Release calendarTop 250 moviesMost popular moviesBrowse movies by genreTop box officeShowtimes & ticketsMovie newsIndia movie spotlight
    What's on TV & streamingTop 250 TV showsMost popular TV showsBrowse TV shows by genreTV news
    What to watchLatest trailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily entertainment guideIMDb Podcasts
    EmmysSuperheroes GuideSan Diego Comic-ConSummer Watch GuideBest Of 2025 So FarDisability Pride MonthSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll events
    Born todayMost popular celebsCelebrity news
    Help centerContributor zonePolls
For industry professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
8 suggestions available
Watchlist
Sign in
Sign in
New customer? Create account
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • FAQ
IMDbPro

Mountain Patrol

Original title: Kekexili
  • 2004
  • PG-13
  • 1h 30m
IMDb RATING
7.6/10
5.6K
YOUR RATING
Duobujie in Mountain Patrol (2004)
Home Video Trailer from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Play trailer1:49
1 Video
9 Photos
ActionDrama

A moving true story about volunteers protecting antelope against poachers in the severe mountains of Tibet.A moving true story about volunteers protecting antelope against poachers in the severe mountains of Tibet.A moving true story about volunteers protecting antelope against poachers in the severe mountains of Tibet.

  • Director
    • Chuan Lu
  • Writer
    • Chuan Lu
  • Stars
    • Duobujie
    • Lei Zhang
    • Dao Qi
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.6/10
    5.6K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Chuan Lu
    • Writer
      • Chuan Lu
    • Stars
      • Duobujie
      • Lei Zhang
      • Dao Qi
    • 34User reviews
    • 51Critic reviews
    • 77Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 21 wins & 22 nominations total

    Videos1

    Mountain Patrol: Kekexili
    Trailer 1:49
    Mountain Patrol: Kekexili

    Photos8

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 3
    View Poster

    Top cast5

    Edit
    Duobujie
    • Ri Tai
    • (as Bujie Duo)
    Lei Zhang
    • Ga Yu
    Dao Qi
    • Liu Dong
    • (as Liang Qi)
    Xueying Zhao
    • Leng Xue
    Zhanlin Ma
    • Old Ma
    • Director
      • Chuan Lu
    • Writer
      • Chuan Lu
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews34

    7.65.6K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10

    Featured reviews

    Chrysanthepop

    ...selflessly fighting with courage and honour will not go vain...

    'Kekexili' was completely different from what I expected. Well, honestly speaking, I didn't know what to expect so my expectation was built up from the Chinese movies I'd already seen and looking at the poster, I thought it was an action movie...but i was pleasantly surprised.

    This is one of the few movies today that show how simple film-making stands out. Technically speaking, special effects weren't overdone, background score was kept to a minimum, no unnecessary subplot and it sticks to the point.

    To sum up the plot, 'Kekexili' is about a group of patrols who are in search of poachers. We are briefly introduced into the lives of the penniless patrols, how passionate they are about protecting the endangered antelopes, their selfless deeds and sacrifice (yes, even their lives) and their strength and courage.

    Chuan Lu's direction is outstanding and he remarkably tells us this sensitive story. The actors breathe into their characters, making you forget that they are actors. Cinematography is fantastic and we also get the feel that the climate (snow, wind etc), the haunting mountains and the city are characters themselves.

    Being an animal lover myself, I was very moved by 'Kekexili' as a felt for all the characters and their passion and courage really touched me. However, I wouldn't say this is only restricted to animal lovers because 'Kekexili's about selflessly fighting with courage, honour and passion (without giving up) for something you believe in because the effort will not go in vain.
    8friend-of-the-stars

    Great portrayal of fascinating characters, and an unusual view of Tibet

    I've been waiting for the screening of this movie for a very long time, and I guess I was really lucky that I was able to watch it at all, since there are only four copies being rotated in Germany. Considering the international approval of the movie, this seems quite ridiculous to me.

    Apart from that, I don't have to add much to the other users' comments, but it can't be said often enough how much energy this film gains, first from the not-telling-but-showing technique of the portrayal of its characters; and second, from the way nature is depicted as it breaks the will even of these strong characters. They become even more realistic because of the strong inner conflict which is aroused by the necessity of selling some of the confiscated antelope skins. All in all, the movie (re-)presents existential, universal questions at least as successful as the best westerns that I have seen.

