Bank teller Kanat lives alone with his mother. He is the head of the household of a broken family, one often portrayed in Central Asian films. The Secret of a Leader tells the tale of how Kanat’s life changes and he enters a new world through a fateful encounter with his old friend Daniyar. The film portrays Kazakh society as it becomes captive to capitalism after gaining independence, and it explores the topic of “family” in a unique fashion. The film is tragic because only “illegal capital” can restore Kanat’s family. While The Secret of a Leader is made in Central Asia’s unique style, the narrative effectively depicts the tense relationship among its characters. Its cool outlook on the scenery is also noticeable. Director Farkhat Sharipov uses a simple, yet unique method of projecting the complex discourse encompassing the traditional and the modern in Kazakhstan. (Hong Sangwoo)