Unpacking the Siberian Native Characters in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

When delving into the world of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, it's interesting to explore the characters that play significant roles in shaping the local atmosphere and culture. One notable aspect is the presence of the Siberian native characters. While one might assume these characters represent genuine Indigenous groups from Siberia, the film's production choices reflect a more complex reality.

Indigenous Groups in Russia

The indigenous peoples of Siberia are diverse and numerous. Traditional groups that have historical and cultural ties to the region include the Evenki, Yukaghir, Chukchi, and others. However, in the context of Tomb Raider, these characters do not necessarily represent any one specific group. This is more a choice of cultural representation rather than an exact anthropological depiction.

Production Choices in Hollywood

It's important to understand that Hollywood productions often take creative liberties when depicting foreign cultures. In the case of Tomb Raider, scenes set in Siberia were actually filmed in Iceland. The actors portraying the Siberian characters are not from Siberia or specifically Russia, but rather are cast based on their ability to sell the character and the scene.

The Characters in the Film

According to the film, we see two characters interacting: a Siberian native man who is buying a Siberian Husky from Bryce, and a Siberian native girl who is talking to Lara Croft. These characters are used to add authenticity to the setting but are not intended to be historically or culturally exact.

For instance, the actor playing the Siberian native man may or may not have ties to Siberian ethnic heritage. His appearance and performance are crafted to give a sense of the local atmosphere. Similarly, the Siberian native girl’s appearance, name, and language might not align with the actual characteristics of Siberian Indigenous peoples.

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