    Adding to this, Kekexili is certainly also a must-see for anybody interested in the "Tibetan Question", as it shows life in the Tibetan highlands from a very uncommon angle: It's a Chinese view of "Shangri-La", torn between admiration of its spirituality and humanity and, on the other side, shocked amazement by its harshness and inhumanity. Generally, it's a universal approach independent of ideology, and that's never to be taken for granted whenever Tibet is involved (needless to say that this concerns the American or European image of Tibet as well).
    9swcheese

    A biased but nevertheless enthusiastic two thumbs up!

    While I know I am biased and I will explain why, I still feel I should write and try and express the depth of feeling I have for this film.

    My brother, Alex Graf was a production manager for Columbia Tri-star Asia. He was returning from the filming location in western China when he was killed in a vehicle accident.

    OK, now you know why I am biased towards this film. That being said, this is a very powerful, visceral film. It is definitely not a feel good film and is, at times very hard to watch. The setting is in the western Chinese high desert. To describe the scenery as beautiful, breathtaking and desolate would be to massively understate it. What an incredibly vast, unforgiving, yet hauntingly mesmerizing landscape, and Lu Chuan takes full advantage of this. One aspect of the film that is unexpected, and demonstrates Lu Chuan's mastery of film making is that you expect to despise the poachers but somehow you end up understanding their plight as much as that of the patrol. If what I have written here still doesn't move you to see this film then see the film as see for yourself you will not be disappointed. Andrew Graf
    harry_tk_yung

    These comments include a brief report on a post-screening Q&A session with director Lu Chuan

    Meaning "Beautiful mountains; beautiful maidens" in Tibetan, Kekexili is the relentless, harsh mountainous plateau in China's interior west just at the border of Tibet. Together with the splendorous scenery comes ferocious snowstorms and treacherous quicksand. It's these forces of nature that eventually brought peril to a troop of voluntary mountain patroller in the pursuit of poachers of the near-extinct Tibetan antelopes during the mid 90s.

    The story of the voluntary mountain patrol is told through a Beijing report who accompanied them through a 10-day quest to track down a band of poachers who kidnapped and murdered one of their men. Led by indefatigable leader Ritai, these volunteers from all walks of life shared a common passion, there fervent love of the lordly Tibetan antelopes and hence their furious hatred of the ruthless poachers. The intensity of this passion is brought home to the audience when they witness a scene of a mountain plain littered by hundreds of carcasses of skinned antelopes in the middle of being picked clean by carrion crows, and later reinforced by a similar scene, with the skin of these antelopes spread out to dry, some with crimson bullet holes.

    Filmed as a semi-documentary, Kekexili does not portray the patrollers as one-dimensional heroes as some Hollywood flicks might have done. We see them, during their red-hot pursuit, rough-handling a minor offender caught with antelope hair instead of cotton padding his coat and a couple of worm catchers who happened to have witnessed the poacher passing by. But these are minor, as we gradually come to understand that desperate for financial resources, as they were only semi-official and not paid by the provincial government, the mountain patrol resorted to selling some of the pelts they confiscated from the poachers. But the lasting impression left with us of the mountain patrol would be their humanity, their simple zest for life, their comradeship, their self-sacrificing spirit and their absolute dedication to doing what they believe in.

    Kekexili is a deeply moving account of a true story crying out to be told, and has won awards in Tokyo and Taiwan. It deserves to be seen by the rest of the world.

    * * *

    After the first screening of Kekexili in the Hong Kong International Film Festival (22 March to 6 April 2005), young, handsome director Lu Chuan answered questions from the audience in Putonghua and respectably fluent English.

    He explained that he was moved to making this film after reading the report of the Beijing photojournalist Ga Yu. The film took two years in preparation before filming, and was shot at the exact locations of the actual events. He said that in filming the story of the mountain patrol, he was not trying to provide an answer to what fuelled their devotion, but just to reflect what actually happened. On the minor questions, he explained that the five hundred odd carcasses in the film were not from killing antelopes (yes, that was the question!), but were actually from mountain goats that was the natives' normal food. And yes, he himself did try eating raw meat, as the reporter did in the movie, when offered a leg just cut from a rabbit freshly shot..

