" (Forrest S. Ciesol, World Monitor). A charismatic leader, Khudonazarov's recent election as head of the Soviet Filmmakers' Union is viewed by observers as significant both in regard to the role of the Republics within the Union, and of the Union in the Soviet establishment. "First Spring of Youth takes place in a remote, traditional and timeless land, though the year is 1919. While gathering wood with her daughter, a beautiful woman is chased by a man who wants to kidnap her for his bride. She flees on horseback, but stumbles on a rugged mountain trail and dies. Years later, at a village festival, her daughter Niso catches the eye of the same wealthy man who fatally pursued her mother. But Niso does not recognize the man, and the stage is once again set for tragedy. Against a stark mountain landscape rendered in spare, superbly crafted images, Niso's simple story unfolds in an unhurried, deliberate manner, with little dialogue. Director Khudonazarov constructs an eloquent and emotional visual poem that has the feel of a tale handed down for generations. But unlike most folk tales or fables, this film offers no simple, just or satisfying resolution. A marked departure for Tadzhik filmmaking, the film has a surprising immediacy and is a powerful indictment of the traditional subjugation of women."--Forrest Ciesol, Vancouver Film Festival '88