Principal among these are Ayoub (Ayoub Ahmadi), who works as a day laborer transporting goods via horse from Iran to Iraq. He is trying to save money to pay for an Iraqi operation that will extend Madi's life. But Ayoub must also provide for his other siblings, and cannot raise the cost of the operation.
Rojin (Rojin Younessi), also barely into her teens, is the next family member to make a sacrifice for Madi. She agrees to an arranged marriage that will provide a dowry to pay for Madi's operation. The dowry ends up being a mule. The mule will bring more in Iraq, so Ayoub takes the mule along with Madi for the journey. Ayoub must brave the harsh winter as well as bandit gangs. The film cuts off abruptly, leaving the fate of Ayoub and Madi open to speculation.
The obscure title simply refers to the practice of giving load-bearing horses alcohol on cold winter days.
How others will see it. The film is principally in Kurdish, and is subtitled for Western viewers. Although the cast consists of apparently amateur actors, the quality of the cinematography is excellent. The production values are good by independent film standards. Those who can feel empathy for the plight of the story's children should appreciate the movie, if not exactly enjoy it.
How I felt about it. The cynical perspective is that A Time for Drunken Horses is Kurdish propaganda. Through the compelling plight of the selfless children, who are mature beyond their years, we are expected to embrace the Kurdish cause.
But such cynicism is unwarranted. For one thing, most viewers will be unaware that the characters are Kurds. Secondly, the film is apolitical. There's no mention of ayatollahs or Saddam. We only see that life is hard near the Iran-Iraq border, and that children are obligated to shoulder adult responsibilities while barely into their teens. There's no time for playing, and no hope for an academic education. People in American ghettos have it better.
But hope remains, because you are not alone. You have other family members who can help you. Although the Kurds are selfish when it comes to strangers and acquaintances, they make great efforts, at least in the present film, for their own family.
There are certain inconsistencies between the character of Madi and the physical appearance of the actor who portrays him. I can't discuss this more precisely without coming across as highly insensitive. All I can say is that the actor appears more healthy and intelligent than his character. Perhaps the character, and the child playing him, should both have been changed.