    Breaking of the story by the Beijing reporter brought sensational worldwide reaction. In response, the government took strong measures and formed an official force to stamp out poaching of the antelopes. The voluntary mountain patrol, having thus achieved its goal, was disbanded. The population of the Tibetan antelope has since increased.
    10gradyharp

    The Magnificence of Man's Bond with Animals and the Perpetuation of Life

    'Kekelixi' ('Mountain Patrol') is one of those quiet, quasi-documentary films that now and then rises out of nowhere and has such an impact on the viewer that it has the potential for creating some global change action. Written and directed by Chuan Lu from China and sponsored in part by National Geographic the film was distributed as 'travel/foreign places/environmental issues' product, and while it satisfies those designations, it resonates as a story that is not only based on fact, but one that opens our eyes to another way of life in a very remote area. The effect is stunning.

    A journalist from Beijing - Ga Yu (Zhang Lei) - travels to Tibet to investigate the poaching of Tibetan antelope and the group of unpaid citizens committed to eradicating the poachers and saving their beloved antelope. The leader of the mountain patrol is Ri Tai (Duobuji) and he has gathered devoted men who spend their lives selflessly searching for the elusive poachers. Ga Yu goes along for the search, camera in hand, capturing the magnificence of the mountains of Tibet, the men's camaraderie and commitment to their mission, and the fields of antelope carcasses left behind by the poachers whose only concern is to skin the antelope for their pelts of luxurious wool for the world market. The patrol encounters endless problems with their equipment, food supplies, loss of men to the poachers' guns, and finally capture a group of men (a family) who serve as skinners for the pelts. Ri Tai attempts to remain fair and non-violent, but his attempts are constantly thwarted. Ga Yu changes from a journalist role to a committed hunter and his relationship with Ri Tai and the other patrolmen is exceedingly touching. The ending of the film is as quiet as the Tibetan landscape and equally as impactful.

    The cast is not known to this viewer, but it is difficult to imagine that Duobuji and Zhang Lei are amateur actors, so profoundly moving are their performances. The haunting music by Lao Zai and the breathtaking cinematography by Yu Cao support Chuan Lu's film. This art piece is excellent on many levels and is one that deserves a large audience. Highly recommended.

    More like this

    No Man's Land
    7.3
    No Man's Land
    Teahouse
    8.2
    Teahouse
    Crazy Stone
    7.6
    Crazy Stone
    The Legend of Sealed Book
    7.8
    The Legend of Sealed Book
    The Dead End
    7.2
    The Dead End
    Wreaths at the Foot of the Mountain
    8.0
    Wreaths at the Foot of the Mountain
    Blind Shaft
    7.5
    Blind Shaft
    Back to Back, Face to Face
    8.2
    Back to Back, Face to Face
    The Coffin in the Mountain
    7.7
    The Coffin in the Mountain
    Hibiscus Town
    8.2
    Hibiscus Town
    City of Life and Death
    7.7
    City of Life and Death
    Devils on the Doorstep
    8.2
    Devils on the Doorstep

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The Red-robed monks would be members of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. DIstinct from the yellow-robed followers of the Dalai Lama.
    • Quotes

      Ga Yu: I'm a reporter from Beijing.

      Ri Tai: I don't have the time.

      Ga Yu: Wait a second. You want this place to be declared as a nature reserve. Maybe I can help.

    Top picks

    Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations
    Sign in

    FAQ16

    • How long is Mountain Patrol?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 1, 2004 (China)
    • Countries of origin
      • China
      • United States
    • Languages
      • Mandarin
      • Tibetan
    • Also known as
      • Kekexili: Mountain Patrol
    • Filming locations
      • China
    • Production companies
      • Columbia Pictures Film Production Asia
      • Huayi Brothers Media
      • National Geographic World Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • CN¥10,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $143,383
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $16,915
      • Apr 16, 2006
    • Gross worldwide
      • $185,920
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 30 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    Duobujie in Mountain Patrol (2004)
    Top Gap
    By what name was Mountain Patrol (2004) officially released in India in English?
    Answer
    • See more gaps
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    Production art
    Photos
    Hollywood Power Couples
    See the gallery
    Production art
    List
    July 2025 TV and Streaming Premiere Dates
    See the list
    Poster
    List
    Most Popular Indian Movies of 2025 So Far
    See the list

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb App
    Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
    Follow IMDb on social
    Get the IMDb App
    For Android and iOS
    Get the IMDb App
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • License IMDb Data
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your Ads Privacy Choices
    IMDb, an Amazon company

    © 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.